TBR Football

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are now quietly confident about their chances of signing Savinho following further talks with Manchester City.

Thomas Frank’s team produced a shock win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha securing a 2-0 victory.

Following the match, the North London club took the chance to make further enquiries for the Brazilian winger who remains their main target.

Frank is hoping to add another top left attacker to his squad this summer, following the departure of Son Heung-min to LAFC.

Sources: Tottenham feel Savinho deal could get done

Tottenham Hotspur are gaining in confidence that a deal for Savinho can be agreed following further talks with Man City, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.

Pep Guardiola wants to keep Savinho, but if Spurs were to make a significant offer for the 21-year-old then the former Premier League champions could become open to selling him.

Savinho has missed City’s first two Premier League matches through injury, including their defeat against Spurs on Saturday afternoon.

The youngster is not Spurs’ only option for the left wing, but he remains the preferred option and work continues on a deal.

Daniel Levy is under added pressure to sign him having missed out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, who was announced at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Lilywhites are now ready to test the water for the winger, with Savinho open to joining Tottenham this summer.

Given the strong competition for places in the Brazilian national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup, Savinho feels he needs to be starting week in, week out. At Man City, given their plethora of wide options, that is far from guaranteed.

Maghnes Akliouche is Tottenham’s fallback option for Savinho

AS Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche is Tottenham’s alternative option for Savinho, with the winger being highly rated around Europe.

Last season, the attacker managed seven goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances for the French club and has been targeted by other major European clubs.

The North London club also want a new number ten and Nico Paz is one of their top targets, although a deal will be very complicated.

Thomas Frank sent a statement of intent to the Premier League after Tottenham beat Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad.

Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha struck in the first half to secure the three points for Spurs, continuing the club’s impressive record against Manchester City.

Richarlison was a standout performer at the Etihad, following up from his brace against Burnley on the opening day by assisting Johnson for the first goal.

Therefore, Tottenham have secured all six available points to start the season, and without conceding a single goal, no supporter will deny that this is a dream start for Frank.

However, the Spurs faithful have taken time away from celebrating another Premier League win to laud former captain Son Heung-min after what he did on the same day for LAFC.

Tottenham fans are in awe of Son Heung-min

Son departed Spurs for LAFC this summer, ending his 10-year association with the club after delivering the Europa League in his final season.

And on the same day his former employers enjoyed another victory over the Citizens, Son scored a wonder free-kick in the MLS, the irony was not lost on one Spurs supporter.

“Sonny still banging in worldies on a day that Spurs play Man City… some things never change!”

Mohammed Kudus reminded the fans of Son after his impressive display at the Etihad, who, of course, arrived as Son’s replacement, but the supporters are just pleased to see their former captain thriving.

One wrote: “Seeing him happy again. He knew his time playing at the top level was done. Perfect move for him.”

Another fan wrote: “What a way to score your first goal at your new club. That was nice of you Son.”

The 33-year-old has an impressive track record against Manchester City, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 21 outings against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Son will be remembered as one of the best to wear the famous white shirt in the Premier League, and it is clear he still hasn’t lost his touch in the MLS.

One fan reacted: “Oh my goodness me! Wow. Brilliant Sonny!”

Tottenham fans raise free-kick question about Son Heung-min

Surprisingly, Son only scored one free-kick goal during his time playing in Europe, in a 1-0 win against Watford in the 2021/22 campaign.

However, that has not stopped some supporters from suggesting the South Korean international was the best free-kick taker while at the club.

“Lowkey was the best free kick taker at Tottenham but you had Harold Kane hogging free kick duties for a decade. Shaking my head, I’m seeing red.”

Whereas another supporter questioned why Son was not tasked with free-kick duties last season, writing: “Forget about when Kane and Eriksen were here, the last seasons, we had to see Porro and Maddison fighting before every single free kick while he was literally there.”

Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to sign a new number ten in the final week of the transfer window, with Como 1907’s Nico Paz one of their targets.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham made contact with Como and Paz this week to learn the conditions over a move for the player.

But any deal is expected to be very tricky given that Real Madrid are keen to bring Paz back to the Spanish capital and have a buyback option worth around £8.6 million.

Spurs remain intent on trying their luck to sign the Argentine and have this week made a new bid to sign the talented young midfielder.

Tottenham fans unimpressed by £43 million bid for Nico Paz

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left unimpressed after learning that the club have offered around £43 million for Nico Paz, which is well below his reported valuation.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports that neither Como or the player have given the deal the green light as of yet, with the Italian club demanding just over £60 million.

In fact, Paz’s plan appears to be to remain in Serie A for at least another season before making his return to Madrid next summer.

Spurs have made him one of their top targets and are continuing to work on a deal, but at this stage, remain some way from reaching an agreement.

James Maddison’s bad knee injury and Dejan Kulusevski also being out of action has left Thomas Frank short in midfield.

Spurs’ supporters have now taken to X to share their frustrations towards the club’s ‘lowball’ bids for the attacking midfielder.

“One fan claimed: “20m euros under valuation and no agreement on player side eight days left of the window, by the way…”

“The price tag is €70 million We need player very desperately, especially after the Eze sage to save this window. At least offer €60 million, Como will 100 percent reject that. Levy is not serious about this club,” added another.

There were further frustrations aimed towards Daniel Levy: “Why do we bother with these lowball bids? It’s what annoys the clubs and makes them not want to deal with Levy. Never getting him for that amount. The same transfer approach, lowball.”

Finally, another fan claimed: “60m and the deal is done. 70m and Savinho deal is done. Stop low balling and pay the money, Levy.”

Spurs have just nine days to find a new number ten for Frank’s squad and the Lilywhites will need to increase their bid for Paz to stand any chance.

Tottenham showing an interest in West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta

Another midfielder who is of interest to Tottenham is Lucas Paqueta, with the Brazilian keen to play Champions League football next season.

The Daily Mail report that Spurs are keen on the 27-year-old, who netted a superb strike against Chelsea on Friday evening.

However, the Hammers were well beaten at the London Stadium, as they lost 5-1 against the Blues.

Graham Potter’s side look set for a tricky season and the North London club could capitalise by also taking Paqueta, after signing Mohammed Kudus earlier this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur took on Manchester City in the Premier League and emerged victorious, much to the delight of Thomas Frank.

The new Tottenham Hotspur boss arguably couldn’t have had a better start to life at Spurs in the league, winning both his Premier League openers and sitting pretty on a flawless record.

He had his players to thank. There were a sea of good performances, from Pape Matar Sarr to Mohammed Kudus – they were all excellent.

That also includes Richarlison, who, although not on the scoresheet, was a constant menace to the Cityzens. His new manager knows the value of the Brazilian.

Thomas Frank on Richarlison

Frank spoke about Richarlison on two occasions. The first was pre-game to Sky Sports, where he hailed him as “very good” in his opening few games as Spurs boss.

He said: “Of course, I think any player needs confidence. For a striker, the best confidence they can get is by scoring goals. I think he’s been very good – you can see him still stepping up and improving.

“Richie is a top striker, so I’m so happy that he’s performed well in the last two games, and hopefully he’ll continue today. One more goal would be nice.”

The former Everton man didn’t get a goal, but he did get an assist, and his plaudits came from the tireless work he did off the ball. Frank noted this at full-time, claiming that him playing so well is keeping Dominic Solanke out of the side.

Frank said: “I think, again, Richie performed very well today. Top assist, great presence up there, work ethic – everything about it was very, very good.

“We need two good strikers because we’re going to play a lot of games. And of course, Richie is now starting, so we just need to keep it going.”

Dominic Solanke has a point to prove at Tottenham

Since signing for £65m, Solanke hasn’t really hit the ground running, and now he has an issue at Spurs. Richarlison performing means he’s not the leading striker.

Richarlison really suits Frank’s style of play. His relentless pressing is very desirable, and this means that when Solanke does get a chance in the limelight, he must grab the opportunity with both hands.

Tottenham face Bournemouth in the Premier League next weekend, where Richarlison will surely start again as Spurs and Frank look to make it three out of three in England’s top flight.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with quite a few names since they missed out on Eberechi Eze.

Spurs were in the driving seat to sign the England international, and Daniel Levy even agreed terms with Crystal Palace and the player.

However, Arsenal hijacked the Eze deal in the 11th hour, and the 27-year-old chose to join them ahead of Tottenham.

That is a massive blow for Spurs, but they have moved on and have been linked with a number of players in recent days.

One of them is Maghnes Akliouche of Monaco.

Akliouche has made a tremendous name for himself in France.

The 23-year-old scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions for Monaco last season and has earned plenty of admirers.

TBR Football exclusively revealed Newcastle United’s interest in Akliouche months ago, but the Magpies chose Anthony Elanga in the end.

Now, after missing out on Eze, reports have claimed that Tottenham are also interested in signing Akliouche, who could be available for around £45 million.

David Ornstein, who has contacts across the game, has now shared what he has heard about the Monaco attacker, and this will excite Spurs fans.

He said on The Athletic FC podcast: “They do have other options, and from what we hear, I don’t know exact names, but some of those are pretty ambitious.

“We’ve heard about Savinho. There will be other players too – reports of Akliouche of Monaco.

“If they pursued a deal for somebody like him – I speak to a lot of people in football who think he’s going to be one of the best attacking midfielders around and has outrageous potential.”

Eric Dier could help Tottenham sign Maghnes Akliouche

Tottenham have had some painful experiences in this transfer window already.

Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract at Nottingham Forest after it looked certain that he would be moving to Tottenham.

Eze is the latest one to snub Spurs, so the North Londoners will be wary of another rejection when they enter negotiations for their next player.

Tottenham Hotspur emerged victorious as they beat Manchester City in the Premier League, with Thomas Frank in dreamland as Spurs boss.

Tottenham beat Manchester City 2-0 on Saturday afternoon in what was a dominant display from Spurs. Thomas Frank had a game plan which he stuck to, and he has his players to thank.

Joao Palhinha was excellent, Richarlison was a workhorse, and Micky van de Ven was a wall. Great performance from the Spurs lot.

But one player who did go under the radar was Pape Matar Sarr. He is quite simply ‘sensational.’

Pape Matar Sarr was superb against Manchester City

The Senegal star was mega against Manchester City and is becoming an integral part of Frank’s side.

He was absolutely everywhere, and his work on and off the ball, particularly in the press, is proving a major catalyst in Tottenham’s successes.

Ally McCoist couldn’t stop raving about him on co-commentary. He called him “sensational” as he awarded him the man of the match award.

His fine display was reflected in some nice stats for the 22-year-old:

Pape Matar Sarr can do it all for Tottenham

He’s quickly proving the theory wrong that Spurs need a creative midfielder. The failed Morgan Gibbs pursuit was one that hit Spurs fans hard, then it was Eberechi Eze, but thus far, when playing in the ten, Sarr and Tottenham have been excellent.

That isn’t to say Spurs shouldn’t fork out for a creator. But right now, the system is evidently working.

A new signing would mean that Frank can switch it up in games and utilise Sarr in other areas. But right now? Spurs shouldn’t change a thing!

Tottenham Hotspur have put their transfer frustrations out of mind over the last week and have started the 2025-26 Premier League campaign with two wins from two under Thomas Frank.

Spurs recorded an impressive 2-0 Premier League win over Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, with goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha proving the difference for the North London side.

However, with Tottenham lacking creative options in attacking midfield due to injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, the addition of a new playmaker will be in the North London club’s sights before the transfer window closes.

Tottenham missed out on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White over the course of the summer, but they reportedly have their eye on a Serie A ace.

Tottenham bid for Nico Paz rejected by Como

Transfer journalist Nico Schira has stated on X that Tottenham have had an offer of €45 million (£39 million) for Nico Paz rejected by Como.

The reporter suggests Como manager Cesc Fabregas does not want to sell the 20-year-old Spanish midfielder and considers him ‘untouchable’ as the window comes to a close.

He also adds that Tottenham are preparing a new offer for Paz, who starred for the modest Italian side last season by scoring six goals and laying on eight assists.

However, any potential deal for Paz is complicated by the fact former employers Real Madrid are due 50 per cent of any future transfer fee.

TBR Football reported in February that Tottenham scouts were impressed by Paz and the club were considering him as a future transfer target.

Arsenal hero blocking Tottenham transfer attempts

After losing out on Eze to their bitter rivals, Tottenham fans will be frustrated to hear it is Fabregas who is blocking their latest attempts to add creativity to Frank’s squad.

The former Spanish midfielder spent eight years with the Gunners and was a source of pain for Spurs during that time.

For Tottenham, a deal for Paz seems unlikely, especially given Fabregas’ mentality and Como’s requirement to give half of any fee to Madrid.

While Spurs will be getting increasingly desperate to add a playmaker to their squad as the end of the transfer window approaches, identifying and pursuing other targets may well be a better strategy for the North London club.

Tottenham fans are calling for signings with just over a week until the transfer deadline, but the 2-0 win over Manchester City proved Thomas Frank already has plenty of talented players.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus – who impressed Spurs fans – and Pape Sarr stood out as Tottenham once again tasted victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Thomas Frank also had plenty of praise to aim at Joao Palhinha before and after the impressive win, and Tottenham have a real opportunity on their hands with the Portugal international.

Thomas Frank says Joao Palhinha is a “top player”

Speaking before the 2-0 win, the Dane told TNT Sports: “Palhinha, I think, is a top player. I’m very happy that we signed him.

“His defensive mindset and abilities to win 50/50 duels, but also to progress up the pitch with possession will be key.”

Palhinha then proceeded to deliver a Man of the Match display – earning the highest rating on Sofascore (8.4) of any player on the pitch.

The new Tottenham No.6 – on loan from Bayern Munich for the season – scored the second for Spurs, also completing 21 of his attempted 26 passes and winning six ground duels in his 89 minutes on the pitch.

After watching this heroic display, Frank said: “What is 100% sure is that we brought in two top players into the club – Kudus and Palhinha. Both of them performed very well, which I’m very pleased with. Palhinha, wow!

“Sometimes players need confidence to be on top. I still don’t think he’s fully fit yet, where I want him to be. But, very pleased with his performance and he’s definitely helping the team.”

Tottenham can sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis for just £27m

Spurs smartly negotiated an option to buy Palhinha permanently for £27m once his loan spell expires at the end of the season, and that fee is already starting to look like it could be a bargain.

The man born in Lisbon is now admittedly into his thirties – having turned 30 in July – although he should still prove to be good value for money if that clause is triggered, as his best traits are not exactly dependent on speed.

Palhinha – considered one of the best in the world during his time at Fulham – instead uses his experience and footballing intelligence to be one step ahead of his opponents.

Having an impactful No.6 at the base of midfield is very important in the modern era, a point emphasised by the fact Chelsea spent £115m to sign Moises Caicedo – while Arsenal paid £60m for Martin Zubimendi.

It is worth remembering Bayern Munich also paid £47m to take Palhinha from Fulham as recently as last summer, so £27m for his signature could prove to be superb business.

Thomas Frank was full of praise for one Manchester City man despite Tottenham Hotspur picking apart the Cityzens at the Etihad.

Tottenham are in dreamland currently, and so is Thomas Frank. Spurs’ new manager made it two wins on the bounce for his side.

Mohammed Kudus was excellent, Richarlison was a workhorse, and Joao Palhinha excelled. Happy days for Spurs, who went top of the league.

That said, the ever-humble Frank was quick to hail his “unbelievable” opponent in defeat.

Thomas Frank lauds Pep Guardiola

Speaking post-match to Sky Sports, Frank praised the Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola.

The win for the Danish manager against the Cityzens also put him in elite company. Frank became only the second manager, alongside Antonio Conte, to win away at Man City with two different Premier League clubs.

When asked by Sky Sports: “Thomas, you’re only the second manager to come here with two different clubs in the Premier League and get a win away at Man City, joining Antonio Conte against Pep Guardiola. How proud does that make you on a personal level, that achievement?”

Frank responded: “First and foremost, Pep is – I’ve said it before – an unbelievable manager. He’s someone I’ve looked up to for many, many years, studied and followed in detail.

“The other manager, Conte, is also someone I’ve studied for many years. So it’s two of the big boys.”

Thomas Frank sets records in Man City clash

The victory didn’t just earn him esteemed company; it also ended several Premier League feats:

Phenomenal from Frank, and now Spurs can really kick on this season. After a dismal campaign under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham are proving they can deliver in the Premier League.

Where they finish the season remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that Frank has come in all guns blazing, making a statement with a win away against the Cityzens. What a start.

Tottenham Hotspur continued their incredible start to the season by beating Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Spurs looked impressive when they smashed Burnley in their opening game, but nobody really gave them much credit because the Clarets weren’t great.

On Saturday, however, everyone should be praising Thomas Frank and Tottenham because they were fantastic against Manchester City.

One player, in particular, impressed the new Spurs boss.

Thomas Frank wowed by Joao Palhinha’s performance

Tottenham signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich earlier this summer.

The Portugal international was outstanding during his time at Fulham in the Premier League, but his move to Germany didn’t quite work out.

Spurs spotted an opportunity to bring him in, and he was one of the best players on the pitch against Manchester City on Saturday.

Palhinha wasn’t just incredible off the ball, but he also managed to score his first goal for Tottenham. That doubled Spurs’ lead just before half-time, which gave them a huge advantage.

Frank was very happy with Palhinha’s display, but what makes it even more impressive is the fact that he isn’t even fully fit yet.

Speaking about his new signings after the game, the Tottenham boss said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “What is 100 per cent sure is that we brought in two top players into the club – Kudus and Palhinha. Both of them performed very well, which I’m very pleased with.

“Palhinha, wow! Sometimes players need confidence to be on top.

“I still don’t think he’s fully fit yet, where I want him to be. But, very pleased with his performance and he’s definitely helping the team.”

Joao Palhinha’s stats vs Manchester City

Spurs fans should be very impressed with Palhinha’s performance.

Everybody knew his quality, but after an underwhelming spell at Bayern, there were a few question marks over whether he could be as good as he was during his Fulham days.

Those worries have been put to bed as Palhinha is still brilliant.

In his 89 minutes on the pitch against Manchester City, Palhinha had 40 touches of the ball and completed 21 of his 26 attempted passes.

He also made four tackles, two clearances and blocked a shot while winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels against Pep Guardiola’s men.