
Thomas Frank facing major dilemma over Tottenham players' futures including Son Heung-min and £60m Richarlison
DOMINIC SOLANKE will feel ace after hearing the comments of his new boss Thomas Frank.
Frank, snapped playing table-tennis at Tottenham's training ground yesterday, spoke glowingly of the England striker during his first interview.
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He served up compliments to other players too — though keen-eared fans also noted those the Dane did NOT mention.
Frank, 51, is only just through the door and will take time assessing his current squad with 2½ weeks until players return for pre-season.
But then he must decide who is in and who is out as he bids to turn Spurs into a smash hit for the new Premier League campaign . . .
GOALKEEPER
FRANK is unlikely to bring in or ship out any of his main stoppers.
There was some talk of AC Milan being interested in Guglielmo Vicario should Mike Maignan leave, but Spurs sources dismissed the prospect of selling the Italian, 28.
The biggest question mark will be whether he sticks with Vicario as his first choice or if Antonin Kinsky, 22, signed from Slavia Prague for £12.5million in January, can convince him a swap is needed.
Long-serving back-up Brandon Austin remains third choice while Alfie Whiteman leaves this month and highly-rated Josh Keeley could go out on loan again after spending last season at Leyton Orient.
DEFENCE
QUESTIONS remain over the future of Cristian Romero, one of those stars not named by Frank.
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The Argentine World Cup winner, 27, appeared to be agitating for a move last season, even speaking of his desire to play in LaLiga during a candid interview.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone would love to sign him but a proposed £60million price tag could be prohibitive for a player who has two years left on his contract.
Bryan Mbeumo give his reaction to Thomas Frank becoming Tottenham manager
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Fans will also demand a quality replacement if Romero goes.
Spurs offered £70m for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi in January and the England man would likely be a target again.
One who may benefit either way is Radu Dragusin, who met Frank this week along with the club's other injured players.
The Romanian, 23, damaged knee ligaments in February and never seemed to fit into Ange Postecoglou's style.
But Frank has a history of getting the best out of no-nonsense centre-backs.
Sergio Reguilon is out on a free transfer, leaving Spurs with only three recognised full-backs — if you do not count the versatile Ben Davies. So another is likely to be required.
MIDFIELD
FRANK spoke of trying to get the best out of James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur, so both seem to be part of his plans.
Spurs hope to tie down the Uruguayan to a new contract with only a year left. But if that does not happen an exit would not be ruled out amid interest from Atletico.
Yves Bissouma also has only 12 months remaining and a few weeks ago fans would have expected the Malian, 28, to be sold given how far down the pecking order he fell under Postecoglou.
But he played a pivotal role in the Europa League win over Manchester United and, with Frank often favouring two holding midfielders, his future is harder to call.
Spurs want the Dane to develop their young talent, including teenagers Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.
But another holding midfielder, perhaps with more experience, could be on Frank's shopping list.
ATTACK
'DOMINIC SOLANKE, I'm a big fan of him in terms of his abilities. I'm sure we'll make him score a lot of goals.'
So said Frank of Spurs' £65m striker, who was always going to be central to his approach. But who backs up the England man and plays wide?
Spurs have been open to selling Richarlison, 28, for a while now but, with his injury record and two years left on his deal, they might struggle to get an offer for the Brazilian that they will find acceptable.
There is serious interest in Bryan Mbeumo, 25, who scored 20 Prem goals for Frank's Brentford last term — but Manchester United are also keen.
Mathys Tel, 20, has signed permanently after his spell on loan from Bayern Munich but another speedy wideman may be targeted given how Frank likes his teams to break at pace.
Then there is captain Son Heung-min, who is open to leaving after marking ten years at the club by lifting a trophy.
Son turns 33 next month, is wanted by Saudi clubs, as well as former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce and also has only a year left on his contract.
But his unique commercial value means Spurs will not let him go on the cheap — and almost certainly not until after the club's tour to South Korea at the start of August.
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