Tottenham Hotspur are already set to feel the effects of their exciting new start under Thomas Frank, with Spanish giants Real Madrid setting their sights on another of the manager’s key players alongside their well documented interest in Cristian Romero.
Simons fit for Tottenham debut vs West Ham
The international break is over and so could be the wait for Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani to make their Spurs debuts. With a London derby against West Ham United set to take place tonight, both are in contention to take Frank’s frontline to a whole new level.
Simons is one that will particularly excite Spurs fans and rightly so. The Dutchman looked almost certain to head to Chelsea before the Lilywhites hijacked their rivals’ move to welcome an incredibly impressive talent. With 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig last season, fans in North London can expect quite the impact from their new star.
“Both of them are looking good. Both are in contention for the squad. Xavi, for natural reasons, is further down the line as he has played for Holland and a few games for RB Leipzig. Randal hasn’t played since the Club World Cup and didn’t really train at PSG so he is not as fit as Xavi.
“I have some ideas. It is still a team I’m learning. It’s one thing to look from the outside – it’s another to feel them. Xavi, I see mainly as a 10 or a left-side player. Kolo, I see as a striker or he can play on either wing.” (Frank on Kolo Muani & Simons)
Whilst there was plenty of good news to enjoy during the summer transfer window, there are still some concerns on the horizon. Romero’s future is one of them. The Argentine is still attracting interest from Real Madrid despite recently signing a new contract and could yet be joined by another one of Frank’s key men in the near future.
Real Madrid now targeting Micky Van de Ven
According to Football Insider, Real Madrid are now targeting Micky van de Ven in what could be a major blow for Tottenham. The centre-back, who has returned to full fitness this season, has got off to an impressive start under Frank and has attracted interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs as a result.
Reports have indicated that a move is unlikely at this stage, but Van de Ven is on Madrid’s list. The Spanish club have seemingly commenced their search for central defenders with the contracts of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba set to expire next summer. As such, names such as Ibrahima Konate have emerged as top options as well as Romero and now reportedly Van de Ven.
Alas, the quick Dutchman is not someone that Spurs will be keen to lose anytime soon. Former manager Harry Redknapp was one of many to hand Van de Ven plenty of praise last season, telling reporters: “He looks a great signing. What amazed me is during the Euros this year, he couldn’t get into the Dutch team.”
