The Telegraph

The thought of Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou hiring professional pickpockets to steal the phones of his players prompts hoots of laughter from some of those that know him best.

Not out of disrespect for Mikel Arteta’s trick to teach his Arsenal players to stay alert or any derision of the idea, but because, to put it bluntly, Postecoglou does not do gimmicks.

If Postecoglou needs his players to be on their toes, then he tells them to be - as was clear when the television microphones picked up the Australian laying into his players during a drinks break in the pre-season friendly against a K League XI.

There wasn’t anything friendly about Postecoglou’s X-rated rant, as he instructed his players to press man-for-man. But communication is one of his strong points and those who witnessed some of his squad meetings and pre-match team-talks last season rate them among the very best they have heard.

Despite momentarily losing his temper in Korea, Postecoglou was far happier with Tottenham’s pre-season this year. Given Spurs had a game cancelled and ended up playing Singapore Premier League side Lion City Sailors instead of Roma 12 months ago, a few complaints about the quality of the hotel WiFi this time around could be easily forgiven.

And rather than starting the season on the back of selling Tottenham’s record goalscorer, Harry Kane, Postecoglou can look forward to this campaign - which starts against Leicester City on Monday night - with his No 1 transfer target for the summer in his squad.

Tottenham started behind-the-scenes work on signing Dominic Solanke in June and while the deal was far from straightforward, it put a smile on the face of Postecoglou, who had been unequivocal in his determination for the club to sign an out-and-out No 9.

Given Tottenham’s immediate need for someone to put the ball in the back of the net, Postecoglou told the rest of the club’s transfer committee that he wanted somebody with experience of playing in the Premier League, who could handle playing 40 to 45 games with a Europa League campaign on the horizon and who could fit into his tactical plan.

It was quickly agreed that Solanke ticked every box and Tottenham have undoubtedly signed somebody for now by agreeing to a deal worth £65 million for a 26-year-old, which shows that the Postecoglou project is about trying to win things as quickly as possible.

Whether or not those on the outside believe it is realistic, Postecoglou will send his team out for the season with the intention of winning every competition - including the Premier League title - they enter.

There are theories around the league that there may be an opportunity for clubs to profit from the uncertainty of Pep Guardiola’s future past this season and the 115 charges against Manchester City, which could prove to be a distraction. Liverpool could be set for a period of transition under a new head coach, while Arsenal must deal with the pressure of going so close on two successive occasions.

It might all prove to be wishful thinking, but Postecoglou’s Tottenham team must be ready to take advantage if some of their rivals trip up.

Tottenham’s players simply ran out of steam at the end of their first season under Postecoglou and they must now combine the domestic calendar with Europe. But there is confidence they will now be in better physical shape to last the course and that the squad is better suited to him.

Postecoglou would have ideally liked to team Solanke with Conor Gallagher, but Chelsea never quoted Spurs less than £45 million, despite agreeing to sell him to Atletico Madrid for £33.7 million.

The priority for Postecoglou was Solanke and he accepted that it would have been difficult for Spurs to finance the signing of two players for a combined £110 million when there is work to be done elsewhere in the squad, either in this transfer window or in future windows.

Postecoglou was similarly understanding that a move for Nico Williams was never particularly realistic. Tottenham were one of a clutch of clubs to enquire what the conditions of a deal would be and were told that the winger’s £50 million Athletic Bilbao release clause could only be triggered by one immediate payment.

Tottenham’s strategy has been to shape the squad into a closer image of their head coach and what he demands from players. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - who joined Marseille - is still recognised inside the club as being an excellent midfielder, but he simply does not suit Postecoglou’s style. Emerson Royal, who moved to AC Milan, did not want to be Pedro Porro’s distant understudy while he retains ambitions to play for Brazil.

The plan is for more exits before the transfer window shuts and just who leaves may dictate any remaining incoming business, which, other than Solanke, has seen two young talents of enormous potential arrive at Tottenham this summer.

Archie Gray was not viewed as a priority target at the start of the window, but when Tottenham got wind that the 18-year-old could be joining Brentford the club quickly made their move.

The feeling within Spurs is that Gray is ready to help provide cover at right-back this season, but will eventually develop into a top-class midfielder and that versatility and promise was attractive to Postecoglou.

Tottenham agreed a deal to sign another 18-year-old, Lucas Bergvall, in February but the midfielder has only joined Postecoglou’s squad this summer and it is fair to say that everybody has been impressed with what they have seen.

Johan Lange, Tottenham’s technical director, has been credited with beating Barcelona to the signing of Bergvall, who is rated as one of the best young European talents in the game. Those who have seen him close up are excited about what the Swede can achieve once he can get fit enough to carry out Postecoglou’s instructions for full games.

The structured and methodical way in which Lange works has helped chairman Daniel Levy get on with what he is good at, negotiating. The pair have been joined in recruitment meetings by Postecoglou and chief football officer Scott Munn.

Fabio Paratici remains close to Levy, but has not been present in meetings or played a role in any of the major incomings or outgoings to date, which marks a shift in Tottenham’s approach to the transfer window.

The biggest change, however, is that Tottenham are a team that go into the season wanting to win with Postecoglou looking to pick the pockets of the opposition, rather than his own players.

Oxford United are hoping to sign the Tottenham Hotspur striker Dane Scarlett on a season-long loan.

Talks are ongoing between Tottenham and the newly-promoted Championship club over the highly-rated 20-year-old. It is understood that Spurs are prepared to loan Scarlett out for the campaign so he can gain further experience.

Oxford are in the market for a No 9 to provide competition for Mark Harris. Their need has become more pressing after another injury set-back suffered by Will Goodwin, who has damaged ankle ligaments.

Signing Scarlett, who is wanted by other Championship clubs, would be something of a coup for Oxford who got their first season back in the Championship in 25 years off to a flying start on Saturday with a hugely impressive 2-0 win over promotion hopefuls Norwich City, with Harris among the scorers.

Scarlett has been a prolific goal-scorer for Spurs at youth level with 29 goals in 42 games and has also had two previous loan spells – at Ipswich Town, in the first half of last season, and Portsmouth, previous to that, who were promoted along with Oxford.

Spurs want Scarlett’s next move to be at a club that not only plays progressive football but where he has a chance to feature regularly in his preferred position of centre-forward.

Scarlett’s exciting potential has been discussed for the past few seasons with Jose Mourinho, when he was in charge of Spurs, tipping him as a future England international. He was a key member of the England Under-19 squad that won the European Championships in 2022.

Scarlett has already made 10 appearances for Spurs first-team but it has been decided that the best option for his development is another period on loan, especially after the £65 million signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

If Scarlett signs for Oxford it will be the ambitious club’s 12 signing of the summer transfer window as they have moved decisively to strengthen their squad in a bid to remain in the Championship. They have just taken promising winger Malcolm Ebiowei, also on loan, from Crystal Palace.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is facing an internal investigation after filming himself inhaling nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas” or “hippy crack”.

In footage Bissouma could be seen taking hits from a balloon. The Sun has reported that the videos were filmed on Saturday evening, after Spurs had played Bayern Munich in their final pre-season match.

In a statement, Bissouma said: “I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgement. I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”

A Tottenham spokesman told The Sun: “We are looking into the events. This will be dealt with as an internal matter.”

Bissouma must wait to see if he faces any punishment from his club or indeed a police investigation, as it is now a criminal offence to possess nitrous oxide with intent to inhale it for a psychoactive effect.

The ban on “laughing gas” came into place in November last year as part of the government’s anti-social behaviour action plan. Potential consequences include an unlimited fine, a “visible community punishment” and a prison sentence for repeat serious offenders.

It is still possible to use the gas for legitimate reasons, such as in catering or pain relief during labour.

Bissouma’s apology comes just a week before Spurs begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Leicester City on Monday, Aug 19. The 27-year-old has become a key player for Spurs following his £25 million move from Brighton in 2022.

Last month, Manchester City and England goalkeeper Khiara Keating appeared in court charged with possession of canisters of nitrous oxide.

The 20-year-old, of Manchester, was jointly charged alongside her mother, Nicola Keating, 48, with possession of a Class C drug on June 18 after an investigation by Greater Manchester Police. They pleaded not guilty and have been granted unconditional bail ahead of a further hearing next month.

Harry Kane appeared to refuse to lift the trophy after Bayern Munich beat his former side Tottenham Hotspur to win the Visit Malta Cup.

The England captain, who is yet to win a major trophy for club or country, returned to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since securing a move to Germany last summer.

Kane, 31, came off the bench to a standing ovation from Spurs fans before helping guide Vincent Kompany’s side to a 3-2 victory in the pre-season friendly.

But in what appears to be an act of respect to the club where he spent 14 years, Kane refused to lift the trophy after the match.

Camera footage appears to show Kane continuously nodding his head and whispering to German international Joshua Kimmich as he hands over the armband at full-time. The striker is also seen mouthing ‘no’. It is also unknown whether Kane joined his team to lift the trophy.

Kane, who is Tottenham’s leading goalscorer with 280 goals, was presented with a special commemorative gift by fellow club legend Ledley King before the match alongside Eric Dier, who also left Spurs to join Bayern Munich.

“I am so used to coming here as the home player, so it was strange and putting this shirt on, being in the away dressing room, but I like to enjoy these occasions,” Kane said.

“I had an amazing career at Spurs, so many great memories and it’s just great to see the fans again, so many players and staff I have a lot of relationships with.

“The game itself, I probably shouldn’t have been playing. I only trained yesterday but I was always going to play 10 minutes and it was good.

“Everything was really rushed through last year, so we didn’t have a chance [to say goodbye], but it was great way to say thank you to all of them.

“The reception I got was amazing and [it was] great to clap them around the pitch after, those who stayed behind, and I will always be thankful for every Spurs fan for the support they’ve given me through my whole career. It’s been incredible.”

Bayern had to come from behind to win the pre-season Visit Malta Cup after Dejan Kulusevski gave the hosts the lead inside the first minute following a slick exchange with Brennan Johnson. But Tottenham’s weakness of failing to defend set-pieces last season was shown once more after Dayot Upamecano turned in Mathys Tel’s header back across goal from a free-kick.

Former Arsenal academy product Serge Gnabry put Kompany’s side ahead before Thomas Muller added a third to seal the victory just ahead of half-time. Kulusevski scored his and Tottenham’s second in the 61st minute but it only proved to be a consolation as Kane and Bayern saw out victory.

Postecoglou keen to start Solanke in opener

Tottenham announced the £65 million signing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth ahead of kick-off and paraded the striker to fans alongside fellow new signings Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

Spurs start their Premier League campaign next Monday away at Leicester and manager Ange Postecoglou did not rule Solanke out starting the match.

“[Dominic] Solanke was one I was very keen to get in,” Postecoglou said after the match. “It took a while to get over the line but he’ll be a great fit for us, I’m sure.

“He’s played most of pre-season, had a slight knock in his last game Bournemouth played. Considering he’s played most of pre-season, I see no reason why he shouldn’t be available [to start against Leicester].”

Tottenham are in talks over the payment terms for a deal to land Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

As reported by Telegraph Sport earlier this week, Spurs have been attempting to make progress on a deal for the 26-year-old to become Ange Postecoglou’s main forward signing this summer.

Solanke has a buyout clause, thought to be worth around £65 million, that can be triggered and allow clubs to discuss the personal terms of a contract.

However, Tottenham are understood to be in negotiations over a deal that could eventually be worth up to £60million with a significant initial payment.

A departure would recoup a record fee for Bournemouth that would eclipse the £41 million they received from Manchester City for Nathan Ake in 2020.

Many clubs recently have looked at negotiating the structure of set fees so they can be paid over a longer period of time. For instance, Manchester United signed Joshua Zirkzee for slightly more than his €40million release clause so they could pay Bologna’s fee over three years.

Solanke was at the top of a striker shortlist at Spurs, with the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker expected to fit into Postecoglou’s system next season.

Cole Palmer was the only English player to score more Premier League goals than Solanke last season, with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney taken to Euro 2024 as back-up to Harry Kane.

Despite Spurs targeting a striker, Brazil forward Richarlison insists he wants to stay at the club rather than move to Saudi Arabia.

“There has been an offer but my dream of playing for the Brazilian Selecao and in the Premier League speaks louder,” Richarlison told ESPN Brazil.

Steve Cooper looking for attacking additions

Leicester have explored a loan deal for Atalanta striker Bilal Toure to bolster Steve Cooper’s attack before the start of the club’s return to the Premier League.

Cooper has been looking for a No 9 to lead his attack and has looked at Toure, 22, as an option. The Mali striker was not a regular starter in Serie A last season, having caught the eye with Almeria in the previous campaign where he scored seven goals in 15 starts in La Liga.

Facundo Buonanotte has undergone a medical with Leicester ahead of a loan move from Brighton for the season.

Bournemouth go shopping in Barcelona

Bournemouth are on the brink of pulling off an ambitious move for Barcelona full-back Julian Araujo to bolster their squad for Andoni Iraola ahead of the Premier League season.

Araujo, 22, has been targeted by Iraola as a right-back to compete for a regular first-team place next season and the clubs have been negotiating a fee and now coming close to an agreement.

Spanish sources say Barca have wanted at least £8.5 million for the Mexico international who arrived from MLS club LA Galaxy last year and was loaned out to Las Palmas, where he played regularly in La Liga.

Bournemouth have bought Dean Huijsen from Juventus as a young centre-back, while Enes Unal’s loan has been converted and Daniel Jebbison has been bought but is expected to be loaned immediately.

Right-back was a position Iraola wanted to strengthen with Adam Smith and Max Aarons sharing duties last season. Aarons has been subject of interest from other clubs and Araujo would be in line to fight for starts.

Former Liverpool winger heading to Humberside

Hull have agreed a deal for Canada winger Liam Millar from Swiss club Basel. The 24-year-old former Liverpool player was wanted by Preston, where he was on loan last season but a deal was agreed with Hull in the last day

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp has attracted interest from all three of the clubs promoted to the Premier League last season — Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.

Skipp is expected to leave Spurs by the time the summer transfer window closes at the end of this month and is being eyed by a number of clubs.

The 23-year-old made 24 appearances for the north London club last season but will be allowed to leave in search of more regular first-team football.

Skipp has been at Spurs since the age of eight and spent a successful season on loan at Norwich City in the 2020/21 campaign.

Winks reunion

Leicester sold midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea earlier in the transfer window and signing Skipp would enable him to link up with another former Spurs player, Harry Winks.

Ipswich, whose manager Keiran McKenna played and coached at Tottenham Hotspur while Skipp was at the club, are looking to strengthen their squad for the forthcoming season, as are Southampton.

Spurs are still looking to sell a number of players, with AC Milan hoping to seal a deal for Emerson Royal and Richarlison still linked to a move to Saudi Arabia.

Solanke interest

As reported by Telegraph Sport, Spurs are working on trying to sign striker Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth, who have told clubs they want the full £65million in his contract paid.

Solanke is thought to be open to the move and keen on having another go at a so-called big club, having previously played for Chelsea and Liverpool.

Spurs want to negotiate a lower initial price than Solanke’s buy-out and are also interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Pedro Neto, but are yet to make a bid for the winger.

Wolves are not in the market for a new midfielder, so there is currently no prospect of Spurs offering Skipp as part of a bid for Neto.

Tottenham Hotspur are attempting to make progress in a move for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

Solanke is high on Tottenham’s list of striker targets and the club have held talks regarding a move for the former Chelsea and Liverpool man.

The 26-year-old has a high buy-out in his Bournemouth contract, thought to be around £65 million, which clubs have so far been unwilling to match.

Tottenham could try to strike a deal under the clause by offering Bournemouth favourable payment terms, but the London club have work to do to make significant progress.

Head coach Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that he wants to add a striker to his squad and Solanke is seen as a good fit for his style.

Solanke scored 21 goals in all competitions for Bournemouth last season and just missed out on a place in England’s squad for the European Championships.

Heung-min Son top-scored for Tottenham last season, with 17 goals, and played most of the season through the middle.

But Postecoglou would like to have the option to move Son back out to the left, where he is arguably more effective, by signing a recognised striker.

Richarlison scored 11 league goals in a campaign interrupted by injuries and the Brazilian has interest from Saudi Arabia.

Having started his career at Chelsea, before moving to Liverpool, Solanke would like another opportunity at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Solanke’s former club Chelsea have also shown an interest in re-signing him this summer, but have so far been put off by Bournemouth’s valuation.

Tottenham did not follow up their long-standing interest in Atletico Madrid-bound Conor Gallagher with a firm offer for the midfielder.

Chelsea’s preference was to sell Gallagher overseas and Atletico have offered the England international a package that would have potentially placed him among Tottenham’s highest earners.

“I thought we played pretty good. They are a good team and we knew this. They are one of the best teams in Europe.

“We tried to play good football and stick to our principles. There are things we can work on. We had a great time here in Korea, we felt welcome and appreciated here

“I was excited to come back to meet the guys and the staff and start training.”

On the heat in Korea:

“Its normal for it to be hard, we train at the highest level. But this is the nicest part of football - when you train hard you have good results. We have a couple of weeks left until the premier league and we will go full throttle.”

On Romania’s amazing performance in the European Championships:

“It was an incredible tournament for us as a team and a country. We tried to give our best and achieved something very important for us. We want more and we will try to build on this tournament and try to go onwards.”

On Tottenham’s pre-season:

“I feel the guys are in a great condition. I am trying to reach this condition too and am working every day. We are going to be 100% when the season starts to try to achieve something good here.

“The love they give us here [in South Korea] is unbelievable. There’s no better place to train and get in shape than here - they’ve been incredible.”

That’ll do it here and Spurs couldn’t find the equaliser. They had a couple of chances to tie it up but Bayern were good value for the win and had the vast majority of quality shots.

Postecoglou will be impressed by the efforts of his younger stars when they came off the bench. In particular Bergvall was fantastic. He was physical and calm on the ball which gave his side a foothold in midfield which they lacked in the first half.

Irankunda looked very dangerous off the bench for Bayern as he continues his fine form in pre-season.

Telegraph Sport has revealed that Ange Postecoglou will feature on the FA’s list of potential replacements for Gareth Southgate following his resignation announcement.

The Australian has had a successful start to life in England and his dry, sarcastic approach to media engagements has endeared him to much of the Premier League community.

His positive, attacking style of football will surely be a key reason for FA technical director John McDermott’s interest in him; England fans have been crying out for a manager to entertain them and Ange would do just that.

Despite the interest, Tottenham Hotspur is confident they will be able to hold onto their manager especially considering he only signed his four-year contract last summer. It is thought that the only job he would consider would be Manchester City, provided Guardiola decided to call it a day.

Many will have picked this fixture out as an opportunity to see former Tottenham talisman Harry Kane line up against his former comrades. However, we will have to wait as he has been given an extended break following England’s deep run in the Euros.

Disappointing as this is we should get another chance to see him in action when Bayern make the trip to North London for the Visit Malta Cup next week.

This won’t be Kane’s first time back in town – as Spurs fans will gleefully remember the German heavyweights knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League back in April. Harry featured heavily, scoring a penalty at the Emirates taking his tally up to 14 - the most by any player against the Gunners.

There will, however, be a familiar face in the Munich dugout. Vincent Kompany was a Premier League mainstay and the cornerstone of Manchester City’s original dynasty. Having retired just two years ago, he made his return to England’s top flight and our televisions by leading his plucky Burnley side as their manager.

Despite the task of survival proving too challenging, his style of play and man-management skills convinced the powers at be that he would be the perfect fit to succeed Thomas Tuchel as head coach of Bayern Munich.

Eric Dier should also feature this game despite being named on the substitutes bench. He played for a decade at White Hart Lane, making over 250 appearances and should be warmly received by the Tottenham faithful.

Having failed to sign the Portuguese international last summer as well as in January, Bayern pushed hard to complete his signature early in the window.

The fee represented a club record sale for the Cottagers who will have to learn to live without their tough tackling midfield anchor. Palhinha is one of the most physical players in world football and showed off his excellence in one-on-one duels in the Euros.

He was a bright spot in an underwhelming Portuguese side once again overshadowed by the antics of a certain number seven.

João will provide secure protection for Bayern’s defence as well as a keen eye for a cross-field pass which should suit their other new signing, Michel Olise, nicely.

A stronger Bayern Munich side will face Spurs this afternoon, with a couple of their stars returning from their post-Euros break.

Manuel Neuer will start between the sticks. At 38 years old he is as imperious as ever and shows no signs of slowing down. He’s joined by fellow Bayern stalwart Thomas Müller who announced his retirement from international football following Germany’s unsuccessful Euros campaign.

Both performed well as their country hosted the competition for the first time since 1988, but ultimately couldn’t hold back relentless eventual winners Spain.

Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry will man the right flank. He scored against his old team in the Champions League quarter-finals back in April helping to knock them out.

Youngsters Mathys Tel, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Gabriel Vidović, will all get an opportunity to impress whilst relative veterans João Palhinha, Conrad Laimer, Leon Goretzka, and Eric Dier, should all feature off the bench.

Starting XI: Neuer (GK); Minjae, Kimmich, Guerreiro, Stanišić, Boey; Müller, Pavlović; Gnabry, Vidović, Tel.

Subs: Ulreich (GK), Schmitt (GK), Goretzka, Dier, Palhinha, Bryan, Laimer, Irankunda, Ličina, Fernández, Mazraoui, Aseko, Aznou

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Leeds youngster Archie Gray for a fee of £30 million.

The versatile Englishmen had a release clause implemented into his contract which could be activated if Leeds failed to gain promotion to the Premier League and Spurs have pounced.

He is only 18 years old but the potential is plain to see. His performances in the Championship suggest he could be Premier League-ready right away and thus he should feature heavily in Postecogelu’s squad.

“When Spurs came and I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League eventually and Europa League this year I couldn’t really say no,” said Gray. “I know so many players that are here, not so much the first team but the young lads and another thing is that it’s a massive project under Ange and it’s something that I want to be a part of.

“I’m not going to lie to you, I’m a massive Celtic fan so I love him and my whole family loves him. I haven’t really said this to be fair. He’s also a massive factor because playing under a really good manager is really important for me as well. I’ve still got loads to learn because I’m only 18 so it’s really important.”

Good morning and thanks for joining us for another pre-season contest. This time Tottenham Hotspur will take on Bayern Munich in Seoul as part of the Coupang Play Series 2024

This will be Tottenham Hotspur’s fourth time visiting the South Korean capital and none will be happier than fan darling Heung-min Son.

It will no doubt be a special moment for him to play for his club in his home country – the adulation he receives from his compatriots is clear to see. An unlikely bond has built between North Londoners and South Koreans and is a driving force behind their return to the country having competed in the same pre-season tournament in 2022.

The fixture is taking place in the Seoul World Cup Stadium which holds up to 66,704 and is the second largest football-specific stadium in Asia.

Tottenham have had an eventful pre-season thus far, playing against a range of more local competitors like QPR, Newcastle, and Hearts, before beginning their tour of East Asia. This began in Japan with the J.League World Challenge game against Vissel Kobe which saw a dramatic 88th minute winner from Mikey Moore.

Spurs played their first of a doubleheader in Seoul against the K-League XI. Enjoying his time back home, Son scored a brace in the first half which was enough to see off a second-half comeback, with the game finishing 4-3 in his favour.

Bayern Munich will be treating these warm-up fixtures with an enhanced degree of professionalism after their first trophyless season in over a decade.

They drew their opening match against regional German side FC Düren, with Australian international Nestory Irankunda scoring their only goal of the game.

Arsenal are close to selling midfielder Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for £35 million, with former Tottenham Hotspur winger Ryan Sessegnon also heading back to Craven Cottage.

Smith Rowe was left out of Arsenal’s latest pre-season friendly against Bournemouth, a 1-1 draw in California.

Negotiations between Arsenal and Fulham are continuing, but there was a breakthrough in talks after a previous bid of £30 million was increased.

Should the deal proceed as anticipated, Smith Rowe will become Fulham’s club record signing, surpassing the £27 million it cost to sign Jean Michael Seri in 2018.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Smith Rowe was left out of the warm-up match because of the ongoing talks, although he did not reference his likely next club.

‘Best to keep him away from game’

“There are things happening in the background at the moment and we decided the best thing to do was keep him away from the game,” said Arteta.

The 23-year-old’s transfer would end a frustrating period in his career which has been undermined by injury. Smith Rowe was touted as a future Arsenal and England star when he broke into the side, but as he has struggled with fitness the team has evolved without him and his starting opportunities have become limited.

Last season he played just 346 Premier League minutes. A relaunch at a new club might enable him to find the consistency and match fitness which propelled him to senior England international duty three years ago.

Fulham are one of many Premier League clubs who have expressed an interest – Crystal Palace among them.

A deal for Smith Rowe would continue a proactive few days for Marco Silva as his club is close to re-signing their former youth player Sessegnon, another one who was also pursued by Palace.

Sessegnon, 24, is a free agent following the end of his contract with Tottenham Hotspur. Once one of the most highly rated teenagers in the country, Fulham sold him to Spurs for £25 million in 2019.

But Sessegnon’s career has stalled since, with injuries interrupting his progress. He made just 57 appearances and scored only three goals in his five years at Spurs and could not convince the club or manager Ange Postecoglou he was worth a contract extension last season.

The man who will lead the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor, if this is indeed the end of the road for the England manager after eight years in the job, is John McDermott, an experienced academy coach and player developer in his first role with a senior team.

McDermott, 55, is close to Mauricio Pochettino whom he knew from his days at Tottenham Hotspur where the former spent 15 years – which coincided with the Argentinian’s time at the club. It was McDermott who was in charge of the academy through its most successful years, in particular the breakthrough of Harry Kane 10 years ago. Now, with the Football Association facing its first major decision around the senior men’s team since it sacked Sam Allardyce almost eight years ago, it is McDermott who is in charge.

He has kept a low profile since rejoining the FA in March 2020, in his third spell at the organisation – although now he will be thrust into the spotlight whether he likes it or not. The roles of FA executives have many elements although in the public view their success or otherwise tends to be dominated by the England managers they appoint.

Allardyce, for instance, was hired primarily on the recommendation of the FA chief executive of the time, Martin Glenn. Allardyce’s departure was advocated one game later chiefly on the word of the new FA chairman at the time, Greg Clarke. In 2012, Roy Hodgson was appointed by an FA board of four that styled itself as ‘Club England’ and resisted the temptation to give Harry Redknapp the job. Another former FA chief executive, Brian Barwick, thought he had appointed Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2006 only to end up with Steve McClaren.

McDermott and Mark Bullingham, the current FA chief executive, are likely to reach a decision on the successor to Southgate, should it come to that, and then present that to the FA board. Debbie Hewitt, the first woman to chair the FA in its history, will have to approve that decision – although it would be some surprise were the board to reject it.

McDermott’s first spells at the FA came before the building of St George’s Park and the revolutionising of the junior and senior team under one of his predecessors, Dan Ashworth, and Southgate, in the early part of the last decade. Then McDermott was academy director at Spurs, one of the more prodigious developers of players for England’s junior teams. McDermott was known for a degree of scepticism towards the FA at the time.

It caused some surprise when he chose to rejoin them in 2020, first as assistant to Les Reed, the immediate successor to Ashworth as technical director, and then later as Reed’s successor. The FA was in the midst of difficult Covid cuts and that presented major challenges to an organisation that had invested heavily in its junior teams and the support staff around those.

European Championship success with the Under-21s

Unlike Ashworth, who oversaw the men’s and women’s game, as well as coach education, McDermott’s responsibilities are only for the men’s senior team and junior sides. His greatest success thus far was last summer when the Under-21s men’s team winning the FA’s first European championship in that age group since 1984 in Georgia. Lee Carsley’s team won the tournament without conceding a goal and beat Spain in the final. Two of the players, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon, made Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad one year later.

There is no doubt that Carsley has done a good job but it remains highly unlikely the Birmingham-born former Republic Of Ireland international follows Southgate as the manager of the senior team. The Football Association of Ireland has tried to appoint Carsley but he remained with the Under-21s this season. The Under-21s job has to be one possible pathway to the senior team job – with Southgate having walked that path himself.

Bullingham has said that the FA will consider a non-English candidate as manager of the team, despite a determination in the England DNA document launched by Ashworth that future managers, post Fabio Capello, be native coaches. McDermott has given just one interview since taking the job, to The Telegraph and others in May last year, in which he said that he had built on the original Ashworth plan, with “DNA Plus”.

England senior men play Ireland in the first Nations League game in Dublin on Sept 7, which means that if Southgate does quit this week, there is limited time to get a new man in place unless the FA are prepared to appoint an interim. The World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign begins in March.