TBR Football

Tottenham Hotspur will be welcoming a new defender to Hotspur Way this summer who has been comparing himself to Josko Gvardiol.

Thomas Frank will be casting an eye over his Spurs squad during pre-season, and his new central defender could quickly become an option.

Cristian Romero’s future remains unclear, therefore, the Danish head coach might need to find players capable of stepping up.

The North London club have many exciting young players, but arguably the most promising talent is yet to come with their £12 million signing soon expected to arrive through the doors at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic compares himself to Josko Gvardiol

Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic has compared himself to Josko Gvardiol, but admitted the Man City player is his ‘role model’.

Recently, Vuskovic made his debut for Croatia in the senior team as he came on to partner the £77m Man City defender in the closing stages against the Czech Republic.

Vuskovic told HDTV via 24sata: “My defensive role model is Joško Gvardiol. He’s an animal, I’ve never seen that in my life, he’s like an alien.

“We have similarities, but when you see him, you’re shocked at how good he is. We work well together, he solves problems, and I help, ha, ha!”

Despite only being 18, the defender already has 61 senior appearances under his belt, having featured in the first team for Hajduk Split, Radomiak and Westerlo.

Now, he is preparing for life in North London at Tottenham, where he could feature under new manager, Thomas Frank.

Luka Vuskovic on joining Tottenham this summer

Vuskovic has revealed that he is in ‘frequent contact’ with Tottenham ahead of his move to N17, two years on from making the transfer.

Back in 2023, Tottenham paid £12m to sign Vuskovic from Hajduk Split before sending him out on two different loan spells.

Tottenham think Vuskovic’s potential is huge and are very excited to take a look at him closer during pre-season at Hotspur Way.

“I’m in frequent contact with the club. It won’t be official until July 1st. I’ve already been on two loans, but that’s the path of every footballer,” Vuskovic added.

“Tottenham is a miracle! The stadium is brutal, everything is state-of-the-art, the camp has “a hundred” pitches. It’s a completely different world. I haven’t had the chance to train with the first team yet, but I’ll meet all the players soon.”

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that a Liverpool defender is attracting attention from several clubs this summer, including Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham.

Liverpool have been particularly active in the current transfer window, having already secured the signing of Jeremie Frimpong and striking a deal with Leverkusen to sign Florian Wirtz.

Those recent deals have strengthened the relationship between the two clubs, and Leverkusen are now exploring the possibility of taking one player from Liverpool in return.

The player in question is Jarell Quansah, who is attracting interest from the German club. However, they face competition, with Tottenham also among the clubs showing interest in signing him.

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah wanted by Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham and Newcastle

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that during the talks regarding Wirtz, the clubs spoke about Quansah and Leverkusen are now set to push ahead with an offer.

Liverpool are not keen on parting ways with the 22-year-old, but interest in him continues to grow. Tottenham are also interested in signing the ‘brilliant‘ Quansah, and so are Newcastle, but as per TBR Football, the price tag in excess of £40m is seen as high.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, are hoping that the newfound relationship with Liverpool will help them successfully secure the signing.

Despite their reluctance to sell Quansah, Bailey claims that Liverpool are aware that offloading the young defender for a significant fee would represent pure profit under Profit and Sustainability Rules, given he is a homegrown academy graduate.

Bailey said: “Liverpool have some decisions to make at centre-half – they want another one, even if Quansah was to stay – they ideally don’t want him to go, but also if they get a big offer – he is pure profit in terms of PSR, which is a consideration for a number of teams.”

Selling Jarell Quansah could help Liverpool’s PSR situation

Liverpool are widely regarded as one of the best-run clubs financially under FSG and are currently in a strong position with respect to PSR.

The Reds have kept spending relatively modestly in recent windows and posted profits last season, which is why they have significant money to spend this summer.

Liverpool have already agreed to a £127m deal for Wirtz, secured Jeremie Frimpong for £35 million, and are closing in on Milos Kerkez in a deal worth around £40m.

TBR Football also reports that the Reds are expected to spend over £100m on a new striker.

With such a heavy investment planned, selling Quansah and others could help the club balance their books.

Other potential departures include Darwin Nunez, with Nunez told he is not in Arne Slot’s plans.

Luis Diaz is also linked with a move away, with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr preparing a £72m bid for Diaz. There is interest from elsewhere for the Colombian as well, with Barcelona keen on signing Diaz.

It’s shaping up to be a very busy transfer window for Arne Slot, with a number of incomings and outgoings expected at Anfield.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Indeed, Mathys Tel has joined Spurs permanently after a loan deal in the second-half of last season.

Ange Postecoglou wanted Tel signed permanently before he was sacked, and Daniel Levy has followed through with this deal despite sacking his manager.

Tel impressed at times for Spurs last season, and speaking on the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham Podcast, Alasdair Gold has shared some interesting insight on the Frenchman.

According to Gold, Tel is viewed as having an excellent mentality in training and is seen as a brilliant character in the dressing room too.

Mathys Tel has a great mentality

Gold shared what he knows about Tel and his mentality behind the scenes at Tottenham.

According to Gold, people close to Tel claim that he’s got a brilliant mentality in training and he has a positive character behind-the-scenes.

The journalist did note that Tel has some key areas for improvement, such as his strength and his finishing.

“I’ve been speaking to people with a lot of knowledge about him, there’s a feeling that he’s very strong technically and he has an excellent training mentality behind the scenes, a really positive character and influence on the squad as well,” Gold said.

“A lot of fitness work had to be done with him last season, strengthening for the Premier League as well.

“I think he could benefit from more strength, his finishing needs work, absolutely. But from what I understand, do you remember his performance vs Forest last season? That was held up internally as ‘that’s what we want him to be.’ That’s what they want to build on.

“He has Champions League experience, he’s played for one of the biggest clubs in the world, he won’t fear it in any way.”

Mathys Tel’s Tottenham stats

Tel is Spurs’ first signing of the summer, and, as Gold says, this young man has a lot to offer.

At the age of just 20, Tel has tons of room to grow and improve, and with the right mentality and ability, he should seriously improve as a player.

However, that initial loan spell wasn’t all that inspiring, as his stats show.

Tel will need to step up next season if he wants to become a star at Tottenham, and with the right amount of hard work and the tutelage of Thomas Frank, he could well make it to that next level.

Tottenham will be hoping to kick on massively next season, and Tel could have a key role to play in that.

Thomas Frank is already making some key decisions as manager of Tottenham Hotspur and one of those calls has been to transfer list one of Spurs’ key players.

Frank has given his first interview as manager of Spurs, in which he spoke about several players who he was excited to work with in North London.

There was one notable star missing from the list of players the 51-year-old named, which further suggests he has decided not to include him in his plans for next season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s supporters have had plenty to say about Frank’s willingness to move on one of their star players, however, the consensus is that it’s the right call.

Tottenham fans back Thomas Frank’s decision to sell Son Heung-min

Tottenham fans are backing Thomas Frank’s decision to sell Son Heung-min if a deal can be agreed for him to leave.

TBR Football reported on Wednesday evening that Frank is open to Son leaving and he has already informed Spurs officials about his verdict.

Frank and Son are due to meet in the coming weeks to discuss his future and should the South Korea international opt to leave, the Dane will not stand in his way.

Spurs supporters have taken to X to share their thoughts on the situation involving the 32-year-old and Frank’s call to make him available for transfer.

One fan said: “New manager, new era. Been there, done that. I think it’s safe to say his legacy at Spurs will be remembered for eternity and also it’s the best time for Son to leave in all these years.”

Another added: “Absolutely the right time. Tel, Odobert and Moore are on the left and then use the money from Son on a right-sided player. To caveat, in absolutely no way should we be forcing him, the guy’s a legend and has earned the right to call time on his Spurs career when it’s right for him.”

There were further calls for Son to call time on his Spurs career: “Much like selling Kane when Ange came in, I think selling Son now that Frank is here is logical. Ushering in a new era, with new stars and a new core.”

Finally, another stated: “It’s probably time for Sonny to change and for Tottenham too. Thank you for everything, Son! Always COYS!”

Barcelona have expressed an interest in signing Son Heung-min

FC Barcelona have expressed an interest in signing Son Heung-min ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia, according to FootballAsian.

The Catalan giants are now deciding whether to pay a modest transfer fee for him now or wait until he becomes a free agent next summer.

Daniel Levy has set a £50m price tag on Son, which could put off many clubs from making a move for him.

Son, who’s been called ‘incredible’, is keen to remain in Europe and is believed to have turned down offers from Al Nassr, Al Qadsiah, and Al Ahli.

The forward could yet remain in North London should he decide he feels he can get back to his best, especially with Spurs being back in the Champions League.

Ultimately, the 32-year-old’s decision is expected to be crucial in determining what he does next, regardless of what Frank thinks about him.

Tottenham Hotspur are finally looking to make moves in the transfer window following the arrival of Thomas Frank.

Spurs have already been doing deals this summer, having made the signings of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent, with both players impressing on loan last term.

But now, the North London club are eager to bring fresh faces in for their new manager and have just enquired about a very promising player.

Tottenham make ‘active enquiry’ to sign RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons

Tottenham Hotspur have made an ‘active enquiry’ to sign RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons, according to Ben Jacobs.

Spurs have joined Bayern Munich as the two clubs who are showing the biggest interest in Simons, who has been called ‘world-class’.

Simons has asked to leave Leipzig this summer, despite only joining them permanently for £50 million back in the January transfer window.

The North London club have now asked about whether the player would be interested in a move and how much a deal might cost.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “You have a couple of suitors that are looking, one is Bayern Munich, outside the Premier League who are going to spend some serious money.

“You have Tottenham, who could be ones to watch, they’re going to be looking for a right-sided attacker first, but don’t rule out this kind of profile for them as well.

“Historically, you’ve had Chelsea and Manchester United who have taken a look. Arsenal have discussed the player as well.

“At the moment, I can only tell you about Spurs, who have made an active enquiry to just understand on the player’s side the desire and price, but nothing advanced.

“It might be the kind of deal that happens later in the window, we were speaking earlier about how Son is going to go off and do pre-season with Spurs and then decide after that decide his future.”

How do Xavi Simons’ stats compare to Eberechi Eze and James Maddison?

Simons has just managed to produce more goals and assists in the league last term than both Eberechi Eze and James Maddison.

As TBR Football has revealed, Frank has told Tottenham he likes Eze and now the Crystal Palace winger is back on their agenda.

Tottenham have been after Eze since at least 2019 during his time at QPR, and this summer could finally be the moment he arrives in N17.

Son is expected to leave Tottenham this window and therefore the Lilywhites are looking to sort a replacement with Eze and Simons both targets.

But given the Dutch international has just had a more productive season than the 26-year-old, he could be the player they opt to sign instead.

Thomas Frank is already facing the prospect of losing one of his ‘crucial’ Tottenham Hotspur players, however, Daniel Levy is working to ensure that is not the case.

Following such a major change at Spurs with Frank replacing Ange Postecoglou, there are going to be several players who will be assessing their futures.

One of those Tottenham Hotspur stars is someone who the new 51-year-old head coach has told the North London club that he thinks is ‘crucial’.

Daniel Levy and Thomas Frank want to keep Cristian Romero at Tottenham

Daniel Levy and Thomas Frank are both desperate to keep Cristian Romero at Tottenham this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Levy is going to make it ‘very difficult’ for the 27-year-old to leave North London this summer despite Atletico Madrid’s attempts to land Romero.

TBR Football understands that Levy is ready to offer Romero a new contract, although the defender’s heart is set on leaving.

Frank has already identified him as a crucial player for his project, not just because of his quality as a player, but also because of his leadership skills.

Diego Simeone is desperate to sign Romero for the Spanish club, however, he looks to be facing an uphill battle to land him.

Romano told GiveMeSport: “Atletico Madrid loves the player, so they would love to bring the player to the club one day. Simeone is also a big fan.

“From what I understand, with Tottenham in the Champions League and a new project now with Thomas Frank, I don’t see Tottenham losing a leader like Cuti Romero this summer.

“It will be very difficult to get the player in this summer transfer window, Daniel Levy wants to keep the player at the club.

“From what I’m hearing, Thomas Frank sees Cuti Romero as a crucial part of the squad from a technical perspective but also as a leader.

“So I think Atletico want to try, they always want to try, also in the past, but at the moment I think it’s going to be quite complicated, especially with Tottenham in the Champions League.”

Are Tottenham well-equipped to lose Cristian Romero?

Tottenham believe Kevin Danso could replace Romero if the Argentine were to leave this summer, however, they will be hoping to have both players available.

Spurs signed Danso for £21 million earlier this summer in what could prove to be one of the best value signings to happen during the transfer window.

The Austrian defender was excellent every time he played for the Lilywhites during his loan spell from Ligue 1 club Lens.

Luka Vuskovic is another player who could step up and replace Romero, although the young Croatian defender will likely need time to settle in North London.

TBR Football understands that Eberechi Eze is a player who is back on Tottenham Hotspur’s agenda, as Thomas Frank likes him.

Back in February, TBR Football revealed that Ange Postecoglou liked Eze and asked the North London club to bring him in as a replacement for Son Heung-min.

But of course, with managers changing, Spurs’ transfer plans might have done the same, but following talks during negotiations over Thomas Frank’s move, it appears the Dane is also a fan.

The 26-year-old is one of several options the Lilywhites are looking at as they hope to sign a winger who can start, with Son expected to leave Tottenham.

Thomas Frank really likes Eberechi Eze and wants him at Tottenham

Eberechi Eze is seen as one of the more attainable attacking options Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign this summer, according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

The Crystal Palace forward has a £60 million release clause in South London, which could rise to £68 million depending on his performances.

Frank has confirmed to club officials that he also appreciates the winger, with Tottenham having been after Eze since at least 2019, whilst he was playing for QPR.

However, Spurs could face competition for Eze as TBR Football has learned that Aston Villa and Arsenal are also considering entering the race.

TBR Football has revealed that Antoine Semenyo is another player Tottenham like, however, he is currently more expensive than Eze.

In their hunt for an attacker, Tottenham were offered Jack Grealish by his camp, but the Lilywhites did not initiate further talks with the 29-year-old.

Spurs’ need for a winger is set to increase with Frank telling the club he is open to letting Son leave should the South Korean decide it is time to move on.

What Tottenham are saying about Bryan Mbeumo move

Reports suggested that Tottenham had ended their interest in Bryan Mbeumo, however, TBR Football understands that isn’t the case, at this stage.

Spurs are very much still in the reckoning for the forward, but he is one of many options they have on their list of targets.

The North Londoners are keen to sign a new right-sided attacker, and preferably, they want a player who can make an immediate impact.

Brennan Johnson is their current starting right-wing option, although there is a feeling that they can still upgrade in that area of the squad.

Dejan Kulusevski, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert are the other players who can start on the right, but the trio could all be used in other areas of the team.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy stars has been impressing on international duty with the England Under-19s team.

Tottenham have some exciting young talents coming out of their academy with the likes of Mikey Moore, Luca Williams-Barnett and Jun’ai Byfield leading the way.

But now, another player can be added to the list of talent up next at Hotspur Way, and Spurs fans believe Thomas Frank should assess him during pre-season following his performance for England Under-19.

Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny impresses for England U19

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been left super impressed by the performance of Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny for England under-19s.

Tottenham signed Russell-Denny from Chelsea back in February on transfer deadline day as he joined their academy.

The 19-year-old enjoyed an impressive performance in England’s 5-5 draw with Germany following a crazy comeback from the young Three Lions.

Russell-Denny managed to grab a goal and an assist as England came back from 5-1 down to steal a point at the Under-19 European championships.

The Tottenham academy star started in the number eight for the young England team and thoroughly impressed supporters with his display.

After the game, Tottenham fans took to X to share their excitement for the youngster and believe Frank should assess him during pre-season.

One fan said: “Need to see him alongside Luca Williams-Barnett, Tyrese Hall and Jun’ai Byfield in pre-season.”

Another added: “One of our own. I really hope Frank will give our youngsters some game time.”

There was further praise for Russell-Denny: “The way he drops his shoulder when receiving on the half turn… I’m very impressed. Perfect way to create that extra bit of separation when receiving in central pockets.”

Finally, another added: “It’s crazy to me how some of our best prospects haven’t really played together. He and Tyrese Hall could be unreal together.”

Mikey Moore injury concern for England Under-19

It hasn’t been all good news for Spurs’ young talents playing for England Under-19, with Moore suffering an injury in their second group stage game.

The teenager was forced off with an ankle injury against Norway Under-19, and now we are waiting for further news over his fitness.

The young winger actually scored during the same match from the penalty spot whilst wearing the captain’s armband.

Losing him to injury could be a big blow to the team’s hopes of winning the tournament, as he was without doubt one of their best attackers.

Thomas Frank has just given his first interview as manager of Tottenham Hotspur and he has been talking up one Spurs player in particular.

The Danish head coach will be tasked with getting more out of this current Tottenham Hotspur squad in the Premier League following what was a dismal domestic campaign last term.

Frank has learned next season’s Premier League fixtures, and his team have a rather favourable start as they play just two of the top six in their opening ten matches.

Ahead of the new campaign and starting in his new job, the 51-year-old has been assessing the squad and has revealed there is one player whom he really likes.

Thomas Frank is a ‘big fan’ of Dominic Solanke

Thomas Frank has admitted that he is a ‘big fan’ of Dominic Solanke and has backed him to score plenty of goals next term.

The Dane is hoping to get the most out of players like the 27-year-old, just like the way he did with players like Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo in West London.

It’s already been suggested that Frank could be great for Solanke, and now the new head coach has been talking up the former Bournemouth striker.

Under Ange Postecoglou, Solanke became more of a workhorse up top, and Spurs will be hoping that with Frank now in charge, he can elevate his game even further.

Frank told Spurs Official: “When I say talented, it’s not only the young players, it’s also some of the more experienced players. How can we get the best out of them?

“Dominic Solanke, I’m a big fan of him, and I’m sure his abilities will help him score a lot of goals.”

Solanke had a solid opening season at Spurs as he netted 16 goals and got eight assists in 45 appearances for the Lilywhites.

But if Frank can help a player like Mbeumo to reach 20 Premier League goals, he can certainly help Solanke to surpass that tally if things go to plan.

Thomas Frank is also excited by Tottenham’s young talents

Frank has also explained why he is excited by Tottenham’s young talents, naming Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and Destiny Udogie among some of the best.

Frank added: “Of course, the younger ones as well, I think it’s all players that we need to develop and make perform at the highest level.

“But of course, Bergvall, Archie Gray, Odobert, Udogie, all of them have a high ceiling, and there are others I haven’t mentioned.”

Tottenham have received enquiries for Bergvall, according to Fotboll Direkt, but both the player and the club are unwilling to listen to offers.

The 19-year-old is expected to play a major part in the North London club’s future under Frank and letting him leave now is not an option.

TBR Football understands that Thomas Frank has confirmed that he is willing to let Son Heung-min leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Son and Frank are due to meet in the coming weeks to discuss the captain’s future at the North London club, as TBR Football revealed earlier this month.

However, the new Danish head coach has decided that he is ready to part ways with the 32-year-old should he also be open to moving elsewhere.

Son Heung-min accepts his time at Tottenham is drawing to a close

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, understands that it is looking increasingly likely that Son Heung-min is leaving.

The Tottenham Hotspur legend is accepting his fate, and as mentioned, it is understood that Frank has already confirmed that he is willing to let him go.

Son, who Spurs signed for £22m in 2015, is ‘welcome’ to remain at Spurs should he wish, however, it is most likely that he will spend a fair amount of time on the bench.

The South Korean international could leave on the most incredible note, having just become the first Spurs captain since Ledley King in 2008 to lift a major trophy.

The Lilywhites have already started looking for replacements and have already made their deal for Mathys Tel permanent for £30m.

Tottenham hold an interest in Antoine Semenyo, however, his price tag of over £60 million is putting them off from doing a deal. Meanwhile, Eberchi Eze and Bryan Mbeumo remain targets.

What Thomas Frank has said previously about Son Heung-min

Frank has previously been very complimentary of Son having dubbed him as ‘fantastic’ when speaking about Spurs’ attack.

In the aftermath of Ange Postecoglou’s first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham, Frank spoke very highly of Son, Richarlison, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski.

Speaking back in August 2023, Frank told the media: “It’s a good team we’re playing against with some fantastic players in it, I think we all agree Richarlison, Maddison, Son and Kulusevski is a very, very strong forward line.”

However, that was two years ago now and following a season in which Son showed that his sharpness is no longer there.