Pressure is mounting on Thomas Frank after another dismal loss, with Tottenham now reportedly moving for a Real Madrid star who could potentially help to rescue his job.
Tottenham crash out of FA Cup as pressure mounts on Frank
Frank edges ever closer to the sack after Tottenham crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
The loss represents the latest disaster in what has become a nightmare reign for the Danish manager, with Spurs now winning just three of their past 14 matches across all competitions.
Villa dominated the opening period at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, taking control through Emiliano Buendia's 22nd-minute strike. The Argentine fired into the roof of the net after John McGinn and Donyell Malen carved through Tottenham's defence with quick passing.
Morgan Rogers doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time, bending his finish into the corner after Buendia turned provider.
Tottenham supporters greeted the half-time whistle with loud boos while Villa fans taunted Frank with chants of "sacked in the morning" and mocked him as "an Arsenal fan" following his infamous cup blunder earlier in the week.
For context, the beleaguered boss had embarrassed himself before Wednesday's Bournemouth defeat when he drank from a cup bearing the Arsenal logo.
Spurs showed improvement after the break when Wilson Odobert reduced the deficit in the 54th minute. Randal Kolo Muani won possession in midfield before feeding the winger, who drilled low into the far corner from 12 yards.
Xavi Simons also struck the post as momentum briefly shifted, while Kolo Muani forced a save from Marco Bizot.
However, Villa held firm despite sustained late pressure to secure their spot in the fourth round. The visitors have now beaten Tottenham twice this season and knocked them out of the cup for the second consecutive year.
The final whistle sparked ugly scenes as both sets of players became embroiled in a mass confrontation on the pitch. Rogers and Ollie Watkins clashed with Joao Palhinha, with substitutes, coaching staff and stewards all dragged into the altercation before order was restored.
Frank now sits 14th in the Premier League with his position appearing untenable. His side face relegation-threatened West Ham at home next weekend in what could prove a make-or-break fixture for his future in north London.
As the Lilywhites boss fields complaints from the fanbase, off the pitch, Spurs are reportedly working to strengthen his severely weakened squad.
They've just sealed a deal for Santos left-back Souza after their second bid was accepted earlier this week, but Frank quite simply needs attacking options.
Brennan Johnson departed for Palace in a £35 million deal, while Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain out through injury — leaving Frank with precious few attackers to choose from.
Tottenham make £52m bid for Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz
According to reports from Spain, Tottenham have now tabled a £52 million bid for Real Madrid attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz as Frank desperately seeks reinforcements following their FA Cup exit.
The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the standout performers at the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco. His impressive displays in the tournament have caught the attention of several top European clubs, with Spurs now making their move.
Frank and co view the Spanish-born playmaker as the 'perfect fit' to revitalise his struggling attack, with the north Londoners apparently moving in with an offer.
Diaz has found opportunities limited at the Bernabeu despite his technical quality and versatility across the front line, but his ability to operate as a number 10 or wide forward makes him an attractive proposition for the north London club.
Real Madrid are now weighing up the substantial offer. The £52m fee represents significant value for a player who has struggled for regular minutes this season, though his recent international form has dramatically increased his market value.
“He can be the best player in the world," said Morocco coach Walid Regragui after their 2-0 AFCON quarter-final win over Cameroon.
“Of course, today he is the X factor of my team.
“I want to say congratulations to him because now he understands what it means to have Moroccan blood: to run, to fight and to give what you have.”
Tottenham believe they can offer Diaz the consistent playing time and prominent role he craves. The club are also said to be confident the promise of being a key figure in their rebuild could tempt him to swap Madrid for London.