FootballFanCast

Heung-min Son’s decade at Tottenham Hotspur will be coming to an end in the coming days, after he confirmed he will be departing the club this summer.

The South Korean international has registered a staggering 454 appearances for the club, scoring on 173 occasions, after joining from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015.

However, ultimately, the time has come for a new challenge for the 33-year-old, looking set to move to the MLS and link up with former teammate Hugo Lloris at LAFC.

It appears to be the perfect time to leave the Lilywhites for the forward, departing after helping the side end their 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League at the end of May.

There’s no denying that the winger will go down as one of the best players to ever wear the shirt, but his pending departure now leaves Thomas Frank with a huge task to replace him before the end of the window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Attackers have been the priority for Frank already this summer, as seen by Spurs’ move to sign Mohammed Kudus in a £55m deal from West Ham United.

However, other options are still being considered, with Arnaud Kalimuendo and Matias Soule also being considered before the September 1st transfer deadline.

The pair are just one of multiple options currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’ve considered, according to AS via Sport Witness.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have already made contact with the Spanish giants over a move for the Brazilian, who’s been allowed to depart the club this summer.

It also states that it would take a pretty penny to agree a move for the 24-year-old, with Xabi Alonso’s side currently wanting a fee of over £80m to part ways with the attacker this window.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the dream Son replacement

Replacing a player of Son’s quality will be extremely difficult for Spurs this summer, with the board needing to back Frank to land a suitable replacement.

The 33-year-old has undoubtedly made himself a fan favourite during his decade in North London, producing countless moments of magic during his spell at the club.

From his superb solo effort against Burnley to his outrageous long-range strike against Arsenal in 2020/21, he’s managed to get the supporters off their seats on a consistent basis.

However, there’s no denying that age has taken its toll in recent months, scoring just seven league goals, which has led to his pending departure from the club this window.

Whilst losing him this summer will be a big loss, a move for Rodrygo would massively soften the blow, with the Brazilian able to fill the void left by the South Korean international.

When delving into his stats last season, he showcased he is capable of thriving at the top level, which could see him be the perfect addition for the Lilywhites this summer.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to register 24 combined goals or assists across all competitions last season - a tally higher than that of Son from 2024/25.

He also managed to register 5.1 progressive passes and 5.3 progressive carries per 90, having the tools to constantly get the ball into forward areas and hand the side an added threat in the final third.

The Brazilian’s excellence within attacking areas is further highlighted by his tally of 2.3 successful take-ons per 90, with such numbers showcasing his ability to glide past the opposition - something which Son has demonstrated many times in North London.

Although Rodrygo would be an expensive signing this summer, it would be a deal that would allow Frank to fill the void vacated by the South Korean for many years to come.

It would be a phenomenal addition, especially considering his performance level at the pinnacle of European football, something which will be vital if the club are to be successful in the near future.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White will undoubtedly go down as one of the strangest moves during the summer transfer window.

The Lilywhites thought they had a deal agreed for the 25-year-old, after triggering the £60m release clause within his contract at the City Ground - well, so they thought anyway.

It emerged that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side claimed the approach for his signature was illegal, subsequently putting a move for the Englishman to North London on hold.

However, the attacking midfielder has since agreed a record-breaking contract to stay with the Reds, taking a release clause out of his deal, something which was spare headed by owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Missing out on such a top-level Premier League star will undoubtedly be a disappointment to Thomas Frank and the rest of the Lilywhites staff, but it appears as though they have already moved on to different targets before the end of the window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

It’s been reported in recent days that Spurs are preparing a move for Manchester City star James McAtee, who’s free to leave the club this summer with just one year left on his contract.

They could be battling Forest for his signature, after they had a £25m bid rejected, with Pep Guardiola’s side demanding a fee in the region of £40m this summer.

However, a cheaper alternative appears to already have been identified, with the hierarchy interested in making a move for Stuttgart midfielder Enzo Millot, according to Estadio Deportivo.

The report claims the Lilywhites are trying to hijack a move for the 23-year-old, after he had already agreed personal terms over a deal to join Atlético Madrid this summer.

It also states the Frenchman currently has a €20m (£17m) release clause within his deal at the Bundesliga side, potentially seeing the North London side getting themselves a bargain.

Why Spurs’ £17m target is a bigger star than Gibbs-White

Gibbs-White would’ve been a sensational signing for the club, especially after Frank made his intentions to land the England international given his admiration for his talents.

The 25-year-old played a key role in Forest’s success last season, notching 15 combined goals and assists in the top-flight, helping them achieve a European finish for the first time in 30 years.

£60m would’ve been one of the most expensive additions in the club’s history, but such a fee would’ve been excellent business, as seen by the Reds’ reluctance to allow him to depart.

Never before has a situation like this been seen over a transfer, but it’s no surprise when dealing with Mr Marinakis, who’s evidently a tricky person to do business with.

However, whilst many supporters must wish a deal for his signature was completed, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise if they can secure a move for Millot in the coming weeks.

The youngster has showcased in the Bundesliga over recent times that he’s a huge talent, worth way more than his current release clause, with the Lilywhites needing to take full advantage this summer.

He produced countless stats better than those of Gibbs-White last campaign, highlighting why he’d be a bigger talent than the England international ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Millot, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth, managed to register five goal contributions in his eight Champions League outings last season, showcasing his ability to thrive at the top-level.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, notching a higher shot on target accuracy rate, subsequently handing Frank’s side a bigger threat in front of goal.

The Frenchman’s dominance is further reflected in his higher tallies of passes into the final third, with more of which going into the opposition’s 18-yard box, offering a bigger creative threat to the Lilywhites should he join this summer.

There’s no denying that Gibbs-White would’ve been most supporters' number one choice this summer, but it’s evident that Millot would be a better addition for Frank’s side.

£17m would be a simply superb price for a player of his quality, arguably being one of the best additions made by any Premier League side if they can get it completed in the coming days.

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement with an unnamed club for a “talented” Spurs player to leave north London alongside Heung-min Son.

Heung-min Son set to leave Tottenham

Spurs captain Son is on course to become the club’s first major departure of the summer window.

After spending 10 years in north London and winning his first piece of silverware last season after lifting the Europa League, Son has announced his plans to leave the club before the new Premier League campaign.

“I've decided to leave the club in the summer. And respectfully, the club is helping me with my decision. So I just want to share this information before we start the press conference.

"It was the most difficult decision of my football career. I've been here ten years at a beautiful club with beautiful fans and having such amazing memories.

"And after all that, it was so hard to make this decision. But as I said, I feel like I need a new environment and to push myself. And to get more of me, I feel like I need a little bit of change. Ten years is a lot of time when you're thinking about it.

"I came to London as a kid. 23 years old, a very young age, [and] a young boy came to London who even didn't speak English. And [I'm] leaving this club as a grown man. This is a very, very proud moment.

"So I just wanna say thank you to all of the Spurs fans that gave me so much love. I felt like it was my home. But yeah, it was, it was one of the toughest decisions I've ever made.”

Mikey Moore and Alejo Veliz have already left on loan ahead of the 2025/26 season, and alongside Son, another highly-rated Tottenham gem is also set to depart.

Agreement reached for Jamie Donley to leave Tottenham on loan

According to reports from Lilywhite Rose, relayed by Tottenham News, Spurs have reached an agreement with an unnamed Championship club for Jamie Donley, with a deal set to go through following the club’s pre-season tour of South Korea.

The 20-year-old has featured under Thomas Frank in parts of pre-season, and there were claims that the attacking midfielder could be a part of the first-team plans in 25/26.

However, he now looks set to head to the second tier on a season-long loan after an impressive spell with Leyton Orient in League One last year.

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens loved what he saw from Donley last season, who stunned Manchester City in the FA Cup with a long-range effort.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Jamie, he is a talented player. He’s come into us and he is a talented boy, everyone can see that. When you watch him in training and you see the talent he has, he has every opportunity to be whatever he wants to be.

“We have been good in the last 14 or 15 games and he has been outstanding for us, he is an exceptional player at this level and will go on to bigger and better things.”

It now appears he is set for a step up into the Championship, and in 12 months time, could be pushing for a spot in Frank’s side.

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer transfer window could’ve been massively impacted by their failure to land Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Nottingham Forest star staying at the City Ground.

A deal had been all agreed, leading to the player even being set to have a medical with the Lilywhites, but Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis intervened, resulting in the midfielder signing a new contract.

However, such disappointment has fuelled Thomas Frank’s desire to land new additions, subsequently making a huge effort to land Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich this summer.

Huge progress has been made for his signature over recent days, leading to a deal being agreed, with the player in the process of completing his medical ahead of a loan move to North London.

Such a move also includes an option to buy next summer, but it appears as though their activity looks set to continue before the September 1st transfer deadline.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

In recent days, a move has been made by the Spurs hierarchy to try and secure the services of highly-rated Stade Rennais forward Arnaud Kalimuendo.

The Lilywhites have even entered talks with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential deal, leading to a £30m transfer being mooted, with Nottingham Forest, another side, currently in the running.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Barcelona star Ronald Araujo another top-level star they’re pursuing, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that Frank’s side have already made contact with the LaLiga outfit over a potential move for the Uruguayan centre-back before the end of the window.

It also states he could be open to a move to North London, potentially being attracted to the new project being undertaken at the club, which could see Barça open to negotiations at around the £50m mark.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a bigger coup than Palhinha

A holding midfielder has been massively needed at Spurs this summer, leading to a hunt for a proven ball-winner at the base of Frank’s side if they are to build on the recent success.

Whilst Palhinha may not have been the supporters’ first choice for the role, a move is seemingly edging ever closer, potentially proving to be an excellent pick-up if he can replicate his form from his last stint in England’s top-flight.

He spent a couple of years at Fulham before moving to Germany, averaging a tally of 2.5 tackles per 90, whilst winning 8.6 duels per 90, with both figures ranking him within the top 5% of all players in the division that year.

Numbers like that are nothing short of sensational and prove why Bayern splashed £47m on his signature last summer - highlighting the talent the Lilywhites will be getting their hands on.

However, a move for Araujo would be a huge coup for the club, especially considering his sustained spell of featuring at the top level of European football for the Spanish giants.

The 26-year-old has racked up 175 appearances since making his debut in the summer of 2019, having Champions League experience, which will be vital for Spurs next campaign.

Whilst he was injured at times throughout 2024/25, he managed to rack up 25 appearances across all competitions, producing numerous incredible figures that would add the needed depth and quality to Spurs’ backline.

Araujo, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Dr Rajpal Brar, completed 92% of the passes he attempted, handing the Lilywhites a composed presence at the back, whilst allowing Frank’s side to play out from the back when needed.

Without the ball, the Uruguayan also starred in LaLiga, winning 1.7 tackles per 90 and making 1.4 blocks per 90 - having the tools to provide the side with a needed commanding presence at the back.

At just 26, Araujo has plenty of time to reach his full potential, with the £50m fee being mooted, undoubtedly a great price for a player entering his prime years as a professional.

Should he hit the ground running in North London, it would be a tremendous pick-up and one that would be a bigger coup than Palhinha, especially when taking his experience at the top level of European football into account.

Tottenham Hotspur are still planning to sign a new number 10 for Thomas Frank before the transfer deadline on September 1, and they're now turning to alternatives after missing out on a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.

Spurs put the finishing touches on a loan-to-buy deal for Joao Palhinha this week, ending their pursuit of a tenacious holding midfielder, but chairman Daniel Levy and the recruitment team have a few other key areas to reinforce.

Sky Sports report that a new left-back is on the agenda, and their eagerness to sign a playmaker hasn't waned despite the truly bizarre saga surrounding Gibbs-White.

Frank was set to welcome the England international in a £60 million move, with the Lilywhites scheduling a medical to take place on July 11. Gibbs-White was about to join Mohammed Kudus in a statement £115 million double-deal, sending a clear message to the warning to the rest of the Premier League that Spurs mean business.

However, this dream was quashed by controversial Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who put a grinding halt to the transfer.

Marinakis' threat of legal action against Spurs for an alleged 'illegal approach' prompted the move to stall for weeks, before Forest made the surprise announcement that Gibbs-White had committed his future to the City Ground.

The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a brand-new £150,000-per-week contract, becoming the highest-paid player in their history and ending Tottenham's hopes of signing him, for this summer at least.

"As long as I'm in charge of all of these actions, approaches should take place, I repeat, in an appropriate manner," said Marinakis, in a scathing dig at Spurs after the new contract was confirmed.

"I would never let anyone from any other team get a player from us or make something we don't agree with. And especially, as I said, with some guys that they belong to our family.

"Therefore, with Morgan, it didn't take long to come to an agreement. It was a very short conversation, full of passion and love for the club."

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Tottenham are working on alternatives to Gibbs-White, with Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo now claiming they are real admirers of Stuttgart star Enzo Millot.

Tottenham prepared to hijack Atlético Madrid deal for Enzo Millot

According to Estadio and journalist Pablo Casas, Spurs have "entered the bidding" and are "very serious" about competing for Millot's signature.

Atlético Madrid have been in talks for the 23-year-old, and Diego Simeone's side could sign him in a matter of "hours" if they just trigger his £17 million release clause and agree personal terms.

However, the delay in negotiations has alerted Frank's side, and Tottenham are now apparently prepared to hijack Atletico's talks for Millot.

Stuttgart, for their part, are surprised by Atlético's slowness in moving the deal forward, but Simeone's loss could be Frank's gain as the north Londoners pose a real threat.

It is worth noting that the clause increases as we get closer to the start of the Bundesliga campaign, so it is in both Spurs and Atlético's best interest to strike a quick deal, and Stuttgart don't intend to accept any offer below.

The Frenchman bagged 12 goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, and could be an option absolutely worth considering.

Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League last season, in case you didn't know.

It saved Ange Postecoglou's season, if not his job, and ensured that Tottenham will compete in the new term's Champions League.

The baton has been passed to Thomas Frank, who has done such fine work in west London with Brentford. The Danish manager has overseen the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

With Joao Palhinha set to arrive imminently from Bayern Munich, things are starting to take shape down N17, but more might be needed in the attacking department.

Especially as captain Heung-min Son has announced that he will be leaving the club this summer.

Why Son is leaving Spurs

Son has been at Tottenham for a decade, joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m in 2015.

Across his 454 appearances at the club, the South Korean forward has scored 173 goals and has provided 101 assists.

To have won the Europa League in his final competitive month at the club, ending 17 years of searching for silverware at Spurs, marks a wonderful sense of poetic justice. Son is one of the finest wingers of his generation, after all.

But the 33-year-old has deteriorated over the past couple of years. Still a winger of high quality, he has made the decision to close this door amid talks with LAFC over the pond.

And he's earned the right to make such a call. But if Son does leave, Frank and Daniel Levy must come together to sign a successor in the next month, even having already landed Kudus.

Spurs getting confident about signing Son heir

As per Spanish sources, Tottenham's chances of signing Rodrygo this summer are growing, with the Real Madrid forward anticipated to join a new club this summer.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have been named as suitors in recent months, but it's understood that such clubs' intrigue is cool, whereas Levy is engaged in promising talks with the Brazilian's entourage.

Rodrygo, 24, has fallen out of favour in the Spanish capital, but he remains one of the most talented forwards in world football, and Los Blancos know it. He carries the weight of a £69m initial price tag.

Why Spurs should sign Rodrygo

The 2024/25 campaign left something to be desired for Rodrygo, no doubt. However, this shouldn't dissuade the Tottenham faithful: he is "the most gifted and the most talented player" at Real Madrid, says Jude Bellingham.

Furthermore, Rodrygo has spent more time with the Spaniards on the right flank than on the left, which, as a goalscoring right-footer, is his preferred wing.

As you can see below, his return of six goals and six assists from just 12 matches as a left winger in 2024/25 illustrates his potential. Vinicius Junior's presence precludes him from playing there with regularity.

At times, Rodrygo's goalscoring numbers leave something to be desired, but he's a prolific player all the same, having missed just one big chance in La Liga last season, as per Sofascore. Albeit he scored just six goals.

In this way, the Brazil international could be the perfect replacement for a player like Son, who, according to xG (expected goals), has been the most clinical finisher in the world since 2014.

Kudus, conversely, lacks composure and accuracy with his ball striking.

Described by former teammate Luka Modric as being a "world-class" and versatile forward, Tottenham must surely throw the kitchen sink at signing Rodrygo, if they truly wish to turn a corner and challenge at the forefront of domestic and European football with consistency.

Looking at how the South American compares to Son over the past year (having routinely been fielded out of position), you begin to see why he's so highly coveted, balanced in his output, strong on the ball, electric when charging forward.

Rodrygo carries himself in a similar tactical fashion to Spurs' soon-to-depart skipper, and it's interesting to note that he still chalked up 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last year in spite of his woes, going 17 La Liga matches before the close of play without a single goal involvement.

But he's also crisper and more athletic than the ageing great, understandably so. Aged 24, Rodrygo's best years are surely ahead of him, and given what the two-time Champions League winner has accomplished thus far, it's an exciting thought to think he could don a new shade of white over the coming years.

Moreover, Rodrygo's pedigree in the Champions League speaks for itself, and what finer way to take strong steps back onto Europe's elite stage than by signing one of its superstars?

With Dominic Solanke leading a frontline that does have its range of quality, adding a player like Rodrygo feels like it could complete the set.

An industrious and, as Bellingham says, 'gifted' winger with an eye for goal, the pieces could come together with this one, to be sure.

This might be the end of the line for a Tottenham great, but Frank has his wits about him and could ensure that an exciting upgrade is signed if Levy is convinced to go all out for Real Madrid's Rodrygo.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has just watched Spurs legend Son Heung-min confirm that he will be leaving the club in an emotional press conference, with the north Londoners poised to continue making headlines this transfer window.

It has been a fairly eventful summer at N17 thus far, having spent over £110 million in total on the signings of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

Their recruitment expenditure would've been £170 million if Morgan Gibbs-White had sealed his £60 million move to Spurs - as was widely expected around three weeks ago. However, after a very unexpected chain of events, including legal threats from Nottingham Forest, his transfer was blocked, and he's since signed a new contract at the City Ground.

Tottenham are still in the market for a new playmaker and alternative to Gibbs-White, with chairman Daniel Levy also reportedly considering an audacious move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

Their need to sign a new left-winger is also emphasised by Son's now-imminent departure.

The South Korean burst into tears after he announced that this year would be his last in a Tottenham shirt, and the Lilywhites must now begin the search for his potential replacement after Son's stellar decade in north London.

“Before we start, I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer," said Son.

“Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge.

“I have been here for 10 years. It’s a beautiful club with beautiful fans. I have such amazing memories. I just felt like I need a new environment to push myself to get more out of me. I think I need a little bit of change. Ten years is a long time."

As one big name looks set to depart, another comes through the door.

Joao Palhinha completes Tottenham medical with "formal steps" to follow

According to Fabrizio Romano, midfielder Joao Palhinha is on the verge of completing his move to Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international agreed a temporary deal with an option to buy for around £26 million next summer, and Romano claims that Palhinha has now completed his Tottenham medical with "formal steps" to follow between the clubs.

Palhinha's debut campaign at Bayern, after he sealed a long-awaited move there from Fulham last year, wasn't exactly ideal.

The 30-year-old fell down Vincent Kompany's pecking order following a season blighted by injury and suspension, with Palhinha now returning to London just 12 months after waving goodbye to Craven Cottage.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 17th-placed Premier League finish last campaign showcases the job Thomas Frank has on his hands as he enters his first year in charge in North London.

He would’ve certainly faced an easier task had he had Harry Kane at his disposal, with the England international a player who is undoubtedly one of the best to ever ply his trade for the Lilywhites.

The 32-year-old rose through the ranks before making a huge impact on the first team, often being the man the supporters relied on for goals in crucial moments.

Kane ended up registering a total of 280 goals during his stint in the capital, the highest of any player in the club’s history, also slotting in at second place in the Premier League’s record books.

However, after his departure back in 2023, the club have ultimately failed to replace his goals, leaving Frank with such a task during his first window in charge.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new striker this summer

After the Dane’s appointment, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has been a player who has been hugely linked with a move to follow his former boss across the capital.

Such rumours are unsurprising given his tally of 19 league goals for the Bees last season, leading to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also interested in his signature this window.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muani another player they’re pursuing, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

He claims that the Lilywhites have already entered talks over a deal to land the French forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus.

Aouna also states that Frank’s side face competition from Manchester United for the 26-year-old’s signature this summer, but Daniel Levy is working hard to reach an agreement before the September 1st deadline.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Kane

Two players have mainly shared the responsibility of providing the goals at the top end of the pitch for Spurs since Kane’s departure - Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Both have endured their injury struggles over recent times, posting respectable tallies, but ultimately, there’s still huge room for improvement in such an area.

The Englishman, who cost a club-record £65m last summer, and the Brazilian managed to net a combined tally of 13 league goals, whilst Kane scored double that figure on his own last campaign.

Replacing the record goalscorer was always going to be a near-impossible task, but the current lack of goals from the centre-forwards on the books highlights the need for a new talisman this summer.

Kolo Muani would provide the new boss just that, having the opportunity to claim the starting role as his own should he move to North London during the off-season.

He’s previously been labelled as a similar player to Kane by FBref, managing to match or better the former Lilywhites in key areas throughout the recent campaign.

The Frenchman, who’s been dubbed “extremely dangerous” by compatriot Bixente Lizarazu, posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, evidently being more efficient with his chances in front of goal.

Kolo Muani also completed more key passes per 90, along with more take-ons achieved, highlighting his all-round talent with the ball at his feet, something which could hugely benefit Frank in his quest for success.

However, whilst he’s a technically gifted forward, the former Eintracht Frankfurt star also bettered Kane for aerials won per 90, potentially being the perfect fit for the Lilywhites’ current side.

All the aforementioned stats are undoubtedly important, but ultimately, the fans and manager will want him to provide the goods in front of goal throughout 2025/26.

Tottenham Hotspur are a club who have endured success in recent times, something which the supporters have been starved of in the last two decades.

The Lilywhites were on a 17-year drought without any form of silverware, but that all changed at the end of 2024/25, after winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou.

However, it wasn’t enough to maintain his job, leading to Thomas Frank being appointed as the man to try and build on the recent levels reached by the Lilywhites.

The Dane has numerous years of experience in the Premier League, something which will massively help him in his quest for success during his spell in North London.

He will undoubtedly want to make his own mark on the current first team squad, with the style of play that saw him be a hit at Brentford, but will also need reinforcements if he is to reach the next level in his managerial career.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, João Palhinha has emerged as the latest player who appears to be making a move to join Spurs during the current transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed yesterday that a deal has been agreed for the 30-year-old to join the club on an initial loan deal, with the deal having an option to buy for around £25m next summer.

However, he’s not the only star currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi still firmly on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that despite missing out on him in previous windows, the Lilywhites are set to meet his current asking price of around £50m, with the centre-back only having a year left on his deal.

The report also states that Newcastle United are also willing to match his asking price, which could see a battle for the 25-year-old take place in the coming weeks.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be perfect for Palhinha

As previously mentioned, Spurs are set to complete a deal for Palhinha in the coming days, a deal that could prove to be an excellent piece of business from Frank and the board.

Whilst the Portuguese international only made six league starts last season, he still managed to produce some impressive numbers, many of which would bolster the club’s ambitions for success.

He won 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga - a tally which put him in the top 2% of all players in the division, handing Frank a needed ball-winner at the heart of his side.

Palhinha also thrived with the ball at his feet, registering 6.3 passes into the final third per 90, achieving a 92% pass completion rate, having the tools to star in and out of possession.

If he is to be a success in North London, he will need other reinforcements in his quest to impress, potentially opening the door to a move to sign Guehi this summer.

Whilst the Englishman is a defender and his primary role is to stop the ball from entering the goal, he also has the responsibility to build up play from the back and allow the former Fulham star to prove his worth after his own move.

The Palace captain completed 84% of the passes he attempted, with a tally of 3.9 of his passes being progressive, subsequently being able to break the lines and find Palhinha in pockets of space.

However, Guehi, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by former goalkeeper Joe Hart, also dominated out of possession, winning 1.8 tackles per 90, and winning 52% of the aerial battles he entered.

His tally of 66% of tackles won in England’s top-flight also ranks him in the top 10% of all defenders in the division, offering key depth and quality to Frank’s side next season.

If he can transfer such skills across the capital this summer, a deal for Guehi would be another huge statement made by the hierarchy in their attempts to build on their European triumph.

Tottenham have seriously kicked into gear when it comes to their transfer plans for the rest of the summer, with talks accelerating in dramatic fashion over the last 24 hours.

Spurs head coach Thomas Frank and chairman Daniel Levy wasted an entire fortnight pursuing a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, which eventually went nowhere after the England international surprisingly agreed a new contract instead.

Gibbs-White was booked in for a Hotspur Way medical this time three weeks ago (BBC), but Forest's unprecedented threat of legal action for an 'unlawful' approach blocked any transfer south for the England international.

Tottenham are still in the market for a number 10, though, while it is also believed that they could add another full-back to Frank's squad before deadline day on September 1 (Sky Sports).

However, before Spurs move on to bolster any of those positions, Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha will be next through the door.

The former Fulham star is set to join Tottenham on loan following a round of quick-fire talks on Thursday, with Levy swiftly reaching an agreement to sign the Portugal international on loan, including an option to buy for around £26 million.

Palhinha, following a disappointing debut season at Bayern, is set to make a return to London and the Premier League - ending Spurs' search for a new number six whilst surely plunging Yves Bissouma's future into doubt.

Interestingly, while this transfer was concluded very quickly after initial talks with Palhinha's camp last week, the former Sporting Lisbon star wasn't always completely sold on a move back to the UK.

Joao Palhinha's U-turn over joining Tottenham revealed

According to Bundesliga insider, Christian Falk, Palhinha initially wasn't convinced about joining Tottenham.

However, the £166,000-per-week midfield "sensation", famed for his robustness and tackling, changed his mind once Spurs' talks heated up.

“It’s true: Bayern and Tottenham have agreed on a loan deal for João Palhinha,” Falk told CF Bayern Insider.

“On Thursday, it was said that Palhinha was not completely convinced by the move. The player was previously committed to showing that he was good enough for FC Bayern.

“But talks with Tottenham got hot; the interest from the Londoners is interesting for him, which is why there was movement in negotiations. As Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, the loan deal includes a buy option of €30m [£25.9m] (which is not an obligation).”

Despite failing to justify his price tag at Bayern, Palhinha is a proven Premier League player, with his experience potentially very useful for Frank ahead of a vital first season in charge.

"Neither Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr nor Rodrigo Bentancur are as ruthless at winning the ball back as Palhinha, who also ranked among the top 10 for interceptions during his previous Premier League campaign," said Sky journalist Peter Smith.

"Palhinha's belated move to Bayern Munich didn't prove to be worth the wait, with an injury disruptive and head coach Vincent Kompany ultimately leaving him on the fringes. But a return to London looks like a smart switch for the Portuguese and Spurs - and a daunting one for opposition midfielders."