The problems keep mounting up for Tottenham Hotspur, as a key player is linked with a move away
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Things have continued to get worse before they get better at Tottenham Hotspur, as a mixed start to the season for the Lilywhites reached a new low with Premier League defeat at home to relegation-threatened West Ham United on Saturday.
Many fans and pundits alike believe that should be the final straw for Thomas Frank, who is reportedly seeing his position come under ‘consideration’ following the devastating defeat, which leaves Spurs 14th in the league table and with a crucial Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund to come on Tuesday.
Potential replacements for the Dane have already begun to be speculated, particularly amidst the outburst made by Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner on Saturday regarding the club’s decision to sell Marc Guehi the day before a match.
Spurs will hope to avoid high-profile departures of their own as reports of the champions preparing a move for a key Lilywhites man continue to emerge.
Liverpool prepare stunning swoop for Micky van de Ven
Reports by Fichajes state that Liverpool are ‘preparing’ a massive bid worth a reported €90million (£78m) for Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, whom they view as the ‘perfect’ replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.
This is not the first time that reports have emerged of the Reds targeting Van de Ven, who has stood out in a poor Spurs side over recent seasons and has also previously been targeted for a future transfer by Real Madrid.
Reporting suggests that it is unlikely anything goes ahead regarding the future of Van de Ven until at least the summer, but Liverpool’s interest is thought to be genuine and unlikely to go away easily. Arne Slot’s side have struggled in defence this season and lack an obvious long-term heir to Van Dijk, who turns 35 this year. Fellow Netherlands international Van de Ven is said to be the ‘chosen one’ and stands out for his speed, anticipation skills and clean ball distribution, in addition to his versatility and ability to play at left-back as well as centre-back.
Tottenham naturally have ‘no intention’ of selling their prize asset and have the 24-year-old tied down on a long-term contract until 2029, though an earth-shattering bid could change the scenario. The player may reportedly ‘welcome’ a change of scenery and may ultimately be more open to a move if Spurs fail to qualify for Europe this season. Reports continue that this move ‘could define the summer’.
What Frank said after West Ham defeat
Frank said following defeat against the Hammers, as problems begin to mount up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: "It feels like we've seen this before, like at Bournemouth when we do very well second half, get the equaliser and push for the winner, having chances and opportunities, but not getting over the line. Then we are stretched in the last moments of the game and lose 2-1.
"It's not a nice feeling [being booed off the pitch], but I understand the frustration. We are losing to a big London rival, there is nothing worse. We couldn't win at home, which we worked very hard to try to do that. Hopefully they [the fans] can see the effort from the boys, they are working very hard. We did everything in the second half.
"I am feeling the backing from everyone, everyone wants the same thing - long term success. We are doing a lot of things right behind the scenes, but we are not getting the results which is crucial."