Sports Mole

White new contract: Tottenham Hotspur transfer off as Nottingham Forest star signs new deal in Thomas Frank blow

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Gibbs-White new deal at Forest see Spurs and Frank suffer - Sports Mole
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Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new contract to stay at the City Ground until 2028, news that has ended speculation he could sign for Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs supporters' faith in the team had been building this summer, with the additions of players like Mohammed Kudus boosting manager Thomas Frank's squad.

The head coach may have expected to have welcomed Forest attacker Gibbs-White into the club given they had activated his £60m release clause.

However, the deal stalled after the Garibaldi threatened to complain to the Premier League about grievances over the breach of a confidentiality agreement regarding his buyout clause.

Now any transfer to Tottenham appears to be off after Forest announced on their website that Gibbs-White had signed fresh terms.

What next for Tottenham and Frank after Gibbs-White blow?

Gibbs-White would have added considerably to Tottenham's squad given he possesses many technical and athletic qualities, but there is an arguement that he should not have been a priority.

The Forest attacker prefers to operate in a central position, but Spurs forwards James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Kudus are capable of playing behind a striker.

Kudus and Kulusevski in particular profile similarly to Gibbs-White in terms of athleticism, and perhaps the Londoners can now use the funds they would have committed to the Englishman elsewhere.

Tottenham conceded 65 times last season in the Premier League and finished 17th, and the team would almost certainly benefit from further defensive additions.

Is Gibbs-White's deal a victory for the rest of the Premier League?

Nottingham Forest have already sold Anthony Elanga this summer, but the fact they have kept hold of arguably their best player will be a welcome boost to boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Keeping the 25-year-old could also represent a boost to many of the other sides in the Premier League, providing hope that clubs can resist the pressure to sell their stars to the richest teams in the division.

Bournemouth lost Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers sold Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and a number of other players have also joined the league's elite.

The ability to retain key stars could help the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest challenge the teams in the top half of the table.

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min offer worth £15m made as North Londoners 'consider' bid

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End of an era? Spurs 'considering' £15m offer for club - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly toying with the idea of accepting an offer for Son Heung-min.

As he nears the completion of a decade in North London, Son is a bonafide club legend with 173 goals and 101 assists from 454 appearances in all competitions.

However, at the age of 33, the South Korea international is no longer at the peak of his powers, even if he still netted seven times and chipped in with 10 assists in last season's Premier League.

With just a year left on his contract, it is realistic to expect widespread interest in the versatile attacker, particularly if he is open to a fresh challenge.

According to The Sun, club officials are giving thought to accept a £15m bid that has arrived for his signature.

Which club wants to sign Son?

The report suggests that Los Angeles FC are eager to tempt Son to MLS over the coming weeks.

Spurs are seemingly prepared to accept anywhere between £15m and £20m for the player, who is yet to decide on his future.

That may take some time with Son not in a position to leave Spurs until after a friendly against Newcastle United in South Korea on August 3.

If Son does not feature in that match, Spurs would face a financial penalty due to the terms and conditions of their contract for the game.

Los Angeles currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference table, albeit with at least two matches in hand and only trailing leaders San Diego FC by seven points.

Right time for Son to leave Spurs?

Son is at the stage of his career where he may be relishing one of his final chances to play in the Champions League, and Spurs value what he brings in terms of experience and adding to squad-depth.

On the flip side, though, he faces a battle to remain as first choice in the final third when Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus have been signed on long-term contracts.

Much may depend on whether Son is content with becoming a squad option in Thomas Frank's squad, although that may be something that benefits him when it comes to trying to stay injury-free.

Spurs would ideally like to generate a fee for Son, yet his status at the club could ensure that an eventual free transfer may not be as detrimental as it could be given the riches on offer in the Champions League.

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Spurs transfer news: Real Madrid attacker identified as 'statement' summer target

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Premier League giant 'ready to join race' for Real Madrid - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering whether to join the race to sign Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo.

The Brazil international has been a key player for Los Blancos for much of his time at the Bernabeu, starting in 2019.

However, despite contributing 68 goals and 51 assists from 270 appearances, the 24-year-old is at risk of not being relied upon by Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo featured for just 92 minutes during the recent Club World Cup, playing three games but also remaining as an unused substitute on three occasions.

Speculation persists that the forward could be allowed to depart Real Madrid for the right price, there known to be Premier League interest.

Spurs to join Rodrygo race?

According to AS, Spurs may look to make a 'statement' in the transfer market by signing Rodrygo ahead of some of their English rivals.

Mathys Tel has already joined on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich, where he was followed by West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus for £55m.

Nevertheless, it appears that chairman Daniel Levy wants to make his mark ahead of the club's return to the Champions League.

The report alleges that Levy will attempt to lower Rodrygo's asking price below €90m (£78.21m), relying on the relationship that they hold with their Real Madrid counterparts.

Liverpool and Arsenal have also been credited as admirers of Rodrygo, yet it remains to be seen whether those teams will move onto other targets.

Where does Rodrygo stand?

While Real Madrid are happy to retain Rodrygo's services, it is suggested that he will have the final decision over his future, providing that his asking price is met.

That is allegedly due to Real Madrid being happy to generate funds in order to strengthen other areas of the pitch.

The emergence of Gonzalo Garcia down the middle of the attack has been an unforeseen bonus, while a cheaper alternative to Rodrygo could be acquired if he left for £70m+.

Rodrygo still has three years remaining on his contract.

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Tottenham transfer news: Why the deal for Morgan Gibbs

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Gibbs-White to Tottenham: Why the deal remains on hold? - Sports Mole
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The release clause is a fee specified in some players' contracts that, when paid by another club, obliges the club holding the player's rights to allow his departure. This was Tottenham Hotspur's strategy to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest. However, the deal was blocked and could end up in court.

Earlier this month, Spurs made a move for the attacking midfielder for a fee of £60m, a sum that supposedly matched the release clause stipulated in his contract with Forest.

However, according to Sky Sports News, Nottingham Forest threatened legal action against Tottenham, claiming that the 25-year-old Englishman was tapped up and that there was a breach of confidentiality regarding the player's contract.

As a result, Gibbs-White remains available to coach Nuno Espirito Santo for pre-season. Forest are open to negotiating for their number 10 during this transfer window, but the lack of interest from other clubs may force a reconciliation with Spurs.

Legal dispute over unauthorised contact and confidentiality breach

Nottingham Forest claim they did not authorise any prior contact between Tottenham and Gibbs-White, which would constitute a direct approach without consent. This move would violate Premier League rules regarding negotiations with contracted players.

In addition, Forest argue that Spurs leaked confidential information about the English midfielder’s release clause. Nottingham Forest’s management believe this strategic detail was improperly disclosed by Tottenham during negotiations, potentially benefiting other clubs.

Since then, Forest have cut off communications with Spurs and notified their legal team that, should Gibbs-White leave under these circumstances, they will take the case to the Premier League and, if necessary, to civil court to protect their rights.

Despite the behind-the-scenes dispute, Forest’s number 10 has remained professional and continues to participate in preparations for the 2025-26 season. However, Gibbs-White has rejected all contract renewal attempts in recent months.

The attacking midfielder’s current contract runs until June 2027. Therefore, Forest know that if they want to profit from the Englishman, now is the time to negotiate, in order to avoid losing him for free at the end of his deal.

No takers for Forest’s £100m valuation

Evangelos Marinakis, owner of Nottingham Forest, had hoped that Manchester City would renew their interest in Gibbs-White, as they did at the start of the transfer window. But the Citizens currently have no plans to sign any more midfielders.

In recent weeks, Pep Guardiola has brought in Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Sverre Nypan to help fill the gap left by Kevin De Bruyne, who moved to Napoli. Before completing those deals, Manchester City had monitored Forest’s number 10, who was valued at £100m.

That asking price was not accepted by the Citizens, who instead spent £89.8m on Cherki, Reijnders and Nypan combined. Shortly after, Tottenham tried to trigger Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause.

So far, no other club has shown concrete interest in the English attacking midfielder. In other words, Nottingham Forest may be forced to resume talks with Spurs, who maintain they have done nothing wrong. If the impasse continues, Gibbs-White may well remain at the City Ground.

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Man United midfielder on Tottenham's radar as Thomas Frank's side eye 'shock' summer transfer

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'Shock' transfer on the cards as Tottenham monitor Man - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping a close eye on Kobbie Mainoo's situation at Manchester United, with the North London club preparing a move for the central midfielder.

Mainoo had a frustrating 2024-25 campaign at Old Trafford, with the England international failing to nail down a spot in Ruben Amorim's first XI.

The 20-year-old was used as a central midfielder, a number 10 and even a false nine, but he found it difficult to excel in any position, and there has been speculation surrounding his future of late.

Mainoo is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in English football, but he is yet to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, with his current contract due to expire in June 2027.

Talk of a move away from Man United this summer has quietened in recent weeks, but according to TBR Football, Tottenham are keeping a close eye on his situation at Old Trafford.

Tottenham 'monitoring Mainoo' ahead of possible move

The report claims that Tottenham 'appreciate' Mainoo and would be ready to move for him this summer if it became clear that he was interested in a switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mainoo has seven goals and two assists in 72 appearances for Man United, including two goals and one assist in 37 appearances for the Red Devils during the 2024-25 campaign.

The midfielder featured in Man United's pre-season opener against Leeds United on Saturday, and he is currently with the Red Devils squad in the United States on their pre-season tour.

As it stands, it seems unlikely that Mainoo will leave Man United this summer, even if a new midfielder arrives, as he is said to be in the plans of head coach Amorim despite his issues last term.

Will Man United sign a new midfielder this summer?

Man United did not renew Christian Eriksen's contract, so they are technically a player down in the middle, although Sekou Kone is an outstanding youngster and a player who is capable of playing an important role in 2025-26.

Toby Collyer, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes are also options in that area alongside Mainoo, and it will be fascinating to see how the team lines up at the start of the new season.

A central midfielder may be signed later in the transfer window, but there should still be space for Mainoo, who may be used more as a number 10 by Amorim during the new campaign.

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Tottenham transfer news: Loan deal confirmed as 20

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"Significant coup" sealed as Spurs youngster leaves on loan - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Ashley Phillips has rejoined Championship outfit Stoke City on loan for the 2025-26 campaign.

The 20-year-old - who was an unused substitute in Spurs' 2-0 friendly victory over Reading at the weekend - was a mainstay of the Potters side during his first loan spell last season.

Phillips made 35 Championship appearances for Stoke in the 2024-25 campaign, as well as scoring one goal in an EFL Cup fourth-round defeat to Southampton.

The 2005-born defender may have been hopeful of a shot at first-team football at Tottenham next season, but Thomas Frank has reinforced his defensive ranks with the arrivals of Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic this summer.

As a result, Phillips will spend a second spell at the bet365 Stadium for the upcoming season, and his re-signing was described as a "significant coup" by Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters.

Tottenham's Phillips joins Stoke in "significant" transfer coup

"Being able to bring Ashley back to Stoke City despite plenty of competition is down to him loving his time here last season so much, and a lot of work that took place behind the scenes to make it happen," Walters told the official Stoke website.

"I know the support he received from our fans was a huge part of his positive experience of our club and I’m looking forward to seeing that bond develop even further.

“With the attributes he has and what he’s already achieved as a central defender at such a young age, Ashley, for me, is a potential full international of the future.

“To have him playing for us for another season is a significant coup and we all can’t wait to see him back on the field in a Stoke City shirt, doing what he does best for the Potters."

Meanwhile, Phillips explained that it was a "no-brainer" to return to the Championship club for another spell, adding: "It feels like unfinished business. I am absolutely buzzing to be back.

Spurs' Phillips: 'No-brainer to re-sign for Stoke'

"I feel really valued, the coaching staff are brilliant, the gaffer has been amazing with me and presented me with the plan he has to help me to develop, it made it a no-brainer.

"Working with Ryan Shawcross in particular is great for me. He helped my game immeasurably last year and I am sure that will be the case again this season.

“Also, through thick and thin, our fans have turned up and supported us. They have been great to me, I know they will continue to be, and we will need them throughout the whole season."

Phillips joined Spurs from Blackburn Rovers for circa £2m in the summer of 2023, but the defender is yet to make his senior competitive debut for the Lilywhites.

The England Under-20 international also spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan with Plymouth Argyle, playing 20 matches while at Home Park.

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs becoming 'serious' to sign £40m Man Utd attacker

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Tottenham becoming 'serious' to sign £40m Man Utd attacker - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly becoming 'more serious' in their pursuit of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, and they are tempted to submit a formal offer to sign him.Â

The Argentine winger has been left out of the pre-season tour of America, and the Red Devils are eager to see him gone.Â

The 21-year-old has fallen out of favour under Amorim, and his price tag has been slashed to £40m in the past 24 hours.Â

According to a report from GIVEMESPORT, Spurs have real interest in Garnacho, but the north London club could face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa, both have held talks with United over a potential deal.Â

While Tottenham have upped the ante in their pursuit of Garnacho this week, Thomas Frank and the recruitment department have not made a final decision on whether to submit a formal bid for the winger.Â

Garnacho would be a smart signing for TottenhamÂ

It is clear that Garnacho has no future at Old Trafford. His exit is inevitable, leaving the door open for Tottenham to take advantage.Â

The Argentine wants to stay in the Premier League, and this should come as a major boost for Spurs and other domestic rivals.Â

Garnacho scored ten goals and provided nine assists in all competitions for United last season, and he is definitely good enough to play for Spurs, who can lure him away with the offer of Champions League football.Â

Tottenham completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham this month, but another quality attacker is needed, as uncertainty grows over the future of club skipper, Heung-min Son.Â

Tottenham not giving up on Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest reportedly threatened Spurs with legal action, due to concerns that the north Londoners had made an illegal approach, as well as a breach of confidentiality, while trying to sign Gibbs-White.Â

The report claims that Spurs are determined to land Gibbs-White, but they are working to make another attacking acquisition at the same time.Â

Spurs will have a great transfer window if they can land both Garnacho and Gibbs-White, but it is easier said than done.Â

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Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'remain keen' on signing 21

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Tottenham 'remain keen' on signing 21-cap Engl - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among clubs who admire Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.Â

Gallagher joined the La Liga club last summer from Chelsea for a fee of around £34m in a deal that saw Joao Felix moving in the opposite direction.Â

The 25-year-old made 50 appearances for the Rojiblancos under Diego Simeone in the 2024-25 season, scoring four goals.Â

According to a report from TBR Football, Spurs boss Thomas Frank appreciates him, and while Gallagher is happy at Atletico, intermediaries have been put in touch to gauge his potential options.Â

Newcastle United are also interested in the former Chelsea midfielder, and the Magpies are exploring the possibilities to bring him back to the Premier League.

Gallagher fits the bill at TottenhamÂ

Spurs were heavily keen to sign Gallagher before he moved to Atletico, and they could rekindle their interest this summer.Â

The north London club are looking to sign a new number six this summer, and the former Chelsea midfielder would be perfect for them.Â

While he is happy in Spain and probably feels that he has made the right move, the chance of returning to the Premier League could be too tempting to reject outright, especially when Spurs and Newcastle can offer him Champions League football next season.Â

Spurs have reportedly held talks to sign Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha, but Gallagher would be a better option.Â

Could Gallagher be tempted to move to Tottenham?Â

The 21-cap England international may drop down the pecking order at the Wanda Metropolitano next season.Â

Diego Simeone has brought in five new players this summer, and Gallagher could face competition for a regular starting role.Â

The Chelsea academy graduate will be aware that he needs to play regularly to keep his place intact in Thomas Tuchel's squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup, and therefore, a potential move to Tottenham could appeal to him.Â

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Tottenham transfer news: £60.7m bid 'prepared' for PSG, Chelsea

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Thomas could trump PSG as Spurs prepare £60.7m bid for - Sports Mole
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Tottenham Hotspur will supposedly have no qualms about paying Bournemouth's 'full asking price' for defender Illia Zabarnyi amid links with Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports emerged earlier this month claiming that the Europa League winners were planning to hijack PSG's move for Zabarnyi, who shone alongside Dean Huijsen in the Cherries' backline last season.

Huijsen was eventually courted by Real Madrid and completed a £50m switch to the Bernabeu, and Andoni Iraola is now at serious risk of losing his other starting centre-back.

Bournemouth are under little pressure to sell immediately given that the Ukraine international's contract does not expire until 2029, but either Spurs or PSG could stump up an offer that is too good to refuse.

While Les Parisiens would understandably be expected to trump Spurs financially, CaughtOffside instead suggests that the Lilywhites could present a higher offer than the European champions.

Tottenham 'preparing £60.7m offer' for PSG-linked Zabarnyi

PSG have supposedly failed with a series of bids of around £52m, whereas Tottenham are prepared to meet Bournemouth's 'full asking price' of €70m (£60.7m) for the 22-year-old.

The Lilywhites are understood to have earmarked Zabarnyi as one of their leading contenders to replace Cristian Romero, who is believed to remain a serious target for Atletico Madrid in the current window.

However, the report adds that Zabarnyi remains fully focused on PSG and is not currently considering offers from other teams, thereby dealing Spurs a potentially crushing setback.

Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool are seemingly in the same boat as Tottenham, having also taken a keen interest in Zabarnyi, who has submitted a transfer request at Bournemouth which is currently under 'internal review'.

The 2002-born centre-back has only missed three Premier League matches over the previous two seasons at Bournemouth and has scored one goal and provided one assist in 86 games for the club in total.

What is the latest with Romero's Tottenham future?

Spurs will likely only make a serious move for Zabarnyi if it becomes clear that Romero is on the way out, but that is not the case right now and should not be the case anytime soon.

The Argentine's contract situation is a slight worry, as he is now in the last two years of his agreement with no extension in sight, but Thomas Frank is confident that he sees his immediate future at Tottenham.

"Right now he’s here, that’s what I’m focusing on," Frank said before Saturday's 2-0 friendly victory over Reading, where Romero played 45 minutes.

"As long as players are here, I’m training them, I’m playing with them. He’s definitely here and very committed. I know he’s looking forward to the season."

However, even if Romero leaves, Tottenham have Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic coming through the ranks; the latter scored and assisted in Saturday's success at the Madejski Stadium.

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White transfer rumours and delivers triple Tottenham injury update

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Transfers and triples: Frank comments on Gibbs-White - Sports Mole
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Thomas Frank remained tight-lipped on rumours surrounding a transfer for Morgan Gibbs-White as he held his first press conference since becoming Tottenham Hotspur head coach.

The former Brentford boss faced the media at Hotspur Way on Friday as Spurs prepare to begin their pre-season in Saturday's friendly clash with Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

Frank has overseen the arrivals of Kota Takai, Mohammed Kudus and Luka Vuskovic since taking the reins, while Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel's loans have been converted into permanent moves, and Spurs have since turned their attention to Gibbs-White.

It was claimed earlier this month that the Englishman's move to North London from Nottingham Forest was on the verge of completion, as Spurs triggered a £60m clause in his Garibaldi contract, but the Lilywhites are now facing a legal threat.

Forest have complained to the Premier League over what they felt was an illegal approach for the player, but Tottenham apparently remain confident that they will get a deal over the line in due course.

Frank tight-lipped on Gibbs-White Tottenham transfer rumours

Frank was inevitably questioned on the situation on Friday, but the Dane insisted that he was not in a position to comment about players that were not his own.

"You know me well so I will use what I've always said and that is that I won't speak about players from outside the club," football.london quotes the Spurs head coach as saying.

From incomings to possible outgoings, Frank was also asked about Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero, two players who have been persistently linked with exits from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer window.

"Two top players, Sonny has been here for 10 years and finally got his well deserved trophy in the summer. Cristian Romero, World Cup winner, Copa America winner twice, very important for us," he added.

"Both have trained well and set the standards. Both will play tomorrow and I'm very happy. Tomorrow we'll have two 45 minutes and Son and Romero will be the captains in both."

Frank provides double Spurs injury update before Reading friendly

In addition to transfer rumours, Frank also delivered his first Tottenham injury update as he provided the latest on James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski's recoveries.

Dragusin has been sidelined for almost half a year due to a severe ACL problem, while Maddison and Kulusevski both sustained knee injuries during the last knockings of the campaign and missed the Europa League final win over Manchester United.

However, the Englishman is on track to be fit for the start of the campaign, as Frank added: "James [Maddison] is part-training with the team so that's positive. Dragusin and Kulusevski are a little bit further away."

Following Saturday's friendly with Reading, Spurs clash with Luton Town on July 26 before embarking on a pre-season tour of Asia, where clashes with Arsenal and Newcastle United await.

The Lilywhites will then conclude their exhibition period against Bayern Munich on August 7, six days before battling Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.

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