FootballFanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for an heir to club legend Son Heung-min, who waved an emotional goodbye in Seoul over the weekend.

It was a tearful Sunday night in South Korea, as Son played what was his final game for Spurs before his MLS record-breaking near £20 million move to Los Angeles FC.

A sunken-eyed send-off befitting a club legend unfolded at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, where 64,773 fans packed in to honour the winger in a friendly against Newcastle. Tottenham drew 1-1, but the attention belonged almost entirely to Son’s farewell, even if it was marred somewhat by an horrific-looking injury to star midfielder James Maddison.

After ten years at Spurs - where he scored 173 goals in 454 games and led them to a long-awaited trophy with their Europa League triumph - Son was given a guard of honour from both sides before exiting in the 65th minute.

His teammates lifted him shoulder-high, and even Newcastle players joined in the tribute, highlighting just how deeply respected he is.

Thomas Frank described the tributes last weekend as “unbelievable, beautiful scenes,” while Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said the reaction spoke volumes about Son’s character and the mark he left on the Premier League.

The curtain has closed on his golden era at Spurs. But for Son, his legacy lives on - in north London’s history books and the hearts of countless fans across the globe.

Unfortunately for Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange, the Lilywhites are now presented with an almighty task to somehow replace both his contribution on the pitch and his presence in the dressing room.

Son was often credited as a natural leader behind-the-scenes and someone who'd play a key role in helping to ease new players into the squad, which will be very hard to replicate, but the north Londoners are set to give it their best shot.

According to recent reports, Tottenham could attempt to make a real statement by signing Real Madrid forward Rodrygo to step into Son's shoes.

The Brazil international has been linked with a Bernabeu exit ever since the summer window opened, with Levy reportedly targeting Rodrygo in what would be a very bold, exciting move.

Tottenham await reply to Rodrygo offer after Real Madrid star's U-turn

Spanish news outlet Marca have a very intriguing update on this.

The 24-year-old was apparently determined to stay and fight for his place under Xabi Alonso, but in a U-turn over his future, he's now leaning more towards the exit door.

In response, various intermediaries have contacted Real to gauge the conditions of a potential deal, and Frank's side are among the clubs who are offering the ex-Santos sensation a route out of La Liga.

Marca reports that agents are convinced Tottenham have already made a bid for Rodrygo as the N17 club await a reply from Los Blancos, but there's no disclosure about the details of this alleged bid right now.

Real value their South American star at a minimum £60 million, which could rise to around £70 million, so Levy faces the prospect of potentially having to pay a club-record fee for Rodrygo's signature.

However, as Son’s farewell leaves a hefty gap, Rodrygo could be the one to fill it.

The Real star has bags of Champions League experience, blistering pace and a flair for the spectacular - cut from a similar cloth to Son.

He already has multiple European titles to his name and thrives drifting in from out wide, bagging 14 goals and 11 assists last season despite falling down the pecking order in recent months.

At Spurs, he’d undoubtedly be the main man, and his versatility is another very attractive trait for Frank in particular.

Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to strengthen their frontline have been evident this summer, already landing one new addition in the form of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The Ghanaian joined the Lilywhites in a £55m deal, adding further depth to Thomas Frank’s frontline ahead of his maiden year at the helm in North London.

However, the Dane clearly wants further reinforcements in such a department, especially after James Maddison’s knee injury in the pre-season clash with Newcastle United.

It’s unclear how long the 28-year-old will be sidelined for, but the boss will likely demand more funds from the hierarchy to make the additions he wants this summer.

Numerous options are being considered by the hierarchy between now and the end of the window, potentially seeing more big money spent in their quest for Premier League glory.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Rodrygo has been a player firmly on their radar this summer, especially after he’s been allowed to depart his current side, Real Madrid, during the current window.

The Lilywhites are said to have already made an offer to land the Brazilian international this summer, with the LaLiga giants still demanding a fee in the region of £80m.

However, other options are currently being considered by the hierarchy in this window, with AC Milan star Rafael Leao firmly in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.

Their report claims that Frank’s side have made him a key target this summer, already reaching out to the Italian giants over a potential deal to land the 26-year-old.

It also states that there is genuine interest in a potential for the Portuguese international, but doesn’t state how much the Serie A side would demand for his signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target is a bigger talent than Rodrygo

Whilst Spurs’ pursuit of Rodrygo has been evident over the last couple of weeks, he would potentially be an excellent addition to the Lilywhites’ already potent frontline.

He’s been a man in demand this window, with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the market to land the 24-year-old, further showcasing how much of a superb coup he’d be for the club.

Whilst he’s set to leave the Spanish giants this summer this window, it’s not through his lack of quality, as seen by his tally of 14 goals and 10 assists throughout 2024/25.

It’s unclear whether the player would be open to a move to North London, which could see the hierarchy move onto targets - with Leao just one option on their shortlist.

There’s no denying that Rodrygo would be many of the supporters’ first choice for a new attacking option, but a deal for Leao could see them land a bigger talent in the process.

When comparing their stats from the recent season, the Portuguese star massively outperformed the Brazilian in numerous key areas - highlighting the threat he carries in attacking areas.

Leao, who’s been tipped to become “the best player in the world” by Sergio Conceicao, registered more combined goals and assists, whilst posting a higher shot on target rate - undoubtedly being a more threatening option in the final third.

He also registered a higher tally of take-ons completed, whilst notching more carries into the opposition’s box, able to get the ball into forward areas at any given opportunity.

The 26-year-old’s all-round dominance is further highlighted by his higher number of passes into the penalty area per 90, handing the likes of Kudus added opportunities in front of goal.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal the Milan star would cost this summer, it’s clear he has a lot of talents that would massively improve the options at Frank’s disposal.

He would certainly be a bigger signing than Rodrygo this summer, providing an immediate impact on the first team squad in their chance to build on their recent European success.

James Maddison’s injury in Tottenham Hotspur’s most recent pre-season friendly will undoubtedly provide cause for concern, with the England international suffering yet another setback.

He entered a challenge during the clash against Newcastle United, before hobbling and eventually requiring treatment before being stretchered off the field.

It’s thought that it is the same knee the 28-year-old injured at the back end of last season, leading to Thomas Frank claiming he thinks it may be a serious injury.

Should the worst be confirmed, it would be a lengthy lay-off for the England international, once again disrupting his progress during his spell in North London.

As a result, it would be a surprise to no one that the hierarchy are subsequently targeting added reinforcements in the middle of the park in an area that was already being subject to investment this summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

An attacking midfielder has been firmly on Spurs’ radar over recent weeks, as seen by their attempts to land Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this window.

The likes of Harvey Elliott, James McAtee and Jack Grealish have all been targeted since, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of the English talents this window.

However, moves have been made to land another talent this summer, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher once again in their sights this summer, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Lilywhites are preparing a €50m (£43m) bid for the 25-year-old, who only moved to the LaLiga giants from Chelsea during last summer’s window.

It also states that he could be open to the possibility of a return to the Premier League, with his current employers open to negotiations over a move to offload the central midfielder.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the perfect Maddison replacement

When he’s been fit, Maddison has often been the go-to choice to operate in a more attacking role within Spurs’ midfield - which usually operates in a three-man system.

The Englishman registered 12 goals and 10 assists across all competitions last season, helping the club win the Europa League, ending their 17-year wait for any form of silverware.

However, his injury record has massively plagued his spell in North London, suffering three separate injuries during his two-year spell at the club after his £40m move from Leicester City in 2023.

Their ambitions of landing other attacking midfielders before his latest setback are understandable, but they could now be on the back burner for the time being.

The hierarchy are evidently planning a move for Gallagher, which could allow for a change in shape within the three-man midfield, which could utilise new signing Joao Palhinha in his deep-lying role in the front of the backline.

The Portuguese international would be able to feature at the base of the side with two central midfielders ahead of him, which could include the Atlético star should he make the move.

He has all the tools to be a perfect box-to-box option, potentially being a key component in Frank’s system, which demands real quality in the middle of the park.

Gallagher, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, starred in LaLiga last season, producing some incredible underlying stats within his 32 league appearances.

He achieved an 85% pass completion rate, whilst completing 2.6 passes into the final third per 90, having the creative ability despite his deep-lying midfield role.

The former Chelsea star also thrived out of possession, making 2.5 tackles per 90, along with 1.2 interceptions made, offering the Dane the perfect box-to-box option in his quest for success.

At 25, Gallagher is entering the prime years of his professional career, potentially making his £43m transfer fee an excellent piece of business for the Lilywhites hierarchy during this window.

Whilst he’s not a direct replacement for Maddison, he could help a needed transition take place at the heart of the side, which could offer a new dimension for the new boss ahead of 2025/26.

Tottenham have now waved goodbye to the legendary Son Heung-min, who played his last game for the club against Newcastle in front of an adoring crowd of his native supporters in Seoul on Sunday.

After coming to Spurs as a relatively unknown 23-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen, 10 years, 454 appearances, 173 goals and 101 assists later, Son departs for Los Angeles FC as both an heroic Lilywhites figure and their most influential player of the last decade alongside Harry Kane.

Almost immediately after Son donned the Tottenham jersey for a final time against Newcastle, Fabrizio Romano gave his trademark 'here we go' to the winger's MLS switch.

Son didn't even bother travelling back to the UK with Thomas Frank's squad and instead parted ways in Korea, with the 33-year-old due to travel stateside for his LAFC medical ahead of an MLS record-breaking near-£20 million move (ESPN).

"I didn't think I was going to cry at first," Son said in an emotional final interview.

"But after hearing a few words from my teammates, leaving the club I've spent so much time with felt really tough. I felt really, really happy playing this match. Thanks to my fans, my teammates and also my opponents, I've had an unforgettable day.

"My career is not over yet, and I want to continue to bring (the fans) joy. I know I have more things I want to accomplish as a football player."

Son rejected lucrative proposals from Saudi Arabia in favour of a move to America, and it is no coincidence that LA has the largest Korean population of any city outside of South Korea itself.

LA will act as a 'home away from home' for Son, with the attacker ultimately choosing that over the riches on offer in Saudi - which in itself speaks volumes of the man.

Back at Tottenham, attention turns to who could possibly do their best to replicate both Son's leadership behind-the-scenes and his quality on the pitch.

Tottenham identify Ademola Lookman as alternative to Rodrygo

In the last fortnight, Spurs have been linked with an audacious swoop for Real Madrid star Rodrygo to fill Son's shoes on the left, but they do have a 'plan B' option.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have identified wantaway Atalanta star Ademola Lookman as another target to replace Son.

The Nigerian famously dazzled with one of the most exceptional cup final performances ever witnessed last year, scoring a hat-trick against the previously unbeatable Bayer Leverkusen to both end their undefeated streak and win Atalanta the 2024 Europa League title.

Despite his star player status, things haven't exactly been smooth between the 27-year-old and Atalanta, with Lookman now submitting a transfer request for this summer as he looks to push through an exit from the Serie A side.

TT reiterate news of the transfer request and write that Tottenham are plotting a potential move for Lookman to take advantage of the situation, coming after another impressive campaign where he bagged 20 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Atalanta are demanding around £44 million to sell the player, which comes as a far cheaper deal than Rodrygo would be, but Spurs are now in desperate need of a new number 10 after James Maddison's serious injury against Newcastle.

Despite only just signing Joao Palhinha, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly back in the market for a midfielder and in pole position to sign a La Liga star this summer.

Frank "surprised" by Palhinha deal

After securing a loan deal with an option to buy worth around £26m, Spurs may have just landed an underrated bargain by signing Palhinha. The Bayern Munich midfielder may have endured a tough year in Germany, but it was only two seasons ago that he thrived under Marco Silva at Fulham. And now, he could be the perfect fit for Thomas Frank.

Instantly full of praise for his new arrival, Frank admitted his surprise over Bayern's decision to open the door for Palhinha's exit just one year after securing his signature.

The Spurs boss told reporters: "Yeah, I was a bit surprised. Bayern went hard for him for two years and for whatever reason, which I actually don’t care about because we can get him, it was an opportunity for us.

"Sometimes everything goes a little bit in circles. Sometimes it is impossible to get a number nine. Sometimes it is impossible to get a number six. Sometimes it is impossible to get a right-back. At this moment in time, there are not many clear number sixes in the market so we are quite lucky to get him."

"I think he is a top player. He impressed everyone in the Premier League in the two years he was with Fulham. He is a regular for Portugal. Whatever the reason [Bayern let him go maybe] is the coach, the culture, the club, himself. Sometimes it is difficult to say. My concern is that he wanted to come and we wanted him to come."

That said, the Lilywhites may not be done there with midfield additions. Alongside Palhinha, reports are now suggesting that they could welcome a second familiar face back to the Premier League.

Tottenham willing to submit Gallagher offer

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now willing to submit an offer worth €50m (£44m) to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid this summer. The England international is reportedly free to leave the Spanish club this summer and it is those in North London who are in pole position to secure his signature.

Unlike Palhinha in his first season away from the Premier League, Gallagher received ample game time at Atletico last season. But even after with that game time, he is seemingly destined to suffer the same exit fate as the Portuguese midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed a shrewd signing indeed with Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha, who joins Thomas Frank's side on a season-long loan deal with a buy option inserted for £26m.

He joins Mohammed Kudus down at N17, and it's starting to feel like the new era is shaping up, even with skipper Heung-min Son leaving for LAFC in a deal worth £20m.

Spurs considering James Maddison replacements

Tottenham's fruitless bid to sign Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White last month emphasises Frank's desire to shore up his Tottenham midfield with a new playmaker.

That need has only been aggravated by Maddison's agonising setback, having endured such torrid luck on the injury front since leaving Leicester City and joining Tottenham for £40m in 2023.

Expect the Lilywhites to take action, moving for a midfielder who could add some creativity and flair.

And the man potentially arriving might be Manchester City's Jack Grealish, with Sports Mole revealing that an immediate enquiry was posted to the Etihad Stadium following Maddison's injury. Antonio Conte's Napoli are also in the race, although the report suggests that the Serie A side are 'no longer frontrunners'.

Grealish is expected to leave Man City this summer after falling out of favour, and he's previously been transfer-listed at £40m, some way below the then British-record £100m fee the Citizens paid Aston Villa for his services in 2021.

Why Spurs should sign Jack Grealish

On a personal level, Grealish has fallen by the wayside at Manchester City.

But the Three Lions man remains a "magician" of a player, as he has been called by former Premier League star Ashley Cole, and he might even prove to be an upgrade on Maddison, should he rediscover his finest form away from City.

Grealish has won the gamut in sky blue, but he's only scored 17 goals and laid on 23 assists across 157 matches for the club. Never billed as a prolific wide player, he has still struggled for purchase too often in recent years, limited to just 17 Premier League starts across that period.

The 2024/25 campaign was hardly one of success for either midfielder on an individual basis, but Maddison thrived during his debut year with Tottenham (albeit he was still blighted by injuries), while Grealish operated at an absurd level with Villa, attracting City's attention.

There are some intriguing similarities between the Englishmen, but, as you can see above, Grealish is capable of more impressive and complete displays when on his A-game.

Even though Grealish has endured some difficulties in Pep Guardiola's squad over the past couple of years, he remains a hardy and fleet-footed player. A maverick, he's unplayable when at his best.

As per FBref, the 29-year-old ranked among the top 1% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for progressive carries, the top 2% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for pass completion and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, highlighting his deep-seated elite quality.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

Frank could rekindle his fire and allow him to bounce back toward that once remarkable level. Tottenham, for sure, could hit the jackpot by signing Grealish for a cut-price fee.

It's a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, and the imminent departure of iconic captain Heung-min Son perhaps best encapsulates the changing of the guard.

After winning the Europa League in May, Daniel Levy decided to dismiss Ange Postecoglou and bring in Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who has done such good work in west London.

Ange left a hero, but it was probably the correct decision, for Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League and looked so susceptible defensively.

But he made a promise, and he kept that promise.

It's a new era, but Tottenham's pre-season preparations with Frank at the helm haven't been without their disruptions. Son is set to play his football away from N17, and James Maddison faces a lengthy return to the infirmary.

Pre-season blows at Spurs

Son, having won silverware in his final competitive month at Tottenham, has established legendary status at the club. However, he will leave having restored title-winning success, closing in on a move to LAFC in the United States.

This has been coming, but the departure of a key attacking talent has been exacerbated by the cruel injury suffered by Maddison in pre-season last weekend, stretchered off against Newcastle United with a suspected knee injury.

Following the Morgan Gibbs White debacle, failing in their pursuit of the Nottingham Forest playmaker after being accused of an illegal approach, this is a bleak setback for Frank's project in its infancy.

And Son's exit too highlights the need for reinforcements, with the new Premier League season less than two weeks away.

All in all, though, banking £20m for a player who is on the decline, no matter how influential, is decent business for the Lilywhites, but they will need to sign a replacement, even having landed West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus for a £55m fee.

Spurs lining up deal for CL superstar

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid's Rodrygo, 24, withis set for face-to-face talks with president Florentino Perez as his future continues to be a talking point amid Tottenham interest.

Despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool this summer, it's beginning to look like Spurs are the most likely destination for the Brazil international, should he jump ship this summer.

Son's departure opens up a window of opportunity for the outfit, who are now expected to formally pursue a deal and secure Frank a marquee man at the beginning of his tenure.

Why Spurs must push for Rodrygo

Kudus is a fantastic winger who will add some electric athleticism to Tottenham's senior set-up, but he's not yet proven himself to be a goalscoring presence in the vein of Son.

Rodrygo, however, is "terrifyingly good" in front of goal, so says Sky Sports reporter Sam Tighe, having scored 50 goals across the past three campaigns with Real Madrid despite having routinely played out of position on the right flank.

Because of this, Rodrygo's natural aptitude for making the net bulge suggests that he could fit right into life at Tottenham as Son's successor, for he actually clinched six goals and six assists apiece over just 12 games as a left-sided forward in 2024/25, limited in his natural position due to Vincius Junior's presence.

The South Korean has been recorded to have been the statistical best finisher in football since 2014, one year before his Tottenham career commenced, and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous Premier League wingers of his generation.

Big boots to fill, but that's why Rodrygo is perfect. The Brazilian is accustomed to pressure, having played out the lion's share of his senior years at the biggest club in the world, and is dynamic enough that his goalscoring ability, described as "unstoppable" by Madrid columist Kiyan Sobhani when at its slickest, is built atop a wide-ranging skill set.

As you can see below, the two forwards actually rank up rather similarly over the past year, so he could dovetail right in, especially with Frank being something of an expert at raising the level of his wide forwards.

However, Rodrygo's tactical dynamism and propensity for success across a range of positions have also seen him likened to Maddison by data-powered site FBref, along with Son.

Maddison, 28, faces the unknown once again, and the potential loss of his creativity and passing for a large chunk of the upcoming term is a concerning thought indeed.

However, Rodrygo has the skill set to add some sparkle to the playmaking side of the Tottenham system, averaging just north of a key pass per game across the entirety of his Real Madrid career, as per WhoScored.

Let's not forget, Maddison blew the Premier League away upon signing for Tottenham, picking up the division's Player of the Month award for August 2023 as he served as the fulcrum of Postecoglou's staggering start to life at the helm.

The Real Madrid man's 85.7% pass completion average further bespeaks his ability to promote fluency and control through deeper build-up phases of play, something Frank will undoubtedly look to capture and direct as he implements a slower, more controlled style of football than that of his predecessor.

Ultimately, Tottenham have suffered a setback through the injury to Maddison. It's not what was needed as Son prepared for his poignant send-off.

However, there remains almost a month of the market being open for business, and if Levy can pull off a deal for Rodrygo, there's no question that this football club will be primed for success on an even grander stage than the 2024/25 season.

With less than two weeks to go until they get their Premier League campaign underway, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in pole position to jump ahead of Juventus and sign an attacking star.

Frank pays tribute to "fantastic" Son Heung-min

It's been a mixed first summer for Thomas Frank in North London. Whilst he hasn't seen Daniel Levy hand him a major overhaul at Tottenham, he has still welcomed some key reinforcements.

Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have been the most impressive arrivals on that front, whilst Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have also turned their loan moves permanent to take Spurs' list of incomings to four for the summer.

After Heung-min Son announced his decision to depart this summer, though, the Lilywhites must turn back towards the transfer market to replace an irreplaceable Tottenham icon.

The South Korean leaves as one of the greatest Premier League players to ever play for Spurs and an undeniable club legend.

Whilst he didn't get the chance to enjoy Son's magic beyond this summer in the early days of his tenure, Frank had nothing but praise for his departing captain - telling reporters: “For me, personally, I would have loved to have worked with this fantastic person and player.

"He is a true Spurs legend in every aspect, one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League. It is never easy to find the perfect timing and me coming in from the side, it makes it a bit easier to end on a high.”

As irreplaceable as his moments to remember are, Spurs must attempt to find the heir to Son's throne this summer and that has reportedly seen them turn towards a Ligue 1 star.

Tottenham in pole position to sign Kolo Muani over Juventus

According to The Boot Room's Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are now in pole position to sign Randal Kolo Muani ahead of Juventus, who have so far failed to get their deal over the line for the Paris Saint-Germain forward.

The Frenchman spent the second half of last season on loan at the Serie A club and enjoyed a rejuvenated spell. So far, however, talks between those in Turin and PSG have not gone well and are not advancing - leaving the door ajar for Spurs to enter.

After scoring 10 goals in 22 appearances for Juventus, Kolo Muani sent a timely reminder of his quality last season and finally backed up the previous praise of fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe.

"He is a striker who offers different game options to our team. He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play. We are happy with the game he played on Friday and I hope he scores tomorrow. Tomorrow we will try to get him to score a goal."

As the Premier League campaign draws near and they continue their summer business, reports are now claiming that Tottenham Hotspur have launched an approach to sign a Barcelona midfielder.

Palhinha reveals delight at Premier League return

After missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who opted to sign a new contract at Nottingham Forest instead of joining up with Thomas Frank's side, a new midfielder always seemed on the Tottenham agenda. And whilst Joao Palhinha is a different type of player to Gibbs-White, he will offer the Lilywhites the reinforcement that they've been craving.

“I’m really, really happy. It’s such an amazing feeling that I had when I arrived here at the training ground and I’m really motivated for the next steps, so I just want to enjoy it with my team-mates, start to work with the coach and start to win matches with this club.

“It’s an amazing feeling to return to the Premier League and to return to London as well. I really loved to live here before and I’m so happy to be here again and to enjoy the Premier League because in my opinion – as I’ve always said – it’s the best league in the world. It’s what me and my family wanted at this moment and I’m really happy for this.” (Palhinha)

Delighted to be back in the Premier League following a tough year at Bayern Munich, Palhinha - on paper - is the perfect midfielder for Frank's hard-working, combative midfield.

It wouldn't even be absurd to suggest that the ex-Fulham man could be the Dane's new version of Christian Norgaard, who thrived under his management at Brentford before leaving for Arsenal this summer.

That said, Palhinha isn't the only midfield name to find himself on Tottenham's radar following their Gibbs-White disappointment earlier in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham make first Casado approach

As reported by Sport in Spain, and relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham made an approach to sign Marc Casado from Barcelona before they secured Palhinha's signature.

The 21-year-old is free to leave the La Liga giants for around €30m (£26m) this summer and, although he reportedly turned down the chance to complete a move the first time around, it will be interesting to see whether Spurs come calling with a second attempt to secure his arrival this month.

Praised for his "superb attitude" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Barcelona's loss could quickly become Tottenham's gain if they managed to convince Casado into a move this summer. Whilst Palhinha's arrival does ease their desperation for another midfielder, the chance to sign a La Masia graduate is not one that the Lilywhites should turn down.

At just 21 years old, the Spaniard would be the long-term option that Palhinha - at 30 years old - can't guarantee Frank's side, especially given that they have no obligation to buy the latter after his loan spell next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted a blockbuster £80m+ offer to sign a new left winger after saying an emotional goodbye to Son Heung-min.

Son plays final Tottenham game

Having revealed the news that he wants to leave Spurs this summer and bring an end to an iconic 13-year run last week, Son has now played his final game for the North London club. Bidding his farewell, the winger bowed out in the Lilywhites' friendly draw against Premier League rivals Newcastle United in his home country, South Korea.

"It was a perfect moment. Sharing these beautiful moments are something that I will never forget, and I will always appreciate it - from the fans, the players and the gaffer.

"He understood my situation and was always on my side. He always listened to me and asked what I wanted to do. I have a huge respect and am very grateful.

"I wish them all the best. There are five competitions ahead and I hope they win all the five competitions. That's my wish.

"Spurs will always be in my heart and the boys will always be in my history books. It was incredible. They've gone so fast, the 10 years. I can only think about the beautiful moments, amazing moments." (Son on Spurs farewell)

Next up for the 33-year-old seems to be MLS side LAFC, who have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Son and with Spurs over a summer switch.

As for Spurs, their next task is to replace a player that some may deem irreplaceable. Already this summer, they've welcomed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich, Mathys Tel in a permanent deal and Mohammed Kudus.

Now, however, they could be about to pull off their most impressive signing yet amid reports that Daniel Levy and co. have submitted a stunning opening offer.

Tottenham submit Rodrygo offer

According to Spanish media outlets, Tottenham have now submitted an opening offer to sign Rodrygo worth as much as €100m (£87m) this summer. The Real Madrid winger has been the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months, and even agreed personal terms with the Reds recently, but with their focus elsewhere, the Lilywhites are reportedly attempting to steal the headlines with a shock move.

Interestingly, Rodrygo's statistical profile matches up with another Liverpool signing - Florian Wirtz. Both players rank highly against their positional peers for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions and succesful take-ons, as per FBRef.

Replacing Son is no easy task for all involved in North London, but Rodrygo is arguably the best candidate to do exactly that and more. The Brazilian is a serial winner who has played a pivotal part in Real Madrid's success in recent years. Now, he could yet become the star of the show under Thomas Frank in what would become Spurs' record signing by a considerable margin.

However, although Real Madrid have given them permission to speak to Rodrygo, convincing the 24-year-old to swap the Spanish giants for North London will reportedly be a tough task for Tottenham chiefs. And overcoming that obstacle is likely to be the turning point to any deal getting over the line this summer.