Tottenham chiefs decide transfer stance after missing out on two targets

Tottenham are prioritising the appointment of their new head coach but there is recognition that they must now act quickly following a slow start to their summer transfer business

Tottenham’s hesitance over the future of Ange Postecoglou has already seen them miss out on two midfielders and now they want to get a deal for the Aussie’s successor in place to avoid missing out on further targets. Daniel Levy had spent the past two weeks deliberating whether to stick or twist in the aftermath of Spurs’ Europa League triumph in Bilbao before finally pulling the trigger on Postecoglou on Friday.

Thomas Frank is considered the clear frontrunner to replace the 59-year-old and while Brentford are yet to receive a formal approach for the Dane, positive talks have already taken place with Frank.

Fulham’s Marco Silva remains another name of interest but barring a significant U-turn, it looks as though Spurs will push ahead with a swoop for Frank, whose Brentford contract contains a significant buy-out clause.

The Bees head coach is thought to have a good relationship with Spurs technical director and compatriot Johan Lange, who is expected to remain at the club and he’ll also be tasked with overseeing transfer business alongside the likely returning Fabio Paratici.

Spurs have already lost key ground in the market, England international Angel Gomes, a player Tottenham had been pursuing, has opted to join Marseille on a free transfer after also snubbing West Ham.

READ MORE: Son Heung-min makes feelings clear on Ange Postecoglou sack with emotional statementREAD MORE: Thomas Frank’s stance on leaving Brentford as Tottenham make him top manager target

Gomes’ contract with Lille is set to expire at the end of the month but he now looks poised to remain in France after warming to the idea of working with Roberto De Zerbi.

Meanwhile, Real Betis’ American maestro Johnny Cardoso has agreed to join Atletico Madrid, providing a club-to-club deal can be struck.

Last summer, Spurs negotiated a £21million first-option clause – that can only be triggered during a two-week window – on USMNT starlet Cardoso when selling Giovani Lo Celso to Betis. But it now looks as though Atletico will pounce and conclude a deal at a higher price for the highly-rated 23-year-old, who is not willing to wait around for Tottenham.

Names of continued interest are the likes of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who has a £68m buy-out clause (worth £60m + £8m in add-ons) that becomes active this summer, and Eagles skipper Marc Guehi while the Europa League winners were also tracking Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo has intimated that he wants to join Manchester United, who have had a £55m bid rejected and it remains to be seen if Tottenham-linked Frank could potentially swing the balance and convince his current player to join him in north London, if he lands the job.

Ultimately, until Spurs know who their new manager is going to be – he will have a clear say on targets – it’s difficult to envisage them splashing out on mega-money deals. Business will also likely be shaped by potential outgoings with Cristian Romero and captain Heung-min Son among those that could yet seek to pursue new challenges.

Inevitably, they would need to be replaced with quality. Spurs remain keen on signing Mathys Tel on a permanent basis but they want to negotiate with Bayern Munich and won’t be triggering their mooted £45m buy-option.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.