Tottenham Hotspur are currently a club in a precarious position, with a real possibility of last season’s Premier League struggles coming back to haunt them.
Thomas Frank was tasked with leading the Lilywhites back up England’s top-flight, after Ange Postecoglou could only secure a 17th-placed finish last campaign.
However, the Dane has massively struggled in the role over recent weeks, as seen by the current run of five league games without a win - subsequently drawing last time out against relegation-threatened Burnley.
As a result of the dismal form in recent matches, the club sit in 14th position, just eight points clear of the relegation zone, with a real possibility of last season’s failures rearing their head again.
If Frank is to maintain his job in North London, he may need backing from the hierarchy, with numerous positions in desperate need of reinforcements before the window closes.
The need for a new centre-forward at Spurs has become more evident week after week, with current top scorer Richarlison set to miss numerous more weeks of action through injury.
Fellow centre-forward Randal Kolo Muani is another player that Frank currently has at his disposal, but the Frenchman has failed to score in the Premier League, with Juventus keen on re-signing him this month.
As a result, Dominic Solanke remains the only senior striker available to Frank at present, but he too has had his injury struggles, subsequently missing over three months of action before his return a couple of weeks ago.
Given the situation, it’s no surprise to see the hierarchy making moves to land a new striker, with Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee just one of the names on their shortlist.
According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites have made a shock approach to Michael Carrick’s men over a possible deal to land the Dutch international this month.
The report states that Frank’s men aren’t alone in that regard, with London rivals Crystal Palace also starting talks to work out the possibility of a transfer for the 24-year-old.
However, the article further confirms that the Red Devils aren’t looking to offload the forward this month, that’s despite the reported £100k-per-week earner starting just four league games this campaign.
Why Zirkzee would be Frank’s next Toney at Spurs
Over the years, boss Frank has been blessed with countless attacking talents, but none more so than Ivan Toney, with the pair working wonders together during their time at Brentford.
The duo spent four years working together at the Bees, with the Englishman constantly producing the goods in front of goal - as seen by his remarkable goal tally.
Toney registered 72 goals in his 141 appearances for the Bees, the most of any player during the Dane’s reign across the capital, subsequently showcasing his importance to the Dane’s plans.
Given the manager’s struggles at Spurs this campaign, he will no doubt be wanting a player of the Englishman’s quality in the final third to help get him out of the current mess.
A deal for Toney appears off-limits given his mammoth wages in Saudi Arabia, which could allow Zirkzee to become the Dane’s next version of the talisman.
Whilst many fans may be questioning a move for Zirkzee given his lack of success at Old Trafford, his underlying stats showcase the quality he possesses - subsequently having the tools needed to emulate Toney.
The Dutchman, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by Liam Canning, may have registered three combined goal contributions, but he has posted an impressive tally of 1.2 shots on target per 90 at an accuracy rate of 40%.
Such numbers showcase he’s often been unlucky within the final third during 2025/26, with the opposition goalkeeper often denying him from increasing his goal tally.
His all-round talent with the ball at his feet is reflected in his tally of 50% dribbles completed, whilst creating 1.5 chances per 90 this season - highlighting his ability to drop deep when needed.
Toney often utilised such a skill when plying his trade for Brentford, but he also managed to make himself a poacher, with the vast majority of his strikes coming inside the 18-yard box.
Zirkzee has managed to match that this campaign, subsequently scoring both his goals in such an area, whilst registering 6.2 touches in the opposition box per 90 - which demonstrates his poacher instinct.
His tally of 2.9 aerials won per 90 and a 76% pass accuracy showcase his hold-up play in the final third, with the 24-year-old undoubtedly ticking all of Frank’s boxes for a centre-forward.
However, as previously mentioned, United don’t want to sanction a move for the Dutchman this month, which could make such a deal tricky to complete before the deadline.
Despite such a setback, the Lilywhites hierarchy should be working tirelessly to try and get a deal completed, with the striker having all the tools to succeed in North London.
Should he get anywhere near the level of Toney under Frank, the move would be a phenomenal one for both parties, with Zirkzee able to catapult the club up the Premier League table.