SPORTbible

Tottenham Hotspur are set to move for a player who plays for a club with whom they have not done business since 2011.

The 2025/26 Premier League campaign is just 46 days away, and clubs have already and will continue to pursue players in the summer transfer window.

It has already been a summer of change at Spurs with Ange Postecoglou departing, making way for former Brentford boss Thomas Frank to make the switch from west to north London.

Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon and Alfie Whiteman will all leave the club upon the expiration of their current contracts, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's loan to Marseille will become a permanent transfer.

But who will arrive as Frank’s squad takes shape ahead of the campaign?

Spurs will compete in four competitions – the Champions League, Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup – as well as facing Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final on August 13.

As reported by The Telegraph on Monday (June 30), the Hammers attacker has been “identified as a primary target” for Spurs.

Kudus, 24, has a release clause worth around £85m in his current deal, which is set to run for the first ten days of July, with Spurs hoping to complete a deal for less than the aforementioned figure.

The report claims that although Spurs have shown interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo - who has been the subject of two bids from Manchester United this summer – they see Kudus as their ‘first choice’.

If a deal is struck, Kudus, who has scored 19 goals in 89 appearances for the Hammers, would become the first player to move directly from West Ham to Spurs since Scott Parker in 2011.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy blocked Emmanuel Adebayor from joining the east London club in 2015, and the clubs have not done business since the Parker deal, now 14 years ago.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has also claimed that “initial contacts took place with agents” and that Kudus is “open to Spurs talks”.

Fans of the United States national football team have called for Mauricio Pochettino to be replaced after it was suggested the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss was interviewed for another Premier League job.

Pochettino was appointed last September in his current role and has won eight of his 13 games in charge so far.

Pochettino is well known to fans of English football having had three Premier League jobs in his managerial career.

The Argentine spent nearly 18 months at Southampton before moving to Spurs in 2014 and spent more than five years at the North London club, taking the side to the 2019 Champions League final.

After being sacked by Spurs following a slide in form and a spell in charge of Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino spent a season at Chelsea.

Despite securing a sixth placed finish in the Premier League, Pochettino departed Stamford Bridge just a year into his deal, before becoming the boss of the United States last September.

One Premier League side that has recently had a change in the dugout is Brentford, after Thomas Frank left the Bees to take up the vacancy at Spurs left by Ange Postecoglou's sacking.

Despite winning the Europa League, the club's first trophy since 2008, the Australian was dismissed after Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League.

Brentford have since filled the vacancy left by Frank's departure by appointing Keith Andrews as the club's new head coach, having already been a member of the London side's coaching staff.

Brentford director of football Phil Giles said: "Keith is a very good fit.

"He gets on with everyone, he’s very open and he’s a learner. Keith is clear in what he wants, he’s detailed, and the players and staff like and respect him.

"He understands the players in the building and the way we’ve played and trained under Thomas Frank.

"Keith will bring his own evolution but isn’t starting from scratch, so hopefully we can make some quick progress.

"He’s a very good coach and has clear ideas about how he wants the team to improve. We were looking for somebody not just to maintain what we’ve been doing but actually try and get better."

But according to Irish publication The 42, it has suggested Pochettino was interviewed for the job by Brentford, along with ex-Leicester City and Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.

Pochettino himself has denied that he spoke to the Bees regarding the job, according to Fox Sports, in response to the story.

But taking to social media, USA fans are calling for Pochettino to be replaced after speaking to the Bees.

One wrote: "If this report is true, I have lost the little respect I had left for Pochettino. If you don’t want to coach the USMNT, just leave."

Another said: "If true, he has to go."

One posted: "Not a good look."

While another said: "He should be fired immediately if the report is true."

The transfer saga involving Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has taken a fresh twist with one team reportedly pulling out of the race.

Mbeumo, 25, was one of the standout players in the 24/25 season after scoring 20 goals and assisting nine in 42 appearances across all competitions for the Bees.

As a result, with the summer transfer window open, Mbeumo has been heavily linked with a move away from Brentford.

It has been widely reported that Manchester United would like to take the winger to Old Trafford.

Earlier in the month, it was claimed that Tottenham Hotspur had entered the race to sign the Cameroon international.

Spurs were looking to use new manager Thomas Frank, who worked with Mbeumo at Brentford, to tempt the forward to reject United.

However, it has now been claimed that Spurs have dropped out of the race.

According to Transfer Insider's Valentin Furlan, who wrote on social media: "Spurs are OUT of Bryan Mbeumo race, sources tell me and @RudyGaletti.

"As reported — the player has given his word to Manchester United."

He added: "Positive signs in the latest meeting between Manchester United, Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, per me and @RudyGaletti.

"Personal terms agreed, parties now working on the fixed fee. As reported — Mbeumo only wants United."

It looks set to be a busy transfer window for the Red Devils as they look to provide Ruben Amorim with more quality after their dismal 15th-place finish in the 24/25 campaign.

So far, United have already snapped up Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a reported fee of £62.5 million.

Aside from Mbeumo, United have also been linked with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike.

However, the Red Devils will face competition from Premier League rivals such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in their bid to buy a new striker.

Former Tottenham Hotspur legend Gareth Bale could be making a shock return to England as details of 'secret talks' to takeover a club have been revealed.

As he left Spurs to join Real Madrid for a then world-record transfer fee of £85.1 million back in September 2013, Bale left behind a legacy of one the Premier League's greatest players.

The Welshman had spent six years playing for Spurs and scored 26 goals in his final season, earning both the Professional Footballers' Association's and Football Writers' player of the year awards.

He later made a brief return to the Premier League side on a season-long loan in September 2020, scoring 11 goals and assisting two across 20 Premier League appearances.

But it now appears that Bale could be preparing to make a shock return to England as the Welshman is believed to have held secret meetings to take over a club this summer.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Bale is expected to be the face of a US-based private equity group's bid to buy Plymouth Argyle in the coming months.

It claims that talks for a deal have already taken place, with members of the American-based Storch family also believed to be involved.

Although it is not yet known exactly how far discussions have gone, it is believed that Bale has been part of the discussions that would see the group take full control at Home Park.

It is believed that Argyle's current chairman Simon Hallett has been looking for investment for at least a year, and recently agreed a deal to sell a stake in the club, only for it to fall through last month.

But it appears that Bale and his group feel that now is the perfect time to invest in Argyle, who recently appointed former Watford boss Tom Cleverley as their new manager after they were relegated from the Championship in May.

Bale's partnership with the bid comes as the latest in a series or recent takeovers that have worked with well-known names to add excitement to their club purchases.

Thomas Frank’s first signing as Spurs head coach has reportedly been confirmed.

Frank, 51, was appointed as Spurs’ head coach on Thursday after a successful seven-year spell at Brentford.

A club statement confirming the news read: “In Thomas, we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development, and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.

“Thomas will be joined from Brentford by Justin Cochrane (First Team Assistant Coach), Chris Haslam (Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach) and Joe Newton (First Team Coach Analyst), with Andreas Georgson (First Team Assistant Coach) arriving from Manchester United.”

The club have since been linked with Bees forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has also been the subject of a bid from Manchester United.

But on Saturday, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the club have reached a deal with a highly-rated player.

“Mathys Tel will leave Bayern and join Spurs on a permanent deal, agreement set to be reached,” Romano wrote on X.

“€35m fee in addition to €10m loan fee, as BILD @cfbayern @altobelli13reported.

“Tel, set to stay at Tottenham also under new head coach Thomas Frank.”

Of course, Tel, 20, spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Spurs, making 20 appearances and was included in the Europa League final squad, but did not feature in Bilbao.

Tel is currently away on international duty with France at the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia.

Ange Postecoglou, who Tel worked under during his short spell at Spurs, insisted that the Frenchman could hold his own in the Premier League and dubbed him a "very exciting" player back in April.

“I didn’t actually bring him here just for six months,” Postecoglou said.

“I think he’s very, very exciting. When you meet him, you realise that he has that certain something. He has enormous confidence in what he wants to do."

He added: “Although he is still young, he can physically handle the Premier League.

“He’s a goal scorer, he can hold his own, he’s got the necessary speed. He will play an important role in our end-of-season push and beyond."

Tel clearly made himself at home in North London and gave an emotional interview to Spurs' official website after the side's Europa League triumph, even referring to Tottenham as "everything" to him and the fans.

“This story was incredible for the club, the fans… I’m very happy," Tel said.

"We did it and we deserve it. I’m playing football and playing to win trophies, so I believe in this team, this club and that’s why we did it. This is a big family with the fans, with everyone. It’s not just a club. It’s everything for us. "We have to keep going and win again.”

Who else could Spurs sign this summer?

Of course, Mbeumo is the obvious candidate to follow Frank across London, but he could be joined by Brentford teammate Yoane Wissa.

As reported by The Guardian, there has been 'internal discussions' about a potential move for the DR Congo man, with the Bees reportedly valuing Wissa at around the £40m mark.

Wissa scored 19 times in 35 Premier League appearances in 2024/25 and may also be on Nottingham Forest's list, after the East Midlands side tried to sign him last summer.

Brentford have made their feelings about letting one of their star players join Tottenham Hotspur after Thomas Frank's move was confirmed.

Just two weeks after he led them to victory in the Europa League final against Manchester United, Spurs announced that they had sacked manager Ange Postecoglu.

It was later confirmed that former Brentford boss Frank would take over in the Spurs dugout, instantly sparking rumours regarding which players the Dane might hope to bring to his new club.

However, there is one star player that it appears Brentford are absolutely adamant will not be leaving the club this summer, regardless of any potential offers from Spurs or any other club.

Shortly after Spurs revealed Frank as their new manager, news broke that star forward Bryan Mbeumo was considering joining his former boss despite interest from Manchester United.

A report from the The Mirror later claimed that Spurs have already submitted a massive bid for the winger £65million plus £5million in add-ons, viewing his as a statement signing.

But Mbeumo isn't the only Brentford player that the Frank may look to sign in the summer, as reports have suggested that Spurs have bookmarked Christian Norgaard as a potential signing in their hunt for a new number six.

The Brentford captain was a key player for Frank in recent years and could act as the perfect replacement for Yves Bissouma who is likely to leave Spurs this summer.

However, it appears that Brentford will not be willing to let the 31-year-old go easily, as they recently tied him down with a new two-year contract, complicating a move to Spurs.

Speaking about the situation on the Last Word On Spurs podcast, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold said: "It’s a shame (Christian) Norgaard signed a new contract in March, because I think Frank will want a number six.

“I think that’s what he’ll really want for his system and he loves, loves Norgaard, he sees him as a lynchpin midfielder but also a real captain, a proper leader type in that dressing room.

“At 31, he’s not the age profile Spurs would go for either, but I think he was quite an underrated player last season in the Premier League. But I just wonder whether that new contract messes up that idea.”

Now that Thomas Frank is officially the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, SPORTbible has taken a look at who may leave the club in the coming weeks and months.

Frank, 51, was confirmed as Spurs head coach on Thursday evening, as the club released a statement, which read: “In Thomas, we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development, and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.

“Thomas will be joined from Brentford by Justin Cochrane (First Team Assistant Coach), Chris Haslam (Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach) and Joe Newton (First Team Coach Analyst), with Andreas Georgson (First Team Assistant Coach) arriving from Manchester United.”

It is still too early to say if he will target signing any of his Brentford players, although the club have been linked with Bees forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United.

And with it seeming likely that players will arrive, in turn, others could be set to move on.

One of them may be club legend Son Heung-min, who has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia despite having a year remaining on his current deal.

"Rather than saying anything at this moment, I think we should all wait and see what happens," the 32-year-old told reporters after South Korea's 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Kuwait on Tuesday.

"But no matter where I end up, I will always do the best I can. It will never change."

Despite arguably being one of Spurs’ most consistent performers over the past decade, the Korean is now on the wrong side of 30 and saw his form drop off significantly last season, registering just seven goals and nine assists in 30 Premier League games as Spurs finished 17th. For now, his future remains uncertain.

Centre-back Cristian Romero could also depart as he is linked with a move to La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid.

Last week, Football Insider reported that Diego Simeone’s side were likely to complete a deal this summer for the 27-year-old, who has made 124 appearances for Tottenham.

According to the Mail, a fee in excess of £60m could be enough to see Romero leave North London.

Richarlison may also be considering his options, having failed to cement a first-team place following his £60m move from Everton in July 2022.

The Brazil international has been linked with a potential return to Merseyside on loan for some time, but there is nothing to suggest that this will happen this summer.

At 28, the forward is approaching what should be his ‘peak’ and based on his Spurs career, he may need a change of scenery to reach the level he did at Goodison Park.

Another big-name departure could be Yves Bissouma, who struggled last season, having signed from Brighton for £25m in 2022.

The 25-year-old was forced to apologise after uploading a clip of himself inhaling what appeared to be Nitrous Oxide in August 2024.

The player himself has also admitted that he found the 2024/25 campaign tough, having been in and out of the side throughout the season.

A move, even if only a loan, could provide Bissouma with an opportunity to recapture his form, or the appointment of Frank may breathe new life into his stuttering Spurs career.

Spurs 2024/25 retained list

As per the Premier League website, Spurs have released and made several players available for free transfer - see below.

Free transfers

Andiyapan, William

Forster, Fraser Gerard

Linton, Jahziah

McKnight, Maxwell

Reguilon Rodriguez, Sergio

Robson, Max

Whiteman, Alfie Malik

Williams, Jaden Pharell Earl

Released

Adekunle, Timileyin Adegboyega

Krasniqi, Elliot

Orr, Dante D'Angelo

Warren, Charlie Fredrick

Bryan Mbeumo has sent Manchester United fans into meltdown with his latest post, minutes after he was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Athletic reported last week that Brentford winger Mbeumo wanted to move to United this summer, as part of manager Ruben Amorim's rebuild.

It has been claimed that the Portuguese boss sees Mbeumo as a vital part of a dynamic front three that would also include new arrival Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee.

But Sky Sports News reported on Friday that Tottenham had entered the race to sign the Cameroon international.

It is claimed that Spurs have 'held initial discussions' with Brentford over a move for the 25-year-old, who scored a seasonal-best 20 goals in the Premier League last season.

The reigning Europa League champions appointed Thomas Frank from Brentford as their new manager on Thursday.

The Dane managed Mbeumo throughout his entire career at Brentford until his departure - but the forward could yet follow him to north London.

And his latest social media post has a minority of United fans worried.

He sent a message to Frank following his appointment as Spurs manager, posting a photo of Brentford's announcement followed by two prayer emojis.

And although some believe it was a simple farewell and good luck message to his former boss, some United fans are convinced the post means he has already chosen Tottenham as his next club.

On Friday morning, Frank penned an open letter to Brentford supporters following his exit, having spent nearly seven years as manager.

The Dane initially took over from Dean Smith when the Bees were in the Championship, before guiding them to promotion from the play-offs in 2020.

He has since established Brentford as a stable Premier League side, and they finished in 10th place in the 2024/25 season.

Though a significant number of results would have had to have gone their way, Brentford were still mathematically in the race for European football on the final day of the season.

In the letter, Frank wrote: "I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one.

"For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community - it's an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.

"Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans."

Harry Redknapp has hit out at Tottenham players who showed public support for Ange Postecoglou in the aftermath of his sacking.

Postecoglou, who was appointed head coach of Spurs ahead of the 2023/24 season, was sacked on the afternoon of June 6, just 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final.

It was a controversial decision, to say the least, as many believed the Australian manager deserved another season in charge despite his side finishing 17th in the Premier League.

In fact, it was reported last week that chairman Daniel Levy is facing the threat of a player revolt, according to the Telegraph, who claim some players want to leave following the news.

The report also claims Postecoglou's successor will face 'a huge task' to repair the dressing-room damage, although the appointment of Thomas Frank has been met with a mostly positive reaction amongst fans.

Soon after the sacking of Postecoglou, a flurry of Spurs players rushed to social media to show their support for the former Melbourne Victory and Celtic manager.

Yves Bissouma shared details of a text message that Postecoglou sent to him following his departure, while Argentina's Cristian Romero penned a heartfelt tribute to the 59-year-old, just an hour after Spurs announced the arrival of Thomas Frank.

"Ange, thank you for these two incredible seasons," wrote Romero. "You're a fantastic coach, but above all, a great person who deserves the best. From day one you paved the way despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist."

He added: "Beyond everything, we won a trophy and went down in the history of this beautiful club, which is the only thing that matters. I wish you the best because you deserve the best, and thank you for everything."

Despite their intentions, however, former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is far from impressed with those who showed their public support for Postecoglou.

Speaking at a Soccer Aid training session on Thursday, Redknapp said: "That's football, that's what footballers do. Oh we love the previous manager well why didn't you try a bit harder you might not have finished fourth from bottom.

"It's the same old message. The king is dead, long live the king. That's football."

"They all come out and say the manager was great and then the new manager comes and he'll great," Redknapp added. "Then when he goes they're sorry to see him go. That's football, you mustn't take any notice of what they say."

Do you agree with Redknapp? Let us know in the comments.

Kyle Walker has provoked a strong reaction from Manchester City fans after he made a controversial comment about former club Tottenham on the latest episode of his podcast.

The 35-year-old defender, who joined AC Milan on a six-month loan in January, has one year remaining on his contract at City, but he faces an uncertain future after being left out of their Club World Cup squad alongside Jack Grealish.

It is a sign neither has any future at the Etihad, according to The Independent, who claim City will look to sell the pair this summer.

Walker, meanwhile, is keeping busy with his new BBC podcast. The full-back joined former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown on the latest episode, which featured a discussion around former club Spurs and their Europa League final win.

As they spoke about the club's victory over Manchester United, Walker admitted he would have "probably" give up one Premier League title to win the Europa League with Tottenham.

Speaking to Brown, he began: "I said to you the other day, I'd probably give up one Premier League.. not the first... to win that with Tottenham."

"I know what it means to them," he added. "I'd probably give my second... It's hard to give one [Premier League] away but I would if I could change it. Just for what that moment meant – to say that I was in that Spurs squad that won a trophy."

Here's how fans of Manchester City have reacted to the comments.

One said: "How on earth was Kyle Walker captain at Manchester City!? His public speaking is completely off the mark every time he opens his mouth."

A second wrote: "Honestly, it’s like every time he speaks he ruins it a bit more. I think it’s telling that we seemingly haven’t missed him at all."

A third commented: "On the pitch the best RB in City, Premier League and English NT history. But by god these interviews/ quotes need to stop," and a fourth said: "How did we let this become our captain after someone like ferna."

A fifth added: "This really ain't that deep. Not a great look saying it publicly, but I'm sure all of our favourites would trade one of the *5* premier league trophies for a European trophy with one of their old teams who haven't won much."

Thoughts on Walker's comments? Let us know.