Tottenham Hotspur

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport

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Last summer Djed Spence returned to Hotspur Way with his future undecided.

He had just completed a six-month spell with Italian side Genoa – his third loan in two seasons – and appeared surplus to requirements when omitted from the Europa League squad in August.

But he stayed in north London and was rewarded with a first Premier League start in December. His form and Tottenham's injury crisis led to him becoming a near ever-present in the six months that followed and he showcased all of his technical talent in that time.

No other Premier League defender attempted or completed more dribbles last season per 90 minutes, with Spence above the likes of Manchester City summer signing Rayan Ait Nouri and Brentford's Michael Kayode.

Thomas Frank will be aware of this statistic and the Dane encourages his full-backs to carry an attacking threat – think Kayode or Keane Lewis-Potter last term - or Rico Henry prior to his lengthy injury layoff.

Spence also excels in one-on-one situations and only a handful of defenders won more duels per 90 minutes than his 6.5 last season. His versatility is another strength and the 24-year-old can slot in at full-back or wing-back on either flank.

For these reasons a new and improved contract makes sense for both parties and Spence could have an important role to play at Spurs during this coming campaign.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Tottenham have opened talks with Djed Spence over a new contract.

The defender's current deal does not expire until 2028, but BBC Sport understands Spurs have entered into discussions with Spence's representatives over a new deal.

After arriving from Middlesbrough in 2022, Spence endured a difficult start to his Tottenham career, spending loan spells at Rennes, Leeds and Genoa.

Yet last season, he emerged as an important player for Ange Postecoglou and these developments over a possible contract extension indicates he has a role to play under new manager Thomas Frank.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are in advanced talks over allowing young forward Mikey Moore joining Rangers on loan while Spurs have an interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Ali Speechly
Fan writer

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So, in true snatching-defeat-from-the-jaws-of-victory Spurs style, Morgan Gibbs-White is staying at Nottingham Forest.

However, perhaps the real fumble was not the Forest player, but the weeks we lost in the wider transfer market.

With Xavi Simons seemingly on his way to Chelsea, Spurs could have missed out on other key targets – including better players than Gibbs-White.

Thomas Frank is playing his cards close to his chest regarding transfer interests, but with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison still out with injuries, our new manager will be keen to sign another number 10.

One player I am still interested in – and, to be honest, more excited about than Gibbs-White – is Eberechi Eze. With a similar price tag to the Forest midfielder, Eze offers more versatility with his ability to play across the frontline as well as in midfield.

Similarly, Morgan Rogers would be a great option – but it looks as though Aston Villa have taken notes from Nottingham Forest and offered a lucrative new contract to keep their star man.

Another, potentially more viable option, is Harvey Elliott. Apparently keen to leave Liverpool in search of more minutes on the pitch, Elliott's dribbling ability in particular could make him a fan-favourite at Spurs.

Is this focus on a number 10 correct, or could missing out on Gibbs-White be a blessing in disguise? Do Spurs actually need a number six more urgently?

A good compromise could be Adam Wharton. While the Crystal Palace player clearly has attacking capabilities, his key strengths are winning the ball and initiating attacks from deeper positions. However, Daniel Levy will probably need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of money to secure Wharton.

Whichever players we decide to pursue, I will do my best not to get too excited about anyone until they are definitely ours.

Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane, external and on Instagram, external

Portuguese side Famalicao are interested in Tottenham's English midfielder Tyrese Hall, 19, who attracted interest from Championship clubs in January. (Sky Sports), external

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Micky van de Ven says he will not "approach this season any differently" as he hopes for better luck with injuries in 2025-26.

Along with a number of Tottenham players, the centre-back struggled for fitness throughout last term, picking up knee, thigh and hamstring injuries.

However, Van de Ven is confident that having a full pre-season will equip him for the upcoming campaign.

"I think it's important. Last year with the Euros, pre-season for me was not that long," he said. "I only had one week or two weeks of training before I started the Premier League.

"It is really good that I have these training weeks and that I can do these sessions and build up my strength in this physical training for the season.

"I didn't really have a pre-season at Tottenham before, because two years ago I came after the pre-season and last season I had the Euros.

"I don't approach it any differently Of course there's more time to work on my body and make my body prepared for the Premier League and for the Champions League and for all the other games that are coming up.

"I would say that's a positive thing that I can work on."

Van de Ven and his team-mates will continue their preparations for the new campaign when they face rivals Arsenal in the first north London derby outside of the UK in Hong Kong on Thursday.

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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On Thursday in Hong Kong, Arsenal and Tottenham will play the first north London derby outside of the UK.

It is also Spurs boss Thomas Frank's first time managing Tottenham against their rivals. And, despite it being Arsenal, Frank is looking forward to the match.

"I think it's a great challenge even besides being our biggest rivals and the first north London derby outside the UK," he explained.

"It's also right now [against] one of the best teams I must say unfortunately in the world. We need to be honest.

"In that way it's going to be a big test. But it's more than a test, as against Arsenal it's not only a friendly. Of course, it's a game we will do everything we can to win."

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Thursday's pre-season friendly against Arsenal at Kai Tak Stadium (kick-off 12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Frank confirmed that Kota Takai has "plantar fascia" and could be out for "weeks", while Destiny Udogie has a knee injury that is still being assessed and "when we know more, we will update more".

• On first north London derby since taking charge: "It's a great challenge."

• On whether Morgan Gibbs-White staying with Nottingham Forest means Son Heung-min is more likely to stay: "Right now, Sonny is here and I'm very happy for that. He has trained well. I said in the last press conference that he is showing great character. He played the last two friendlies, he is in the squad, he will train today."

• He said he wants to keep the areas they are looking to strengthen "very private", adding: "We are out there in the market and we're aware where we maybe want to strengthen the squad in general. I'm happy with the squad and we've already done a top signing in Mohammed Kudus who is showing us his quality already. We've got a squad where there is a lot of talent and quality but of course we're looking."

• On if young striker Mikey Moore will be heading out on loan: It is very important. Mikey is a big talent, I'm really excited about his future here at Tottenham. I think all players, especially younger players, need consistent first-team football in their bodies. I think if we can find the right option we will do that."

• The Spurs boss said they need "different skillsets" in attack: "The perfect player is difficult to find so you need players that run in behind, players that can go one on one, players that hopefully can score goals... That's a big part of it - and you need players that can press. Some of them have ball-carrying skills and some of them are very good at pressing players."

Rangers have emerged as favourites to sign English winger Mikey Moore, 17, on loan from Tottenham. (Matt Law - Telegraph, external)

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There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Spurs.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Tottenham and Newcastle are interested in Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, 28, but the Brazil forward is also wanted by Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan. (Caught Offside), external

Meanwhile, Spurs, Manchester United and Newcastle will battle it out for Serbia and Al-Hilal striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, 30. (Caught Offside), external

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Tottenham were forced to settle for pre-season friendly draws against Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town, with both matches ending 2-2 and 0-0 respectively on Saturday afternoon.

Head coach Thomas Frank fielded two different starting XIs for the fixtures, both of which struggled to find a breakthrough against their League One opponents.

The behind-closed-doors friendly against Wycombe at Hotspur Way was a late addition to the club's calendar, but it handed the likes of Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Brandon Austin their first pre-season minutes.

Pape Matar Sarr was one of the standout performers, netting a brace as Spurs came from behind to clinch a draw.

Tottenham struggled in their second friendly of the day at Kenilworth Road though, as a team including summer signing Mohammed Kudus plus first-team regulars Micky van de Ven, Brennan Johnson and Guglielmo Vicario recorded just two shots over 90 minutes.

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

One of Thomas Frank's most reliable performers last season at Brentford was his elegant playmaker Mikkel Damsgaard.

The 25-year-old was largely deployed as a number 10 in Frank's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and contributed 10 assists in 34 top-flight starts.

But the Dane's work-rate - something Frank demands from his creative players - also caught the eye and he won possession 35 times in the final third last term, more than any other Premier League midfielder.

So can anybody replicate Damsgaard's output for Frank in this Tottenham team?

The obvious choice is James Maddison, who possesses the necessary creativity and passing ability - he scored nine goals and provided seven assists for Spurs in the league in 20024-25. However, he ran an average of 10.7km per game, which is the lowest of any of Tottenham's recognised midfielders.

Dejan Kulusevski was used centrally by Ange Postecoglou and is one of the side's most imaginative and industrious midfielders. The Sweden international chipped in with seven goals and four assists and covered an average of 12.4km per 90 minutes - only compatriot Lucas Bergvall ran further in a Spurs shirt last season.

Another option is Mohammed Kudus, who played alongside Damsgaard at FC Nordsjaelland in 2019-20. The Ghana international mostly featured on the right at West Ham but has repeatedly said his preferred position is through the middle. He is a superb dribbler but created an average of just one chance per game from open play in 2024-25.

Kulusevski is nursing a knee injury and had surgery in May, meaning it is likely to be a straight shootout between Kudus and Maddison - who has just recovered from his own knee problem – to fulfil that role in the short to medium term.

Alternatively, Tottenham could still sign Nottingham Forest's number 10 and creator-in-chief Morgan Gibbs-White, who they made an approach for earlier this month.

Of course, Spurs could always try to sign Damsgaard to join his former manager and play the role himself, but he did only extend his contract with the Bees until 2030 in January.

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Major League Soccer side LAFC have made a £15m bid for Tottenham captain Son Heung-min. (Sun), external

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Tottenham are closely watching Kobbie Mainoo's situation at Manchester United, with the 20-year-old England midfielder yet to agree a long-term extension to his contract, which expires in 2027. (tbrfootball.com), external

Spurs are also monitoring the contract situation of Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha. The Bundesliga champions are open to talks should an offer arrive for the 30-year-old Portugal midfielder. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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Nottingham Forest were not happy with how Tottenham handled their approach for England midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, 25, and would prefer to sell him to another club. (Mail, external)

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Tottenham are set to rival Liverpool for the signing of Crystal Palace's 25-year-old England centre-back Marc Guehi. (Star), external

Spurs, Aston Villa and Chelsea are monitoring the situation of 21-year-old Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, with clubs believing the Argentina international could be available for about £40m. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

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Thomas Frank believes summer signing Mohammed Kudus is at "the perfect age to perform and take it to the next level" but says he will not speak about players "who are not mine" in relation to Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White.

Speaking at a news conference for the first time since joining Tottenham from Brentford, Frank was quizzed about acquiring £55m midfielder Kudus from West Ham United.

"I think it's a great signing from the club," he said.

"It's top work from Daniel Levy getting a very good player early in pre-season so we can start working with him.

"He gives us a bit of unpredictability in game. I think his one-on-one actions are top, his passes are top and his finishing is very good. He is at the perfect age to perform and take it to the next level."

When asked about the club's interest in attacking midfielder Gibbs-White and Forest's reaction, Frank said: "I will not speak about players who are not mine. I will just speak about the players who are in the Tottenham squad."

The Danish head coach also highlighted Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero as two important players in his squad, amid recent transfer speculation around the duo.

"Two top players," Frank said. "Sonny has been here 10 years and finally got his well-deserved trophy in the summer. He is so important for the team and the club.

"Romero is a World Cup winner, Europa League winner and Copa America winner, so he is very important for us as well.

"Both have trained well and both will play tomorrow. I'm very happy with them."

A new era for Tottenham begins on Saturday afternoon, as Frank leads the team out for the first time in a pre-season friendly against Reading.

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Thomas Frank has been speaking at a news conference for the first time since joining Tottenham from Brentford.

His new side face Reading in a friendly match on Saturday.

The Dane spoke about becoming the new Spurs boss and expectations in the role.

On what it has been like since taking the job: "It's the easy part now, it's the honeymoon. Everyone is happy, the sun is shining. We haven't played a game yet.

"It's super exciting, it's a massive club, a huge club in England and the world. I'm super excited myself about it. Everyone has been kind, friendly, open minded.

"The best thing is that it feels natural. It's football, it's good players, it's preparing them with a good staff and making sure we're ready to hit the ground running."

On the club's recent history of sacking managers: "I like to challenge myself. I've never been sacked before so that's one of the reasons I took the job, I get a little bit more risk in my daily life [laughing].

"Coming to a big club, there are pressures. We need to perform because it's me, it's the staff, it's everyone and we need to do that together.

"I like the ambitions and everything I do. Every decision I've made is for the long term. It's not about surviving 18 months, it's for the long run."

On the mood since Ange Postecoglou's emotional exit: "First and foremost, I think Ange will forever be a legend here at Tottenham. He's one of three who have won a European trophy and the first one in 41 years so it's unbelievable, a fantastic achievement.

"I see happy players, positive smiling energy. They're training well and a good vibe around the place. There should be a good vibe, they've just won the Europa League going into a new season.

"Football is about dreaming and hoping and that is what we try to do."

On if the Europa League win changes what is expected: "I don't know. I think it was extremely positive they won. That gave them that fantastic trophy that this club deserved and needed.

"My aim is to hopefully add to that. The first aim is that we need to be able to compete in all four tournaments and do it consistently. That's got to be the ambition we build towards because I think in 2019, the Champions League final, was the last where the club managed to compete in more than one competition.

"We need to be able to compete and that's got to be the aim. If we compete, there's maybe a chance but we need to be able to build to compete first."