FootballFanCast

Tottenham Hotspur recently splashed the cash to sign Mohammed Kudus from London and Premier League rivals West Ham United for a reported fee of £55m.

The 24-year-old star, who provided an assist in a friendly against Reading on Saturday, will be hoping to offer a big threat at the top end of the pitch for Thomas Frank's side next season.

He will need to improve on his output from the 2024/25 campaign, though, as the Ghana international only managed five goals and three assists in 32 games as a winger or attacking midfielder for the Hammers. Kudus did produce 14 goals and six assists in all competitions in his first season in England, though, so it is more of an issue around consistency rather than quality.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are reportedly eyeing up a deal for another proven Premier League player who would be an even better signing than the £55m addition.

Spurs in talks to sign Premier League star

Whilst Kudus is somewhat of a gamble, given his unimpressive return in front of goal last term, Spurs are also eyeing a top-flight star who was superb last season and could come in to hit the ground running.

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur are willing to pay the full asking price for Bournemouth central defender Illya Zabarnyi to bolster their options at the back.

The report claims that the Lilywhites are already in talks to reach an agreement to sign the Ukraine international, and that they are prepared to pay what is required, which is said to be around £61m.

It adds that Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on the defender and have had multiple offers turned down by the Premier League side, as they have only offered up to around £52m.

Caught Offside reveals, though, that Zabarnyi favours a move to PSG and the French side are confident that they can complete a deal, which makes it a difficult one for Spurs to get over the line.

Why Spurs should sign Zabarnyi

Tottenham should continue to push to convince the centre-back to make the switch to London this summer, though, because he would be an even better signing than Kudus.

The club's need for an extra body at the heart of the defence is obvious when you look at the time that Cristian Romero and Micky Van De Ven have missed in the last two seasons.

As you can see in the table above, Zabarnyi has not missed a single game through injury in his two seasons in the Premier League, which suggests that he would be the reliable centre-back option Frank is currently missing.

His performances in the top-flight last season also suggest that the Ukraine international has the quality to hit the ground running as an instant star for the Lilywhites.

Pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed that Zabarnyi, who was once described as a "complete" defender by Jacek Kulig, went "under the radar" with his performances, as the defender won 63% of his duels and made zero errors that led to goals in 36 starts in the division.

The 22-year-old colossus is a reliable, error-free, and dominant central defender who rarely gets injured and always delivers on the pitch, which is exactly what Spurs need at the back.

This is why Zabarnyi, if Spurs can get a deal done, would be an even better signing than Kudus, who is coming off a disappointing season and may not hit the ground running as an instant star, as the Bournemouth gem could do based on his form last term.

Tottenham Hotspur continued their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign with a trip to Reading to face the League One side in a friendly on Saturday.

Thomas Frank's side beat the third tier outfit 2-0 on the day and there was a second-half debut for new signing Mohammed Kudus, who created four chances and assisted a goal.

The left-footed forward arrived from fellow Premier League side West Ham United earlier this month, and caught the eye with an impressive showing in his first outing for the club.

Kudus cleverly cut the ball back for Luka Vuskovic to wrap the ball into the far bottom corner, whilst it was also his corner that led to Will Lankshear's goal.

It was an excellent first showing by the former Hammers star against Reading, but he was not the only 'new' player to catch the eye as the scorer in the post above has created excitement among Spurs supporters.

Tottenham agreed to sign the centre-back from Hajduk Split in 2023 but had to wait until this summer for it to officially go through, and he looks to be an exciting talent.

Why Luka Vuskovic is an exciting talent

Vuskovic got Spurs fans excited with his performance against Reading on Saturday, as the central defender scored and assisted a goal from the heart of the defence.

Supporters may also be excited about the 18-year-old talent because of his performances on loan with Westerlo in the Belgian Pro League during the 2024/25 campaign.

Incredibly, the teenage defender ended the season with a haul of seven goals and two assists in 36 league appearances as a centre-back for the Belgian side, suggesting that his attacking exploits against Reading were not a surprise to those who knew about his talents.

As you can see in the table above, Vuskovic did not make tackles and interceptions at a particularly eye-catching rate, but he was dominant in his duels on the ground and in the air.

Whilst these statistics, in terms of his goal output and dominance in duels, are largely impressive, the Croatia international is yet to prove himself at the top level, as he has only been capped once by his country and has yet to play in a major league.

Overall, Vuskovic is a player who supporters can get excited about for the future, but they may also have to be realistic about what his role could be in the short-term, given his lack of experience at the top level.

Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly interested in signing another player in his position who could come in as an even bigger talent for Frank to work with.

Spurs lining up move for Italian defender

Speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, as relayed by The Boy Hotspur, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed the club are eyeing up a potential swoop for Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini.

The reporter said: "Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini during the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he’s on the radar of multiple clubs this summer… He is likely to cost around €60 million (£52m).”

However, Jacobs did not reveal whether or not Spurs are prepared to meet Atalanta's £52m asking price, or if they are likely to make an official approach for the Italy international, but they are seemingly lining up a move if they decide to act on their interest.

They could face competition for his signature if they do decide to make a move for him, though, as Newcastle United have also been linked with an interest in the 21-year-old colossus.

If Tottenham are able to strike an agreement with the Serie A outfit for the £52m-rated star, Frank could have an even bigger talent than Vuskovic to work with.

Why Scalvini is an even bigger talent than Vuskovic

Scalvini is three years older than the Croatian defender but was already playing in a major league and had been capped multiple times by Italy at the age of 18.

He made his debut against Germany at the age of 18 and was capped three times by his country before his 19th birthday in December 2022, whilst the centre-back also made his Serie A debut at the age of 17.

Scalvini played over 50 games in the Serie A before turning 20 and has played 89 times in the division to date, despite missing 58 matches through injury in the last two seasons combined.

The 21-year-old star, who was once described as a "dominant" defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has proven his quality in one of Europe's major leagues and been capped eight times by Italy, whilst Vuskovic has played once for Croatia and is yet to play a minute of football in a major European league.

In fact, as you can see in the post above, Atalanta described him as a "19-year-old veteran" in his second season at first-team level, whilst posting some of his impressive highlights whilst playing in the Serie A as a teenager.

Scalvini started 31 games in the Serie A in the 2023/24 campaign, before missing the majority of last term through injury, and showcased his defensive qualities with 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game and a 56% duel success rate.

This means that he made more than twice as many tackles and interceptions per match as Vuskovic did whilst playing in the Belgian Pro League last season, which is not one of the top five major European divisions.

Overall, Scalvini would arrive at Spurs as an even bigger talent than the Croatian centre-back because of the quality of his performances in the Serie A, as well as his exposure to top level football, domestically and internationally, at a similar age to the Tottenham man.

Whilst Vuskovic may go on to be an incredibly impressive centre-back for Spurs in the future, Scalvini is a young centre-back who has proven that he has the quality to make an instant impact, whilst also being one for the future.

Tottenham Hotspur are now in talks over a move to sign a £60m+ defender who has been likened to Virgil Van Dijk.

Tottenham kick off pre-season with win at Reading

Spurs began their preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season on Saturday afternoon, with new manager Thomas Frank seeing his side in action for the first time against League One side Reading.

Two second-half goals in the space of four minutes from Will Lankshear and Luka Vuskovic were enough to seal an opening pre-season victory for Spurs and Frank.

It was the first time supports got to see teenage defender Vuskovic in action, and he impressed with a goal, assist and clean sheet, saying after the game: “Everything is perfect. The club is behind me. The players, the staff, the coach, everyone is helping me a lot and I’m really happy.”

Meanwhile, Frank also liked what he saw from the Croatian teenager, adding: “Luka deserves the praise as well. A great header. Showed his physicality and his composure on the ball. He’s not getting stressed when opponents get close. And what a strike.”

Vuskovic could well rival the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin for a spot in the squad over the coming months, however, Spurs are also looking at another defensive addition.

Reports have linked Tottenham with a move to sign Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, with claims suggesting Spurs and Daniel Levy are ready to pay more than £60m for the Ukraine international.

Tottenham open talks for £60m+ Bournemouth star Zabarnyi

According to information from The Boot Room, Tottenham have been in contact with Bournemouth over a deal for Zabarnyi.

However, the report says Spurs have a difficult job on their hands trying to convince the defender of a move to north London, as he has already agreed terms in principle with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Now, Caught Offside have revealed that Tottenham have opened talks over a deal for Zabarnyi, with Spurs “willing to pay the full asking price” of around €70m, something which PSG aren't prepared to do at this moment in time.

Labelled a "dominant" player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Zabarnyi is still just 22 years of age and appears to be a star in the making.

As can be seen via Football Transfers, the Bournemouth star is already being likened to Liverpool captain Van Dijk and numerous other impressive centre-backs following his eye-catching two-and-a-half-year spell with the Cherries.

Spurs may have to look elsewhere for their defensive addition, though, or place more trust in Vuskovic with the games set to come thick and fast in 25/26.

Tottenham have now entered advanced talks to sell one player with "a lot of character", and the Lilywhites are said to have reached an agreement on the fee.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has seen Mathys Tel arrive on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich, to the tune of £30 million, with Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus following the Frenchman as they anxiously wait for a potential Morgan Gibbs-White move to go through next.

Nottingham Forest have written a letter to Spurs and the player's agent threatening legal action, following what they perceive to be an 'illegal' approach for the 25-year-old (Sky Sports), but Frank's side remain hopeful they'll be able to sign Gibbs-White before deadline day on September 1 (Fabrizio Romano).

In the meantime, attention is turning to other transfer targets, and Brentford star Yoane Wissa remains chief among them amid a reported preference to reunite with Frank in north London.

Tottenham are also yet to make a single sale this summer, despite uncertainty surrounding the futures of many squad members.

Bryan Gil has already confirmed his intention to leave Spurs, while Manor Solomon's sale would count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR after he signed as a free agent two years ago.

Richarlison is attracting interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia as well, with club captain Son Heung-min also tipped to leave this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

Alejo Veliz re-joined Rosario Central on loan, but this has been the sum of Daniel Levy's business in terms of outgoings, at least until now.

Tottenham in "advanced talks" to sell goalkeeper Josh Keeley

Indeed, according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, Tottenham are now in "advanced talks" to sell goalkeeper Josh Keeley.

The 22-year-old is now on the verge of a move to Kenilworth Road, and if all goes to plan, he'll be playing in League One next season following Luton's back-to-back relegations.

Tottenham apparently couldn't agree a new contract for the Irishman, who spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient, with Levy opting to part company despite rave reviews by managers who've worked with him.

"His reputation is growing all the time," Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens told BBC Radio London after their win against Derby County.

"I'm a big believer that goalkeepers, it's not making great saves from penalties, it's about having the character about you to believe you can save it. Josh has got that personality and that swagger.

"The fact that he comes up and keeps us in the competition with that header is the extreme, but the kid has got a lot of character and will go far in the game."

Tottenham are in the market for more players amid the ongoing drama surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White, and new manager Thomas Frank is believed to be pretty confident that they can land one of them.

Daniel Levy is reportedly keen to reinforce Frank's squad further, after sealing deals for Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus already this summer, and while they wait to find out if Gibbs-White is still possible amid Forest's threat of legal action, the Lilywhites are moving for different targets.

Alongside Gibbs-White, who Tottenham are still hopeful of signing (Fabrizio Romano), Spurs are believed to hold some interest in Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian has reportedly been told that he's free to find a new club this summer, and it's been reported that Luiz is pretty keen on a move to Tottenham if Levy decides it's worthwhile pursuing a deal.

Tottenham apparently want to sign a holding midfielder and new number six before deadline day, which isn't intertwined with their chase for Gibbs-White (Graeme Bailey), and they remain contenders to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

The Congolese centre-forward enjoyed the season of his life under Frank at the Gtech Community Stadium last term, scoring 19 Premier League goals, but they face stiff competition from both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe is now turning his attention towards Wissa after walking away from a deal for Hugo Ekitiké, who's already in advanced talks to join Liverpool (BBC).

While Spurs now face both Newcastle and Forest in the race for Wissa, Frank is believed to be hopeful that he can reunite with his former star behind-the-scenes.

Thomas Frank confident Tottenham will win Yoane Wissa race

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Tottenham are currently speaking to Wissa's camp over a move, and Frank is personally convinced that the former Lorient sensation would choose to join them ahead of Premier League rivals.

“Yoane Wissa’s camp are speaking to four or five different clubs at the moment," said Bailey.

"Tottenham and Newcastle are two of them, and both would love to sign him. Thomas Frank, who worked with Wissa at Brentford, is confident that he would choose Spurs if it came down to it.”

Wissa evolved into a proven scorer during his final season working with Frank, even joining the 100 club last campaign in terms of total career goals, and there is every reason to believe he could add to this tally at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, Brentford are highly unlikely to let both Bryan Mbeumo and Wissa leave in the same window, so a deal could well hinge on Man United's attempts to sign his teammate.

Tottenham are still very active in the transfer market as they look to give new manager Thomas Frank their full backing, and it is now believed that one target has submitted a transfer request in an attempt to join them.

Spurs have already completed deals for Mathys Tel - who made his switch from Bayern Munich permanent in a cut-price £30 million transfer - alongside both Kota Takai for a J-League record £5 million and winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham to the tune of £55 million.

Their £90 million expenditure thus far is a statement of intent ahead of Frank's first-ever managerial campaign in the Champions League too, with the 51-year-old never knowing pressure like this at any of his previous clubs.

However, by all accounts, the Lilywhites should've spent £150 million.

Frank was on the cusp of welcoming Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White to Hotspur Way, with the 25-year-old scheduled to have a medical last week as chairman Daniel Levy prepared to pay his £60 million release clause.

However, this transfer has now ground to a complete halt, due to Forest threatening legal action against Spurs after deeming their approach for Gibbs-White 'illegal'.

Evangelos Marinakis and co are said to be livid with both the manner of their contact with the player and the breach in confidentiality surrounding his release clause (Sky Sports), with Forest even adopting a firm 'not for sale' stance right now.

In any case, reliable media sources suggest that Tottenham are still hopeful that they can proceed with the Gibbs-White deals soon, and there is a belief that Forest will eventually be forced to step aside and let him complete a move to north London.

However, with the legality issue, this does now appear likely to drag on, and Frank will be hoping that it won't be for too long.

Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, who originally broke the story of Forest's legal action, stated on Wednesday that Gibbs-White has the option of threatening legal action of his own to force through a move to Tottenham - claiming a breach of contract.

Spurs could also offer Forest a higher fee in a bid to get their green light, but according to an update by The Boy Hotspur, Gibbs-White is attempting to take matters into his own hands.

Morgan Gibbs-White submits transfer request to join Tottenham

According to the media source, as quoted from his Patreon, Gibbs-White has submitted a transfer request to join Tottenham, and the 25-year-old can be considered a Spurs player.

“From a legal perspective, I understand that Evangelos Marinakis’ ambitions to thwart this transfer are hysterics that won’t achieve very much, if anything at all," said The Boy Hotspur.

"My understanding is that Morgan has handed in a transfer request and wants out.

"I’ve been told that the Premier League have received a complaint, and ultimately they will give direction, but to repeat the well-worn phrase, slavery was abolished in the 1830s in the UK. GIbbs-White will be a Spurs player, it’s done.”

The £80,000-per-week former Wolves star bagged seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone last season, playing a key role in Forest's push for European football.

He'd be an exceptional signing for Spurs ahead of what is a vital campaign, and supporters will be hoping this one really is done sooner rather than later.

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is said to be livid with a change of heart from Morgan Gibbs-White, which opened up his delayed potential move to Tottenham, according to an intriguing new report.

Forest have now written a letter to both Gibbs-White's agent and Spurs, threatening legal action over what they're convinced was an unlawful approach from the Lilywhites.

Thomas Frank was set to sign the 25-year-old late last week, with Tottenham poised to trigger his £60 million release clause. A medical was even booked last Friday at Hotspur Way, but after this unexpected twist, Gibbs-White has now been forced to wait.

Tottenham remain hopeful of signing Gibbs-White, despite Forest's intentions not to sell (Sky Sports), and the England international has reportedly made it clear to Marinakis that he wants to join Spurs.

However, Forest appear determined to at least drag out this move for as long as possible, if they can't stop it.

Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport on Monday that it is a very "tense" situation, but Spurs are confident they'll be able to proceed soon and make Gibbs-White their fourth signing of the summer after Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

If the potential £60 million deal goes through, it would take their summer spending to around £150 million, with chairman Daniel Levy making a serious statement of intent to back new manager Frank ahead of 2025/2026.

Forest are allegedly furious with both the confidentiality of Gibbs-White's release clause being exposed and Tottenham's approach to the player himself, which technically breaks Premier League rules, but it is also very commonplace in today's football transfer market (Rob Dorsett).

Taking this into account, a report by Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey has shared more information on the saga, with Marinakis angry for another key reason.

Forest livid after Tottenham hijack part-exchange deal involving Gibbs-White

According to Veysey, Forest were in advanced talks with Man City over a part-exchange deal, which would've seen Gibbs-White go to the Etihad Stadium and James McAtee head to the City Ground.

However, Tottenham hijacked City's move for Gibbs-White, which was close to being finalised, and the playmaker ultimately changed his mind about a move up north - choosing to join Frank's side instead.

This "U-turn" from Gibbs-White and his camp is said to have infuriated Marinakis, and a lot of his anger stems from this.

If Forest are forced to sell the former Wolves star to Spurs, they'll need to head back to the negotiating table with City for McAtee, and could end up paying an even higher transfer fee for the 22-year-old.

As supporters and clubs alike wait for this situation to be resolved, Gibbs-White is back training at Wilford Lane, but Forest still face the very real prospect of losing both Anthony Elanga and their star attacking midfielder in quick succession.

Tottenham remain optimistic of completing a deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, despite Nuno Espirito Santo's side now adopting a 'not for sale' stance, and the situation is becoming more complex by the day.

Forest are threatening both Spurs and the player's agent with legal action following what they believe was an 'illegal approach' for their playmaker (Rob Dorsett), with the dispute surrounding a 'breach in confidentiality' after the Lilywhites triggered his £60 million release clause.

"Even though it is relatively commonplace for clubs to sound out their would-be transfer targets in advance, 'tapping up' (or any meaningful negotiation) is banned under the Premier League rules," wrote Dorsett, who originally broke this story, in an article for Sky.

"Rule T.3 in the Premier League handbook says a buying club must get written permission from the selling club before approaching any player, or they face disciplinary action.

"Forest have a contractual agreement for the terms of Gibbs-White's contract - and specifically the level of his release clause - to be kept confidential, so if that has been breached, they have a legal case."

Gibbs-White was scheduled to have a medical at Hotspur Way on Friday after a round of quick-fire talks, and the 25-year-old looked nailed on to become Tottenham's fourth signing of the summer after Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

There is an expectation from some that Tottenham will eventually sign Gibbs-White regardless and Forest may eventually have to stand aside. However, the transfer now looks set to be dragged out as a result of Forest's legal claim.

Taking into account the rules which Thomas Frank's side are alleged to have broken, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has explained what could happen if Spurs are found guilty, or if the Premier League do indeed to choose to investigate.

The punishments Tottenham face if found guilty of 'illegal' Gibbs-White approach

Crook shared that Tottenham could face two potential punishments over the 'illegal' Gibbs-White approach.

It is believed that Spurs may face a fine or even a transfer ban if it is discovered that they've violated the rules, but top flight chiefs are yet to decide if they will even investigate Forest's pleas.

In the meantime, Gibbs-White has returned to Forest training, holding 'showdown talks' with the club as their ongoing battle with Tottenham continues. Crook reiterates that there is still hope an agreement will be reached, so the former Wolves star's switch to N17 is by no means off the table.

Gibbs-White was a key player under Nuno last season, bagging seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone during Forest's chase for a Champions League spot, which they agonisingly fell short of on the final day.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is reported to be a real admirer of another England international, who's made his way on to the Dane's summer transfer shortlist amid all the drama surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White's potential move to north London.

Spurs are ready to back Frank with more new signings before deadline day on September 1, after already sealing deals for Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai and Mathys Tel for a combined fee of around £90 million.

After a round of quick-fire talks late last week, Tottenham were ready to trigger the 25-year-old's £60 million release clause, and his transfer to N17 was so advanced that Spurs booked medical tests for Gibbs-White on Friday.

However, in a stunning twist, Forest then unexpectedly blocked his move, amid a complaint to the Premier League, with Evangelos Marinakis and co believing Tottenham tapped up Gibbs-White and obtained knowledge of his release clause illegally (Ben Jacobs).

Now, Forest are adamant that Gibbs-White isn't going anywhere (Sky Sports), but Spurs still remain hopeful of eventually getting a deal done.

As Frank waits for further clarification on whether the Lilywhites can indeed get Gibbs-White over the line, with Forest digging their heels in, reports suggest that Tottenham also want to add a new traditional central midfielder to their ranks.

Thomas Frank wants to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton

According to GiveMeSport, a 'leading target' for Frank in that position is Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton.

The England international's 2024 performances earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad for the Euros, and even though his latest campaign was hampered somewhat by injury, Wharton is still regarded as one of the country's best rising stars.

GMS reports that Frank has personally identified Wharton as a potential Tottenham signing, and what's more, they might not be deterred by the 21-year-old's seismic £100 million price tag.

Palace are using Declan Rice's £105 million move to Arsenal in 2023 as a yardstick for Wharton's valuation, as they hold the player in similar regard, but this hasn't completely turned Spurs away. They could yet still open talks for the ex-Blackburn Rovers starlet in an "ambitious" move, even if Daniel Levy would have to completely shatter Tottenham's transfer record.

Thomas Frank is undoubtedly set to enter the biggest campaign of his managerial career in 2025/26, as he takes the reins as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

The Dane may have led Brentford into the Premier League, but he will undoubtedly be under a whole new pressure given the expectations of the supporters in North London.

Success in the Europa League will only have increased the demands put on his shoulders, with the 51-year-old brought in to replace Ange Postecoglou during the off-season.

A European triumph is one thing, but given the Aussie’s dismissal, it’s clear owner Daniel Levy wants the club to be as competitive as possible in England’s top flight.

If the new boss wants to make an immediate impact in North London, he will ultimately be relying on new additions to achieve the desired effect, leading to numerous names appearing on their shortlist.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Morgan Gibbs-White’s transfer saga is one that could drag on throughout the summer transfer window, with no end in sight for his move to Spurs despite triggering his £60m release clause.

However, after Nottingham Forest threatened legal action for an illegal approach, it remains to be seen whether a deal will get completed during the current window.

Other targets are now being drawn up as a result, with Liverpool star Harvey Elliott now on their radar as an option, according to Football Insider’s latest report.

They claim that the Lilywhites are set to enter talks with the 22-year-old’s representatives, with the forward wanting a move away from Anfield to further his career after making just two league starts last campaign.

It also states that Newcastle United remain as another side in the race for his signature, leading to a £40m price tag being mooted for his signature as a result.

Why Spurs’ £40m target is a bigger talent than Gibbs-White

After seemingly having a deal pushed in the right direction, it would be a disappointment to miss out on a deal for the England international this summer.

His tally of seven goals and eight assists in England’s top flight last campaign are evidence of the talents he possesses, with such a record undoubtedly aiding Frank’s quest for success.

It remains unclear whether he would be open to a move to join the Lilywhites this summer, but he would be a superb addition, whilst also having the potential to improve further, given he’s just 25 years of age.

£60m would be a superb price tag, as seen by the Reds’ displeasure over them activating his release clause, but they may be better off making a move for another attacking talent.

Elliott may prove to be a bigger talent, given he’s three years younger than his compatriot, whilst also producing various better stats in the Premier League last campaign.

The Liverpool star, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Jonathan Higgins, registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90 - having the capability to create opportunities for those around him.

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted in 2024/25, whilst registering more progressive carries into the final third per 90 - highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Elliott’s dominance doesn’t end there, matching the same goal per shot on target rate as Gibbs-White, subsequently handing Frank the added threat he desires in the final third.

Given the difference in fee and stats, it’s clear that Elliott would be a phenomenal addition for the Lilywhites, arguably allowing them to forget about the Forest star in the process.

It still remains unclear whether a deal can be completed for the Reds' talent, but they can avoid the whole process if they decide to make a move for the Liverpool gem in the coming weeks.