West Ham are reportedly eyeing a deal to appoint Gary O'Neil amid Graham Potter's disastrous start to the season as the Hammers consider an emotional return for their former midfielder. The pressure cooker at West Ham has finally hit full steam. A humiliating 3-0 defeat to Tottenham has left Graham Potter’s reign dangling by a thread, and the board are now seriously weighing up a change in the dugout.
West Ham crisis hits boiling point
Potter, once hailed as a progressive choice to steer the club into a brighter future, has overseen a start that’s been nothing short of catastrophic. Four defeats in five, fourteen goals leaked in that stretch, and a fanbase rapidly losing patience, the situation at the London Stadium is becoming untenable.
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O'Neil emerges as a favourite
According to O'Neil is among the favourites to replace Potter. The 42-year-old has carved out a reputation in Premier League circles as a manager who thrives in chaos, capable of getting the best from squads written off by others. His rescue acts at Bournemouth and Wolves turned heads across the top flight, and his name now tops West Ham’s shortlist.
Little financial headache
What makes O’Neil an even stronger contender is his availability. With no club currently attached to him, the Hammers wouldn’t need to fork out a penny in compensation, a major advantage given the financial and contractual headaches that often come with mid-season appointments.
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A man who knows the Claret & Blue
For West Ham supporters, O’Neil’s story comes with an emotional twist. The former midfielder wore the claret and blue between 2011 and 2013, grafting in the middle of the park during a period of transition for the club. Those two and a half years left a mark, and the thought of one of their own returning to guide the team resonates strongly with sections of the fanbase.
Whilst Thomas Frank managed to win his first Premier League game as Tottenham Hotspur manager, the club still have work to do before the end of the summer transfer window.
He’s already been backed by the board, landing a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, but ultimately, further big-money reinforcements are needed to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Lilywhites ended the previous year in 17th place, still managing to win the Europa League, with the Dane the man to lead them into the Champions League this season.
However, if the 51-year-old is to be successful in either of the competitions in the near future, he will need added quality in depth within key areas of the pitch.
Big money will likely need to be spent if added success is to be achieved, but one of the club’s key dealings may have already taken place over the last couple of days.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Cristian Romero’s new contract at Tottenham Hotspur
Back in the summer of 2021, Spurs completed the loan signing of Cristian Romero from Italian outfit Atalanta, making the centre-back’s move permanent 12 months later – costing around £42.5m in the process.
Whilst his disciplinary record has often been brought into question, he’s been a key component of the Lilywhites’ backline, making 126 appearances over the last four years.
The 27-year-old was named the club’s captain last week, highlighting the trust new boss Frank has placed in him – understandably so given his Man of the Match showing in the European final against Manchester United.
The good news has continued for the Argentine, penning a new four-year deal until the summer of 2029, with such a move arguably one of the best pieces of business conducted by the club this window, amid interest from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.
However, despite Romero’s new contract, the hierarchy are looking to add further quality into the club’s backline, handing Frank the added depth he needs to help the side challenge at the top of England’s top-flight.
Spurs targeting move for a new Romero partner
Over recent days, Spurs have entered talks with Manchester City over a potential deal for 20-year-old right-back Rico Lewis – potentially providing competition for Pedro Porro.
The Englishman has also been subject to interest from Nottingham Forest, but it’s been confirmed that the youngster wants to remain at the Etihad beyond the summer window.
However, he’s not the only defender in their sights, with the club also strongly considering a move to land Brentford star Nathan Collins, according to the Daily Mail.
Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been closely monitoring the Irish international, who featured in every single minute of the previous Premier League campaign.
It also states that Manchester United and Liverpool are also plotting a move for the 24-year-old, but Spurs could hold the key to any move, given the centre-back’s previous time playing under Frank at the GTEC.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be perfect for Romero
Whilst Frank has only overseen two competitive games as Spurs boss, he’s already showcased his versatility in the role, operating with various different systems.
In the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG, the Dane utilised a back-five, whilst switching back to a more familiar back four in the win against Burnley on Saturday.
However, if the club are to be a success, adapting the side based upon the opposition is vital, something which was hugely lacking during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.
A move for Collins could offer the new boss the depth he craves, adding another option to the heart of the defence, which could allow for a centre-back trio of Micky van de Ven, Romero and the Irishman.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bees star would set the hierarchy back before the September 1st deadline, but it would be a transfer that would add the needed quality to the defensive unit.
Brentford'sNathanCollinsapplauds
When comparing his stats to those of Romero from 2024/25, the 24-year-old managed to outperform the Argentine in key areas, even ranking highly among other defenders in the division.
Collins, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by journalist Mario Marra, ranked in the 97th percentile for blocks made (2.1) whilst ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won (3.1), according to FBref.
Games played
38
18
Goals & assists
5
1
Progressive carries
0.9
0.7
Progressive passes
4.8
4.5
Blocks made
2.1
1.1
Clearances made
5.9
3.6
Aerials won
3.1
2.6
Aerial success rate
63%
60%
Such figures are both higher than those produced by Romero, which would subsequently hand Frank the quality at the back to improve the record of 65 league goals conceded last season.
The Irishman also achieved a better aerial success rate last season, whilst making nearly two times more clearances per 90 – further highlighting the quality he possesses without the ball.
Nathan Collins
However, despite Collins’ ability without the ball, he’s also showcased his talent in possession, something which has been vital in Frank’s system – as seen by the Bees’ average possession of 48% in the Premier League during 2024/25.
He managed to achieve more progressive passes and carries per 90 last season, able to seamlessly fit into the manager’s plans given his previous stint under his guidance.
Whilst it’s unclear how much the Bees will be demanding to part ways with their captain, it’s a deal that could transform the Lilywhites’ fortunes within the defensive third.
If he can replicate such numbers from 2024/25, he could prove to be the perfect partner for Romero, which could provide added success for the club in the not-too-distant future.
Not just Richarlison: 8/10 Spurs ace must be a regular starter under Frank
Tottenham Hotspur secured the perfect start to life under Thomas Frank with a 3-0 win over Burnley.
Tim David fired for the second time in as many matches to steer Hobart Hurricanes to a convincing win over Sydney Thunder and top spot on the BBL table.Hurricanes ran down Thunder’s 164 for 6 at Ninja Stadium on Friday night with 19 balls to spare, with David finishing unbeaten on 68 from 38 balls.David, elevated to No. 5 after Ben McDermott suffered hamstring soreness while fielding, came to life in the two-over power surge, hitting 26 from six balls. David iced the win with a six off Wes Agar, his sixth six of the match.The 28-year-old played an almost identical hand in Hurricanes’ win over Adelaide Strikers in their previous match with an unbeaten 62 from 28 deliveries.Hurricanes have won five matches in a row to stamp themselves as genuine title contenders with three games remaining before the finals. They have missed the finals in the past two seasons and are one of two teams yet to lift the BBL silverware.They overcame an injury scare in the field when skipper Nathan Ellis crashed head-first into an advertising board in the 15th over when diving trying to stop a boundary. He was assessed by medical staff and remarkably returned to the field soon afterwards and continued to bowl.Thunder drop from first to third on the ladder with four wins from eight games. Earlier, David Warner top scored for them with an unbeaten 88 off 66 balls in an innings that took time to get going.Thunder didn’t hit a boundary until the fifth over and grafted to 85 for 3 after 13. But they picked up the pace towards the back end, with Sam Billings contributing 28 from 15 balls.Warner, who snapped his bat early on, looked more comfortable the longer he went and took the long handle to Ellis in a final over that went for 17 runs.Young gun Sam Konstas failed to fire for Thunder after a whirlwind two Tests against India and was out for 4 from nine balls, gloving a short ball from Riley Meredith.Openers Mitchell Owen and Matthew Wade got Hurricanes off to a flying start in the chase with the latter hitting George Garton out of the ground.Hurricanes lost three wickets to keep Thunder somewhat in the hunt before David and Chris Jordan steered them home.
Alan Shearer has claimed that a Liverpool star is "not the same player" he was last season, pointing out at a worrying theme under Arne Slot. The Reds have made a perfect start to their Premier League title defence with five successive wins and also opened their Champions League campaign with a win over Atletico Madrid, but one player is struggling for rhythm.
Liverpool off to a perfect start
Liverpool splashed around £400 million ($543.5m) on a host of new signings in the summer transfer window. They broke the British transfer record to sign striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on deadline after bringing in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez earlier in the summer window. The new additions have helped the Reds maintain a 100 percent record through their first six games in all competitions this season, but former Bournemouth full-back Kerkez has faced criticism for his performances.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesShearer points finger at Kerkez
Premier League and Newcastle icon Shearer is among those who has singled out Kerkez for his underwhelming start to life as a Liverpool player. The Hungary international has already established himself as a regular starter under Slot, however, the Dutch coach was forced to substitute him in the first half of the Reds' recent win over Burnley after the defender picked up an unnecessary yellow card.
'Kerkez is not the same player'
Speaking as a pundit on , Shearer said: "At the minute, we are not seeing the same player, Kerkez, particularly on the left-hand side, as we saw at Bournemouth. He was free-flowing. He had the licence to go and roam and get forward. It seems as if he’s caught in two minds, whether he’s going to go or whether he’s going to stay and help protect [Virgil] Van Dijk and [Ibrahima] Konate."
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(C)Getty imagesLiverpool to begin Carabao Cup campaign
After grabbing a narrow win in their Merseyside derby clash against Everton on Saturday, Liverpool will now aim to make a winning start to their Carabao Cup campaign as they face Southampton in a third-round clash at Anfield on Tuesday.
On top of bringing through their own talented youngsters, West Ham United have made a habit of signing iconic players towards the end of their careers in recent decades.
For example, the likes of Ian Wright, Samir Nasri, Joe Cole – the second time round – and Freddie Ljungberg all donned the Claret and Blue in their latter playing years.
However, while many of these ageing stars were never really more than okay, there was one who did incredibly well in East London: Teddy Sheringham.
The boyhood fan joined the Hammers after leaving Portsmouth in the summer of 2004 and over the next three seasons would rack up 30 goals and six assists in 86 games, while also becoming the oldest goalscorer in Premier League history.
The Englishman was an excellent signing for West Ham, and so fans should be excited about reports linking them to someone who could be their new Sheringham.
West Ham target their new Sheringham
It’s been an interesting summer for West Ham United so far this year, as they have made a few signings that could genuinely improve the starting line-up, such as Kyle Walker-Peters and Mads Hermansen.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, they’ve still not done enough in the market, especially since the only out-and-out attacking addition so far has been Callum Wilson, who might be talented but is practically always injured.
Fortunately, the East Londoners appear to be targeting another centre-forward signing, someone who is older than the former Newcastle United star, but also has the potential to be more impactful and like Potter’s own Sheringham.
At least that is according to a recent report from The Sun, which has claimed West Ham are interested in signing Jamie Vardy.
The report has revealed that Hammers are one of a number of teams vying for the Englishman’s signature, including Brentford, Wrexham and Celtic, which seems to be his preferred destination at the moment.
However, as he is now a free agent, the Irons would surely be able to offer him a more lucrative contract than the Hoops, and the chance to keep on playing in the Premier League.
In all, if West Ham have the chance to sign Vardy, they should take it, as even at his age, he was effective in the top-flight, and could even become the new Sheringham.
Why Vardy could be the new Sheringham
Now, while we wouldn’t expect Vardy to be quite as successful at West Ham as Sheringham was, he certainly still has plenty to give and shares some key similarities with the retired great.
The first and unavoidable one is the simple fact that he’d be another star player joining the club in the final years of his career.
Secondly, he’s not just a great of his former club, but of the Premier League in general, thanks to his part in Leicester City’s most unlikely of triumphs a decade ago.
Moreover, he’s also a former England international, and while he was a part of the disastrous EURO 2016 campaign, he also made four appearances at the 2018 World Cup, where Gareth Southgate led the team to the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.
Finally, as he’s set to turn 39 in January, if the former Foxes legend was able to maintain his fitness and remain with the club for a couple of seasons, there is no reason why he couldn’t break Sheringham’s record of being the oldest goalscorer in Premier League history.
With all of that said and forgetting the comparisons to the former Irons star, the East Londoners would be wise to sign the 38-year-old regardless.
After all, despite playing for a terrible Leicester side last season that went back down to the Championship, he was still able to score ten goals and provide four assists in just 36 appearances, totalling 2899 minutes.
Vardy’s 24/25
Appearances
36
Minutes
2899′
Goals
10
Assists
4
Goal Involvements per Match
0.38
Minutes per Goal Involvement
207.07′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That means that the “proven goalscorer,” as dubbed by former professional Jermaine Pennant, was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 2.57 games, or every 207.07 minutes.
Having someone capable of that in the squad and on the bench in games could earn Potter and Co. a few more points across the season, which could be the difference in what feels like it’s going to be a brutal campaign.
Ultimately, while some might turn their noses up at signing someone so old, West Ham should do what they can to bring Vardy to the London Stadium this summer, as he could just be their next Sheringham.
Huge Fullkrug upgrade: West Ham submit bid for £43m "revelation"
The dangerous goalscorer would be unreal for West Ham and a problem for Füllkrug.
Rohit heard telling chief selector Agarkar that his team-mates had expressed concerns over some of the guidelines, including the travel restrictions on families
S Sudarshanan18-Jan-20252:42
Rohit: Hardly any time for India regulars to play domestic cricket
India captain Rohit Sharma has said that it is important for players to have enough rest and stay fresh for international engagements, even as he agreed that the BCCI was right in making it mandatory for members of the national team to play domestic cricket. The guideline on domestic cricket participation was one of ten to emerge from the BCCI this week, after a review meeting – that Rohit was part of – to go over India’s recent poor run in Test cricket. Rohit was also heard to say during a press interaction in Mumbai that his team-mates had expressed some concerns over some of the guidelines, including the restrictions on families travelling with the players.Rohit was speaking at a press conference where India’s Champions Trophy squad was announced. But his comments about his team-mates’ concerns, as well as wanting to discuss them with the BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia, were directed to Ajit Agarkar, the chair of the men’s selection committee, ahead of the formal start of the press conference. Later, when asked by reporters about the need to issue such guidelines, Agarkar said they were not a “diktat” or “punishment”.Rohit, who is the first current player to talk about the guidelines, told the press conference that while he understood the BCCI’s call, there had not been much opportunity for India players to play domestic cricket of late, and none of them were taking their spots in the team for granted. “[In the] last six-seven years, if you go back and see our calendar, there hasn’t been a time where we were sitting at home for 45 days and there is cricket going on,” Rohit said. “You do get that time when you finish the IPL and if there’s nothing happening right after that. But if you see our domestic season, it starts in October – maybe September – and it gets over by February-March. And that is the time India plays a lot of [international] cricket as well. So, guys who are not playing certain formats and have time, and then there is domestic cricket happening, then they will play.Related
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“But the last six-seven years – I can at least tell about what has happened with me since I’ve started playing Test cricket regularly, which is from 2019 – you hardly have any time. When you play so much international cricket through the year, you need some time off as well as a cricketer just to refresh, get your mind right, just to be ready for the upcoming season. But we have addressed it now and nobody takes it for granted or anything like that.”Rohit, who last played a domestic first-class game in September 2016, will be playing Mumbai’s next Ranji Trophy match, against Jammu & Kashmir, next week. Among India’s Test regulars, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant are also set to play in the next round of games.Agarkar conceded that it is difficult for players who play all formats to take part in domestic cricket but insisted that such guidelines are place to strengthen the Indian domestic system. “We’ll probably talk about it endlessly if we keep going on but I think everyone should [play domestic cricket] when available,” he said. “Sometimes, to be fair to a lot of the players, it’s difficult if you’re playing all three formats, you don’t get as much time… You’ll probably find most of the guys playing this round of Ranji Trophy. There’s been a little bit of [down] time.
“But the last six-seven years – I can at least tell about what has happened with me since I’ve started playing Test cricket regularly, which is from 2019 – you hardly have any time. When you play so much international cricket through the year, you need some time off as well as a cricketer just to refresh.”Rohit Sharma
“And those who are available and fit, obviously, you expect people to play. I don’t think it is a diktat. It’s one of the things that BCCI has obviously put forward. As selectors, we expect people, when they’re available, to play because that can only strengthen our domestic structure. Not just for their form or their fitness and playing cricket, but it can only strengthen our domestic structure.”In its guidelines, the BCCI reiterated that not being available for domestic cricket could cost players their place in international cricket as well as impact their central contracts. The sanctions, it laid out, could also include barring them from participating in the IPL.Agarkar said while this was not “school”, certain rules still needed to be followed. “When the time permits, we expect everyone to play,” he said. “Various things you see over the last few months where you can improve as a team, where you can get a bit closer as a team. It’s not a school. It’s not a punishment.”You have some rules in place and when you’re playing for the national team you just follow those rules. Again, these are mature individuals. They are superstars in their own right in international sport. But at the end of the day, you’re eventually representing your country. There are certain things that you just inherently follow as every team does.”A lot of them have been in place. Maybe we’ve spoken about it now and it’s been put out, but a lot of them have been in place in any case. You keep on refining it as you go along. Eventually what suits the team, you want to try and do.”Although Rohit spoke about the mandatory participation in domestic cricket guideline, when asked about his take on the “new policy” for players, he replied: “Who told you about this? Has it come officially?”
أعلنت رابطة البريميرليج عن اللاعب الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبرينتفورد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على برينتفورد مساء اليوم الأحد، في إطار مباريات الجولة السابعة للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.
وتغلب مانشستر سيتي على برينتفورد بهدف دون مقابل، سجله النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند في الدقيقة التاسعة من المباراة.
وحصل على جائزة رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبرينتفورد، إيرلينج هالاند بعد أدائه خلال لقاء اليوم، وقد أحرز الهدف الوحيد بالمواجهة، وجاءت نسبة التصويت لصالحه 85%.
اقرأ أيضًا | بكلمة واحدة.. هالاند يتفاعل مع هدف تشيلسي القاتل أمام ليفربول
ويتصدر هالاند ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز برصيد 9 أهداف، بعد مرور 7 جولات من المسابقة.
ورفع مانشستر سيتي رصيده للنقطة 13 في المركز الخامس بترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي، وتوقف رصيد برينتفورد عند النقطة 7 في المركز 16.
ويتصدر آرسنال ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بـ 16 نقطة، يليه ليفربول ثانيًا ويملك 16 نقطة أيضًا في جدول الترتيب.
Following the news that James Maddison faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held fresh talks to sign a Premier League-winning replacement.
Extent of James Maddison's injury revealed
As the football calendar continues to become more and more congested, there will be no worse feeling for any player than an untimely injury. But that’s exactly what Maddison has been dealt. On what was meant to be a day centred around the emotions of Heung-min Son’s departure, the midfielder was forced off the field within 10 minutes against Newcastle United. And now, he’s been handed the worst-possible news.
Set to miss the majority of the coming campaign in a World Cup year, Maddison has an almighty battle ahead of him as he aims to at least play a small part in Tottenham’s season.
Meanwhile, those in North London must react. Their frontline was already short on goals and creativity following Son’s departure and that issue has now only become more prominent following Maddison’s untimely blow.
Starts
21
24
Goals
9
7
Assists
7
9
Less than 10 days out from their first Premier League game of the season against Burnley, Tottenham must turn towards the transfer market and ensure that Thomas Frank’s side are set up to compete on all fronts.
To that end, names such as Jack Grealish are already reportedly on their transfer radar. The Manchester City star has looked destined to depart the Etihad since being left out of their Club World Cup squad and may now get the chance to decide between Everton and a move to Spurs.
He’s not the only Man City star on Spurs’ shortlist, however. It’s in North London that Grealish could be joined by an impressive talent.
Tottenham hold fresh talks to sign McAtee
According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Tottenham have now held fresh talks to sign James McAtee from Manchester City this summer. The young midfielder, like Grealish, is likely to depart in search of game time this month, allowing Spurs to take full advantage.
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With Maddison’s injury leaving a void of creativity in Frank’s midfield, McAtee represents an ideal option for all involved in North London. In search of game time, the Premier League-winning midfielder would slot straight into Spurs’ current plans and perhaps go on to prove Pep Guardiola wrong in similar fashion to Cole Palmer.
After earning praise for a “fantastic” start to the year by scout Jacek Kulig, McAtee could yet end 2025 in a Spurs shirt as the Lilywhites continue to intensify their interest.
Following Eddie Howe’s approval, Newcastle United have now reportedly opened initial talks to sign a midfield reinforcement who’s already keen on the move.
Newcastle's nightmare summer goes on
Newcastle have just under a month to turn their summer around. So far, the Magpies have welcomed Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Elanga and young winger Antonio Cordero. Whilst on paper that may sound like a solid list of incomings, the real story is that it’s been a nightmare summer full of rejection for those at St James’ Park.
Howe made his demand clear to PIF that he wanted any business done early and, to the credit of the Newcastle owners, their failure hasn’t been for the want of trying. Initial targets included Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo before all three headed to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively. But it couldn’t go on like this, could it?
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro
Simply put, it could go on and has done ever since. Next on their list of targets was Hugo Ekitike. Lying in wait this time around, however, were the Premier League champions before Ekitike rejected the Magpies and became a Liverpool player.
The same story has since followed Newcastle’s interest in Benjamin Sesko, who has reportedly chosen Manchester United to send Howe and co. back to square one for the umpteenth time this summer.
Newcastle chiefs confident £40m star with "nose for goals" is set to join
Newcastle are confident they will sign a Premier League forward.
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Callum Kemp
Aug 7, 2025
They can’t be knocked for their resilience, however, and those in Tyneside have instantly picked themselves up to go again – reportedly targeting both Nicolas Jackson and Malick Thiaw.
Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that they’ve already had an opening offer worth £26m to sign Thiaw turned down by AC Milan, having stepped up their chase for the centre-back.
Whether that ends their pursuit or they increase their offer is the big question, but the Milan defender isn’t the only new name on Newcastle’s reported shortlist.
Newcastle open talks to sign John McGinn
According to Football Insider, Newcastle have now opened initial talks to sign John McGinn from Aston Villa after receiving Howe’s approval. The Scotland midfielder is reportedly keen on a move to St James’ Park in an instant boost for Newcastle, and could yet be on his way to Tyneside this month.
Whether Unai Emery is willing to bid farewell to his captain is another question, though. Following a quiet summer of their own, Aston Villa are reportedly reluctant to sell McGinn this summer.
Whilst adding another attacker to their ranks should take priority, there’s no doubt that McGinn would add valuable leadership to the current Newcastle squad and replace the departed Sean Longstaff.
Over the last couple of months, Tottenham Hotspur have demonstrated how much of a cutthroat industry professional football can be – regardless of any level of success achieved.
Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to Europa League glory back in May, but it wasn’t enough to maintain his job in North London as Daniel Levy handed him his marching orders.
The 17th-placed Premier League finish was the underlying reasoning behind his dismissal, handing the responsibility to Thomas Frank to build on the recent European triumph.
Such a decision could prove to be a risk in the months ahead, breaking the continuity that would’ve been in place had the Aussie remained in the role.
However, the board are handing the Dane the tools for added success during his tenure, looking to inject further quality into one area of the pitch before the September 1st deadline.
Tottenham’s attempt to land a new midfielder this summer
Despite scoring 64 times in the Premier League last season – the seventh-highest tally of any side – Frank has made a beeline to improve the options available to him in forward areas.
Mohammed Kudus has already completed a £55m move, but it hasn’t stopped the Lilywhites from pursuing a move for other targets such as Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEze
The 27-year-old has been a leading talent in the Premier League as of late, notching 16 goal contributions last season – which has seen Spurs prepare an opening offer for his services.
However, attention is also being focused on the midfield department, leading to reports from media in Spain that Conor Gallagher has once again appeared on their radar.
The article states that Frank’s side are one of various English outfits preparing offers to sign the Atlético Madrid star, with a €50m (£42m) price tag currently being mooted.
It’s also been confirmed that the 25-year-old would be keen on a return to England, after just one year in LaLiga following his £34m departure from boyhood outfit, Chelsea.
Why Spurs’ £42m target would be perfect for Eze
A deal to sign Eze between now and the end of the window would signal real intent from Spurs owner Levy – splashing the cash and subsequently landing a star who can take the side up a gear.
The 27-year-old has made a real name for himself in England’s top-flight in recent times, racking up quite the goal catalogue – which includes a phenomenal strike against fellow North London outfit Arsenal.
Such a strike has also sparked keen interest from Mikel Arteta’s side, which could present a bidding war between the two clubs in the not-too-distant future.
Frank will no doubt be hoping his side can come out on top, finally landing the number 10 he’s craved – after previously missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Given the £60m price tag, it would add pressure on the Englishman to succeed, something which Gallagher could relieve, should he complete his own big-money transfer in the coming weeks.
Whilst the former Chelsea star is more of a ball-winning option, he could offer a presence at the heart of the side which could free Eze up to cause carnage in attacking areas.
Conor Gallagher’s stats for Atlético in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
32
Goals & assists
6
Pass accuracy
85%
Progressive passes
3.5
Passes into final third
2.5
Tackles won
1.8
Interceptions made
1.1
Recoveries made
5.9
Stats via FBref
According to FBref, Gallagher ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) – leading to journalist John Cross labelling him as “sensational”.
However, he was just as impressive in possession, making 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a success rate of 85% – able to do the ‘dirty work’ before finding Eze with his line-breaking ability.
Injuries have also decimated the Spurs side in recent months, but the 25-year-old could provide a consistent presence in North London – having never missed a senior outing through injury to date.
Whilst many fans will be crying out for a deal for Eze this summer, a move for Gallagher could arguably be just as important for the club in their attempts for Premier League glory.
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
His addition from Atlético could see him be the perfect box-to-box option, as seen by his ability to regain possession before progressing the play into forward areas.
A combination between the two England internationals could prove to be a frightening one, subsequently being able to solve two of the problems positions that faced Frank upon his arrival in North London.
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