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Tottenham Hotspur have seen an enquiry for Kang‑in Lee knocked back this month, with Paris Saint‑Germain making it clear the South Korean playmaker will not be leaving, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

As we previously reported, Tottenham are actively searching for a versatile attacker capable of operating off the left or across the front line. Their recruitment team has cast a wide net, assessing high‑profile options such as Kenan Yildiz, Rodrygo, Ademola Lookman, Savinho, Christos Tzolis and Maghnes Akliouche.

However, we can now reveal that Tottenham also made an approach for Kang‑in Lee, who is one of PSG’s standout creative sparks.

Spurs, who have a very good understanding of the South Korean market thanks to the success of Son Heung‑min, asked whether a loan deal would be possible.

However, sources confirm PSG responded swiftly and decisively, informing the north London side that Lee would not be allowed to leave.

Luis Enrique is a strong admirer of the 24‑year‑old and sees him as an important part of his squad, even if his minutes have fluctuated this season.

To date, Lee has been limited to just 21 appearances across all competitions, and having seen a modest 867 minutes of action in Ligue 1. In the Champions League, his game time has been even more fleeting, stepping off the bench on five occasions in just 171 minutes of action.

Tottenham were not alone in their interest; we can also reveal with Atletico Madrid also having made enquiries over a deal to bring the former Valencia player back to LaLiga.

However, the European champions’ response to Atletico was the same: firm rejection.

Insiders, however, suggest Lee may reassess his situation in the summer, depending on how he views his long‑term prospects at PSG and giving Spurs hopes over a future deal.

Despite starting 11 Ligue 1 matches, he has yet to start a Champions League game and has made more substitute appearances than starts across all competitions.

For now, though, PSG have shut the door – leaving Spurs to continue their search for attacking reinforcements elsewhere.

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Tottenham latest: Thomas Frank sack decision; record keeper deal eyed

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank has been given more time to turn around Tottenham’s disastrous Premier League form after the cost needed to remove the Dane from his job came to light and amid reports that a big-name manager is keen to take over mid-season.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have informed Spurs they have no wish to go through with the sale of Andy Robertson following talks over a £5m package, with the two people responsible for keeping the Scot at Anfield coming to light and with the player’s thoughts on the transfer collapse also emerging.

In other news, Tottenham are in the mix to sign the best goalkeeper in Serie A, and his asking price would make him the third most expensive stopper of all time, according to a report.

Thomas Frank has been given more time to turn around Tottenham’s disastrous Premier League form despite growing fears they could get sucked into the relegation battle and amid reports that a big-name manager is keen to take over mid-season.

The north London side are one game away from reaching the Champions League knock-out stages, and a positive result this week away to Eintracht Frankfurt can book their place in the last 32 of the competition. However, it has been a thoroughly different story in the Premier League, and Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Burnley – a point salvaged by a very late Cristian Romero header – leaves Tottenham 14th in the table.

Off the back of a dismal run of form that has seen them go winless now in five league games, the pressure has hugely built up on Frank amid growing claims he could soon be sacked by Spurs.

Indeed, while our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported last week that Spurs are already considering options and one Italian manager had leapt to the forefront of their thinking, it had also been confirmed that the club are not yet to axe their manager, instead preferring to give him time to address their poor run of form.

Indeed, that stance has been echoed by Football Insider, who insist Spurs chiefs ENIC, are still backing their manager.

Despite that, football finance expert, Dr Dan Plumley, has said it would cost Spurs around £8m to remove the Dane from his job, with his contract in N17 currently running until summer 2028.

Plumley told Football Insider: “You’ve seen figures reported that his salary is around £8million a year, something like that.

“There are a couple of years on it to run. Also, what you don’t often see is that the manager would get paid off the full amount of that contract. There’s likely a clause in the contract that says it can terminate at any point in time, depending on performance, and that’ll be a set fee that they’ll agree on.

“Now, again, with a little bit of professional judgment, you know, that might be something at around a year’s salary or something like that, but it’ll already be agreed. So, you know, if those figures are reported that he is on around £8m, and we have to take that with a pinch of salt, then you might suggest that, you know, a sacking would cost in the region of £8m, something like that.

“I think he’s obviously still under pressure. Of course, they had a good result in the Champions League in midweek. But, yeah, I think it’s not often that you would get paid the full length of the contract. There’s going to be some predetermined deals in there, and that’s standard for a lot of these contracts nowadays.”

DON’T MISS: Heitinga agent drops major Thomas Frank sack bombshell with big admission on Tottenham clause

Next Tottenham manager: Big name linked with Spurs job

However, with a horror run of fixtures on the horizon – Tottenham play Man City (H), Man Utd (A), Newcastle (H) and Arsenal (H) in their next four – the situation could get worse before it gets better at Spurs, and fears are mounting they could yet get sucked into the relegation battle.

The improved form of Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Leeds, the latter who play at Everton on Monday night, has seen that gap between Spurs and the bottom three close to just eight points.

In light of that, it’s been speculated that former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has made clear his willingness to take charge of Spurs in the here and now and try to help resurrect the club’s flagging fortunes.

Having also been linked with Manchester United, Xavi appears ready to try his luck in the Premier League next, and he does have that sense about him that he’s the next big overseas coach ready to move to England.

Speaking to Football Insider, transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke certainly feels Xavi is a move that ticks plenty of boxes.

“For Tottenham, let’s wait and see what they decide to do with Thomas Frank,” he said.

“Maybe he could turn things around there and keep his job, if not, I’m sure there’ll be a number of managers that they will look at, obviously Premier League-based and elsewhere as well.

“Xavi being a free agent makes him an interesting option for both (Man Utd and Spurs), but I don’t think he’s probably top of the list for either club if they do look to bring in new managers.”

He added: “I’m sure Xavi himself would be interested in the chance to maybe move to the Premier League and either join Manchester United or Tottenham.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Robertson move abandoned; record keeper signing eyed

Meanwhile, Liverpool have informed Spurs they have no wish to go through with the sale of Andy Robertson following talks over a £5m package, with the two people responsible for keeping the Scot at Anfield coming to light and with the player’s thoughts on the transfer collapse also emerging.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are in the mix to sign the best goalkeeper in Serie A, and his asking price would make him the third most expensive stopper of all time, according to a report.

Spurs are also reportedly targeting a move for the Napoli star to help fix the defensive lapses that have been plaguing Frank’s side during their woeful run of form in the Premier League.

Liverpool have informed Tottenham Hotspur that they have no wish to go through with the sale of Andy Robertson this month following talks over a £5m transfer package last week, with the two people responsible for keeping the Scot at Anfield also coming to light.

Robertson is widely regarded as one of the Reds’ greatest pound-for-pound signings in the modern era, winning eight major honours since an £8m move from Hull City in summer 2017. Now into his ninth season at Anfield, Liverpool planned for life beyond the 31-year-old Scot by signing his successor, Milos Kerkez, in a £40m deal last summer.

And with Robertson’s deal due to expire in the summer, Liverpool bosses had expressed a willingness to cash in on the player before losing him as a free agent and had been in talks with Tottenham over an initial £3m package that could have risen to £5m in add-ons.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Robertson had agreed personal terms in principle over a move to North London, with Spurs confident they were closing in on one of the most surprising deals of the window. Thomas Frank has been pushing for an experienced, high‑level left‑back, and Robertson was viewed as an ideal fit for his aggressive, front‑foot system.

But despite initially green-lighting the possible sale, sources have now confirmed to us that Liverpool have aborted the transfer and will keep Robertson at Anfield for the remainder of the season.

Having made clear his interest in leaving in order to play more regular first-team football ahead of the World Cup this summer, it might be assumed that Robertson is disappointed by Liverpool’s decision to back out of the deal.

However, it is understood that the 31-year-old is accepting of the decision, and is more than willing to give his all to the cause over the remainder of the season, before finalising what his future on Merseyside.

Indeed, after injury to Joe Gomez at Bournemouth on Saturday and with both manager Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk making clear their wishes for Robertson to stay where he is, Liverpool bosses felt they had no other option but to abort the prospective deal.

Following Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, Slot stated: “I think I need all of my players. I thought, let’s bring Robbo in at half-time to make sure Milos [Kerkez] stays available for the rest of the season, because there are a lot of games to be played with the players that are available.

“I have to manage that, as well, because the last thing we need right now is another injury.”

Spurs, for their part, are left frustrated by the news, having believed they were on the verge of pulling off a major coup.

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Liverpool told Robertson sale would have been ‘big mistake’

Van Dijk was also vocal in opposing Robertson’s sale, stating: “He’s my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team, and I want him to stay, but whatever happens, let’s see.”

And Slot had also tried to shy away from talk the player could leave, later saying: “What do you think my answer is going to be? Have I ever said anything about transfers in front of these microphones?

“My answer is always the same, and it’s quite boring to always give the same answer – we don’t talk about transfers in public.”

Robertson had revealed earlier this month that he still had the option to extend his deal at Anfield – and that now could become a stronger possibility after this most dramatic of transfer U-turns.

“We’ll see what happens,” the Scotland captain had said. “We’ve had chats now, which will remain private. I’ve spoken to them, and we’ll see what happens. Would I like to stay? Yes, but it’s a difficult question to ask. I’ve got five months left, and we need to see the option to stay or if there are options to go and things like that.

“I’ll sit down with my family and decide. After a stressful summer, I’m just trying to enjoy being a part of it, and being a Liverpool player. I wanted to qualify for the World Cup, and thankfully, we’ve managed to do that. I need to see what myself and my family wants moving forward.”

While the move has now been abandoned, the Reds had been warned by the Daily Mail’s Liverpool specialist Lewis Steele that the loss of Robertson at this stage in the season would have proved a mistake.

“Noting that and the fact Liverpool needed a defender before January injuries, surely letting Robertson walk away must be discouraged?” Steele reasoned.

“The biggest reason is the fact that there are so few options at the back if the selection crisis continues to ravage the team but, equally, how missed would his leadership be if he was to walk away now?

“As vice-captain, the Scot, with 364 games for the club under his belt, is a huge voice in the dressing room. It is fair to concede that his best days are behind him but he still has something to offer to this team.

“Just this week, new left back Milos Kerkez said: ‘Robbo is a legend here. A big player, it is a privilege to be next to such a player. I am taking it in and learning from him.’

“Clearly, even though he is not playing as much as he once was, the 31-year-old still has a lot to offer.”

Liverpool set sights on long-term Andy Robertson replacement

Despite all that, we understand Liverpool are planning for life after the Scot and could yet sign another left-back this summer.

And according to our transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey, the Reds are once again back on the trail of Fulham star Antonee Robinson and are preparing a fresh move to bring the left‑back to Anfield.

Bailey has revealed Liverpool’s thinking behind the move and the current Reds cast-off who could yet enhance their chances of a deal.

Elsewhere, a report on Saturday morning revealed Spurs’ plans to launch a £30m offer for one of Robertson’s Liverpool teammates in a move that could rip the heart out of Anfield were the move to get the greenlight.

In other news, Liverpool have reportedly been in contact with the representatives of a big-name manager as they consider parting ways with Slot, who is said to be increasingly in danger of being sacked.

Tottenham are in the mix to sign the best goalkeeper in Serie A and his asking price would make him the third most expensive stopper of all time, according to a report.

Spurs believed they’d solved their goalkeeping woes when bringing Guglielmo Vicario to the club by way of Empoli in 2023.

The Italy international is well renowned for being one of very few leaders in Tottenham’s dressing room, though question marks remain over his abilities between the sticks.

There’s a growing belief Vicario will return to Serie A in the summer, with our insider, Fraser Fletcher, reporting on Vicario’s exit chances back in December.

More recently, transfer insider, Dean Jones, informed us Tottenham have been making ‘discreet’ enquiries into signing a replacement for Vicario at season’s end. Among those keen on taking Vicario back to Italy are Inter Milan.

The latest from Gazzetta dello Sport has now shed light on who Tottenham are looking at, and per the report, Spurs aren’t messing around with second-class options.

It’s claimed they – along with Chelsea – are weighing up a move for Roma ace, Mile Svilar.

The 26-year-old was named Serie A’s goalkeeper of the season for the 2024/25 campaign and the common consensus is he’s been the league’s best stopper once again this season.

What’s more, Roma manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has likened Svilar’s impact on his side to that of a 25-goal striker.

Gasperini was quoted as saying: “He’s a goalkeeper who brings a lot of points. He can be compared to a 25-goal striker. He’s certainly among the best in Europe.”

Accordingly, a move for Svilar won’t come cheap, with the report citing a €70m / £60.7m price tag.

A deal on that scale would make Svilar the third most expensive goalkeeper of all time, behind only Alisson Becker and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Coincidentally, Alisson was also signed by Liverpool from Roma.

Naturally, Roma would rather not sell. But as is now the case for even the biggest Serie A sides, mega-money offers from the cash-rich Premier League clubs would be difficult to ignore, and could prompt a reluctant sale.

Bournemouth were also credited with interest in the player, but given the strength of the sides they’d be competing with for Svilar’s signature and the price he’ll cost, they’re very much an outside bet.

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Latest Tottenham news

In other news, Tottenham are reportedly targeting a move for a Napoli star to help fix the defensive lapses that have been plaguing Thomas Frank’s side during their woeful run of form, a sequence of results that could end up costing the Dane his job.

Elsewhere, Spurs have been urged to sack Frank now and turn to a manager who has not been in the dugout for nine years, while it’s also emerged how much compensation sacking the Dane would cost the club.

Finally, Virgil van Dijk has spoken out against Andy Robertson’s proposed transfer to Tottenham, while a Liverpool reporter has claimed the Reds are making a ‘big mistake’ it’s not too late to prevent.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly targeting a move for a Napoli star to help fix the defensive lapses that have been plaguing Thomas Frank’s side during their woeful run of form, a sequence of results that could end up costing the Dane his job.

Spurs conceded two more goals in the 2-2 draw at relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday, with the first from Axel Tuanzebe particularly woeful from a viewpoint of players switching off and allowing the Clarets defender to ghost in unmarked to volley home from a Kyle Walker cross.

While Cristian Romero netted a last-minute equaliser to spare Tottenham‘s blushes at Turf Moor, it’s now two wins in 14 Premier League outings, with 24 goals conceded in that time.

While Romero and Micky van de Ven are performing heroics at the other end of the field this season, with 13 goals between them, defensively they have been nowhere near as solid as in the past.

To that end, it’s claimed that Spurs are still hunting new defensive recruits, with a bargain move for Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson reported to be close. However, Italian outlet Calciomercato claims that the north London outfit are also keen on landing Napoli centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno, with a bid potentially incoming.

It’s not the first time Tottenham have been linked with the 26-year-old, who was a target during Ange Postecoglou’s second season in charge.

Buongiorno has gone from strength to strength in Naples since then and is enjoying another solid campaign for Antonio Conte’s side, featuring 25 times in all competitions.

The Italy international is capable of playing centrally or at left-back, but has a contract that runs until the summer of 2029 so will not come cheap.

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Buongiorno to replace Van de Ven?

There are some suggestions that he is being lined up as a replacement for Micky van de Ven, who continues to be heavily linked with Liverpool amid reports that he has grown unhappy with the direction of the club under Thomas Frank.

Buongiorno is a typical Italian defender, strong in the tackle, dominant in the air and a good reader of the game, although the report adds that he might struggle a bit with the higher intensity of the Premier League.

Either way, Buongiorno would be a strong addition to a Tottenham backline that looks increasingly fragile and vulnerable to costly errors, as has proven to be the case of late.

As to whether they can pull off a deal in January, much depends on the offer they put in for the player and whether Conte is ready to part ways.

Calciomercato have not commented on what that offer for Buongiorno might need to be, although Transfermarkt currently has him valued at €45million (£39m / $53m).

All eyes will now be on the final week and a bit of the winter window, as Tottenham look to bolster an underperforming squad that has also been beset by injuries.

DON’T MISS: Ranking Tottenham left-back options: Andy Robertson 4th best amid bizarre January swoop

Latest Tottenham news: Calls for Redknapp return; Tchouameni swoop

Tottenham have been urged to sack Thomas Frank now and turn to a manager who has not been in the dugout for nine years, while it’s also emerged how much compensation sacking the Dane would cost the club.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have a huge offer up their sleeves for a Real Madrid midfielder as one of their next priorities, according to Spanish reports, but Tottenham are looking at the same player despite also shortlisting a current member of Arne Slot’s own midfield.

Tottenham Hotspur have been urged to sack Thomas Frank now and turn to a manager who has not been in the dugout for nine years, while it’s also emerged how much compensation the north London club will have to pay to the Dane if they do opt to pull the trigger.

The pressure is growing even bigger on Frank after another hugely disappointing result on Saturday as Spurs needed a last-minute equaliser from skipper Cristian Romero to rescue a 2-2 draw at relegation-threatened Burnley.

Chants of ‘we want Frank out’ and ‘sacked in the morning’ could be heard from the away end during the clash at Turf Moor, with Tottenham having now won just two of their last 14 Premier League games.

And now, outspoken former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has called on his old club to replace Frank with 78-year-old Harry Redknapp on an interim basis.

Redknapp previously spent four years in charge between 2008 and 2012, but has not managed a team since Birmingham City back in 2017 and, in reality, would be somewhat of a crazy appointment.

That’s not stopping O’Hara banging the drum for a return, though, telling talkSPORT: “Harry’s been out of the game for a while, but he still watches football, he’s got an affiliation to the football club, a love there, the fans loved him.

“I would take Harry Redknapp, I would. I’d take him for an interim manager, until the end of the season.

“Give him some backroom staff, players, people that can coach and take the sessions for him and he manages the team.

“He’d been my manager, Harry Redknapp, I know what he’s like. He’ll get his arm around you, he’ll give you some confidence, and he’ll say ‘Go and play, express yourself.’

“I think that’s what the players need. I don’t know if Thomas Frank… he’s just got these players with the handbrake on. I think Harry Redknapp would actually take the handbrake off these players and say, ‘Go and enjoy your football.’”

Redknapp had a win rate of 49.5 per cent during his time at the club and also guided Tottenham into the Champions League for the first time.

However, the game has changed significantly during his time away from the dugout, and it’s hard to believe that Spurs chiefs would even consider someone approaching their 80s to take temporary charge, especially when it’s rumoured that new assistant coach John Heitinga is most likely to take the reins in the event of Frank leaving.

DON’T MISS: Thomas Frank sack demanded as Tottenham relegation fears mount and Postecoglou return shout airs

Tottenham facing hefty Frank payout

Meanwhile, it’s reported that Tottenham are likely to have to pay Frank around £8million in compensation if they wield the axe.

That’s according to football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley, who has told Football Insider that Frank would be paid a full year’s salary if he was dismissed.

“You’ve seen figures reported that his salary is around £8million a year, something like that,” Plumley said.

“There are a couple of years on it left to run. Also what you don’t often see is that the manager would get paid off the full amount of that contract. There’s likely a clause in the contract that says it can terminate at any point in time depending on performance, and that’ll be a set fee that they’ll agree on.

“Now, again, with a little bit of professional judgment, you know, that might be something at around a year’s salary or something like that, but it’ll already be agreed. So, you know, if those figures are reported that he is on around £8m, and we have to take that with a pinch of salt, then you might suggest that, you know, a sacking would cost in the region of £8m, something like that.

“I think he’s obviously still under pressure. Of course, they had a good result in the Champions League in midweek. But, yeah, I think it’s not often that you would get paid the full length of the contract. There’s going to be some predetermined deals in there, and that’s standard for a lot of these contracts nowadays.”

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More Tottenham news: Real Madrid star eyed; Robertson transfer fee

Liverpool have a huge offer up their sleeves for a Real Madrid midfielder as one of their next priorities, according to Spanish reports, but Tottenham are looking at the same player despite also shortlisting a current member of Arne Slot’s own midfield.

Elsewhere, the fee being discussed by Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for Andy Robertson has been revealed by two separate sources.

Liverpool have a huge offer up their sleeves for a Real Madrid midfielder as one of their next priorities, according to Spanish reports, but Tottenham are looking at the same player despite also shortlisting a current member of Arne Slot’s own midfield.

Liverpool have been expected to see through a quiet January window after their extraordinary summer spending, but they won’t be oblivious to opportunities to strengthen their squad. Besides, their form has been unconvincing, raising some questions over their strength in depth.

But the latest claims from Spain suggest a bold move could be on the way to rectify some of their issues.

LIVERPOOL LINKED WITH TCHOUAMENI

Liverpool are preparing an offer worth €100m (£86.7m) for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, according to Fichajes.

The report claims that Liverpool’s ‘search for a dominant midfielder is a priority’ and it has led to them focusing on Tchouameni again, a player they held interest in before he joined Real Madrid from Monaco in 2022.

It’s suggested that Liverpool are preparing an offer of €100m for Tchouameni, which would force Real Madrid into a decision.

Liverpool are said to have monitored Tchouameni for a ‘prolonged’ period of time, drawing up ‘very positive reports on the player’s performance’.

The recently appointed Alvaro Arbeloa is backing Tchouameni to continue to play a big part for Madrid, so those kind of factors will have to be weighed up against any financial ones and it’s deemed most likely that Los Blancos will be unmoved.

That is, of course, if they genuinely do have anything to respond to. Fichajes aren’t renowned as a particularly reliable outlet and there may well be no such plans by Liverpool to bid for Tchouameni.

For what it’s worth, the report also says Tottenham would be willing to pay the same amount for the Frenchman, which would be a landmark signing for them but doesn’t feel like the kind of midfield move they should be prioritising next.

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TOTTENHAM EYE LIVERPOOL MIDFIELDER

Incidentally, Tottenham have been credited with strong interest in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.

Jones is now the only Liverpool native in the Reds’ first-team squad and has become a regular fixture in their midfield.

However, DaveOCKOP claims Spurs are willing to put £30m on the table for Jones as their next midfield addition after Conor Gallagher, who they recently signed from Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool, for their part, are likely to have a higher value in mind for Jones – although DaveOCKOP‘s post did claim the 24-year-old ‘may be interested in a new challenge’, despite his roots.

The reliable Times reporter Paul Joyce has also spoken of Jones being admired by Spurs, so there is something genuine there in terms of interest.

The battle to keep Jones and prevent him from being prised away by Tottenham could be a more realistic one between the two clubs than any sort of race for Tchouameni.

ROBERTSON REPLACEMENT IDENTIFIED

Liverpool are preparing a fresh move for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson as a long-term successor to Andy Robertson, sources have revealed.

Robertson has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham over the past 48 hours, having fallen behind Milos Kerkez in the pecking order at left-back.

Should Robertson depart, the void is likely to be filled by a recall for Kostas Tsimikas from his loan at Roma, but that would only be a short-term measure for the rest of the season.

One player who remains on Liverpool’s radar for beyond then is Robinson, according to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey.

Former Everton academy product Robinson would be open to a Merseyside return with the Reds, although he is still under contract with Fulham until 2028.

A deal could be sweetened by the inclusion of Tsimikas going in the opposite direction to Craven Cottage.

Fulham would also be interested in taking attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott back from Liverpool, but that could only happen in the summer as he’s already played for two clubs (Liverpool and Aston Villa, where he is out on loan) this season.

Tottenham have placed Porto manager Francesco Farioli on their shortlist as they consider sacking Thomas Frank, though sources indicate they could face Premier League competition for his signature.

The 36-year-old Italian tactician, currently steering FC Porto through an incredible Primeira Liga campaign, is emerging as a hot commodity on the managerial market.

With his innovative approach blending high-pressing football and data-driven strategies, Farioli has transformed Porto into a formidable force, challenging Benfica and Sporting CP for domestic supremacy.

Sources state that Farioli’s impressive track record – honed during stints at Alanyaspor, Fatih Karagumruk, and Nice – has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs.

However, this season, he has gone to another level. Farioli boasts an incredible 86.21 win percentage record since taking charge at the Estadio Dragao. His side are also unbeaten in the league, only drawing one game, and have conceded just four goals. They sit seven points clear at the top of the Portuguese top flight – on track for their first league title since 2021/22.

Sources confirm Tottenham have placed Farioli on their shortlist as they explore alternatives to Frank. The Dane has endured a difficult spell as Spurs boss and despite being in charge for tonight’s game against Borussia Dortmund, is at serious risk of losing his job and is on borrowed time.

Interestingly, sources also confirm that Farioli was also on Tottenham’s radar before they appointed Frank. But Spurs aren’t alone in being admirers, with at least two more Premier League clubs in the mix, as he emerges as one of the most in-demand coaches in Europe.

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Tottenham one of three Prem clubs keen on Farioli

We understand that Bournemouth have earmarked Farioli as a potential replacement should they part ways with Andoni Iraola.

The Spanish manager, lauded for his tactical acumen at Rayo Vallecano before joining the Cherries, remains highly coveted by bigger clubs across Europe.

Bournemouth’s ownership, keen to establish stability, views Farioli as an ideal fit to maintain their progressive style if Iraola departs in the summer, which is likely.

Crystal Palace are also monitoring the situation closely and have him listed. With Oliver Glasner’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Eagles are preparing for change.

Glasner, is incredibly frustrated at the board for sales of Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze and is ready for a new challenge. He is one of the favourites for the Manchester United job.

Farioli’s appeal lies in his youth and adaptability; at just 36, he represents the next generation of coaches and is spoken about incredibly highly by those in the game. Porto, however, are determined to retain their man, with contract talks underway.

Farioli has been close to a British move before as he spoke to Rangers in the past. However, he looks destined for the Premier League and the top of European football.

Latest Tottenham news: Frank sack latest / Spurs star asks to leave

Meanwhile, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Frank’s job is indeed at ‘serious risk’ as they prepare to face Dortmund this evening.

“[It’s] a really terrible situation, a moment for Tottenham,” Romano reported, adding: “Let’s see what happens in the next hours and days.”

In other news, my colleague, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Mathys Tel has requested to leave Tottenham – just seven months after joining the club permanently.

He has been controversially been left out of Spurs’ Champions League squad by Frank – and his relationship with the club is now at ‘breaking point’, per sources.

Thomas Frank could be just hours from the sack at Tottenham Hotspur, with a growing belief that it’s now a question of ‘when, not if’ he will be removed from the role and with two exciting new contenders suddenly thrust into contention to become their next manager.

The Dane was seen as a shrewd appointment by Tottenham over the summer and a wise figurehead who could steady the ship after a topsy-turvy season overseen by predecessor Ange Postecoglou. Despite ending the club’s 17-year long wait for silverware, their performances in the Premier League, which resulted in a 17th-placed finish, was enough for then-chairman Daniel Levy to pull the trigger on the Aussie’s reign.

However, Frank has fared little better since taking charge, and a dire 34.38 win percentage record over his 32 games so far has heaped the pressure on his shoulders.

Now, with morale at an all-time low in the wake of Saturday’s unacceptable 2-1 home defeat to struggling West Ham, David Ornstein confirmed on Sunday evening that it is now a question of ‘when not if’ Frank will be sacked, amid a series of damning allegations over the 52-year-old’s reign.

Our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, believes that Frank may be spared the sack for the time being at least, with sources adamant that he will be in charge for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

But just how long he will remain at the helm remains open to some debate and, speaking over the weekend in the wake of the loss to the Hammers, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed he’s now on borrowed time.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “[It’s] a really terrible situation, a moment for Tottenham.

“Yes, Tottenham tried to show support for Thomas Frank by appointing John Heitinga, former Arne Slot assistant at Liverpool, as a new part of the backroom staff during the week. So, trying to add one more piece to the backroom staff and to show support in a beautiful picture with Thomas Frank and John Heitinga.

“But then over the weekend, Saturday, Tottenham lose again. Now the situation is very, very complicated for Thomas Frank at Tottenham, his job is at serious risk, so let’s see what happens in the next hours and days…”

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Next Tottenham manager: Two new names thrust into contention

Romano continued: “But the situation of Thomas Frank at Tottenham is not safe at this stage, so they could change the manager. Let’s see if it’ll be now, or if they will give him the opportunity to try to turn the situation. But the situation is very tense for Thomas Frank at Tottenham.

“Thomas Frank is fighting to keep his job at Tottenham, but the club will decide very soon.

“Internal talks are taking place, and it’s going to be a crucial moment for the future of Thomas Frank at Tottenham. Then there is Champions League football, so let’s see with the timing what Tottenham decide to do.

“But the situation of Thomas Frank is in danger, so let’s see what’s going to happen. He’s not safe in this moment; his job at Tottenham is not safe.”

However, amid Fletcher’s revelation that any Spurs change is likely to be in the summer, with an interim – most likely Heitinga – appointed to see the club through the season, Spurs have been linked with two new eye-catching names to potentially become their next manager.

First up, an upcoming Premier League manager with ‘a rare skill’ has been put high on Tottenham’s radar, according to reports on Monday.

Now, Fletcher’s sources can also confirm the club are looking to Francesco Farioli, the Italian coach, who is doing an excellent job in charge of FC Porto.

The 36-year-old boasts an incredible 86.21 win percentage record since taking charge at the Estadio Dragao.

We’ll have more details on this across the afternoon right here on TEAMtalk.

Ranking Tottenham managerial contenders; Xabi and Xavi links assessed

Elsewhere, sources have told us that Xabi Alonso, who recently parted company as the Real Madrid manager, is also on Tottenham’s radar, though the Spaniard appears to have taken a dim view to the links as he sets his sights on a more high-profile role.

Spurs are also linked with Oliver Glasner, though hopes of an immediate raid on Crystal Palace have faded after Eagles chairman Steve Parish took a strong stand.

North London have also been linked with former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez, amid claims they have sounded out the legendary figure about becoming their next boss.

With so many names linked, we have ranked all nine of the candidates, ranging from most suitable to most ridiculous.

Meanwhile, on the transfer front, Tottenham are dealing with a growing issue around a big-name summer signing, who has been pushed to breaking point and has made clear his desire to leave the club.

Tottenham Hotspur are dealing with a growing issue around Mathys Tel, who has once again reiterated his desire to leave the club after being left out of Thomas Frank’s Champions League squad, we understand.

Tel has been increasingly unsettled in North London, but following talks earlier this month, he was willing to stay, but his omission from the European list is understood to have pushed his frustration to a breaking point.

The 20-year-old was signed from Bayern Munich by former boss Ange Postecoglou on an initial loan deal last season, and his move to Tottenham Hotspur was made permanent in June for £30m (€35m, $40m), just three days after Frank’s appointment.

However, the French forward has started just six Premier League games this term and is becoming increasingly frustrated by his lack of playing time.

Those close to Tel say he now sees little chance of earning the minutes he expected when he joined Spurs, prompting him to reaffirm his intention to move on before the window shuts.

In response, we can reveal that Tel’s camp have begun working with intermediaries to explore potential exits – both permanent and loan options – as they look to secure a situation that guarantees him meaningful game time.

Several clubs in Germany, Spain, Italy and France are monitoring developments and are ready to engage if Spurs open the door.

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Tottenham reluctant to approve Tel exit as pressure ramps up

While Tel has expressed his desire to take on a new challenge, we understand that Tottenham are adamant they are not looking to let him leave, insisting they still see him as an important long‑term asset.

Frank is understood to rate the forward highly, but with fierce competition in attacking areas, he cannot offer the immediate pathway Tel is demanding.

With the player pushing harder than ever and intermediaries now actively sounding out opportunities, Spurs are under increasing pressure to make a definitive call.

Tel’s frustrations have also been reported by respected reporters Fabrizio Romano, Florian Plettenberg and Ben Jacobs.

Unless something shifts quickly, Tel’s future looks increasingly likely to lie away from North London.

Should Tel depart Tottenham this month, it could be something that the club ultimately regrets.

The youngster has long been considered an exciting prospect and only Bayern allowed him to leave reluctantly. Despite his limited minutes, he has still managed to notch three Premier League goals this term.

Spurs had to fight off competition from Manchester United when they initially signed Tel – though it seems his next move could be away from the Premier League if Frank does green light an exit.

As reported earlier this month, a move to Paris is one move being explored.

Latest Tottenham news: Frank replacement target / Liverpool plot raid

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has emerged as a shock candidate to replace Frank at Tottenham, should the Dane be sacked.

Xabi Alonso, Mauricio Pochettino, Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola are also understood to be on Spurs’ radar, as pressure on Frank intensifies.

In other news, Liverpool have genuine interest in Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven, and they could be at risk of losing him next summer if their poor form doesn’t improve.