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David Ornstein has all but guaranteed that Thomas Frank will be sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in the coming days after making a series of jaw-dropping statements, while the big-name manager ready to step into his shoes has also been revealed.

The Dane has endured a hugely difficult time of things since being brought in over the summer as the replacement for Ange Postecoglou, with the club currently having won just three of their last 15 games across all competitions. And after suffering their third successive defeat on Saturday – a 2-1 home loss to struggling West Ham – it seems Frank has reached the point of no return at Tottenham.

With Tottenham showing no signs of progress and currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table, Frank has come under enormous pressure in recent days, and our correspondent Graeme Bailey revealed on Sunday that Spurs bosses are prepared to ‘take decisive action’ after meeting to discuss his future in the wake of Saturday’s “hugely embarrassing” defeat.

Now, news of his imminent axe by Spurs has been confirmed by trusted reporter Ornstein, who, while appearing on NBC Sports, has made a series of damning revelations that leave the 52-year-old with next to no hope of keeping his job.

Confirmng it is a “matter of when, not if” Tottenham fire Frank, Ornstein claimed that not only have the fans turned on the manager, but the anger is now, damningly shared by the “hierarchy”, while also revealing that “many players” are upset with the direction of the club and are “understandably dissatisfied” with the job the manager is doing.

While seemingly making it clear there is no way back for him now, Ornstein feels that Frank is “not a bad manager but is just the wrong fit” for Spurs.

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Next Tottenham manager: Who replaces Thomas Frank?

In the immediate future, Spurs will reportedly install Frank’s recently appointed assistant manager, John Heitinga, to steer the club through the remainder of the season.

The Dutchman, a former player with Ajax, Atletico Madrid and Everton, recently had a spell in charge of the Dutch giants as well as a previous coaching stint as part of Arne Slot’s staff at Liverpool. He was brought in as Frank’s first-team assistant on January 15, though it seems the club may have had another role in mind for the 42-year-old.

Down the line, though, Spurs are already thinking about their next appointment and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who has confirmed he will leave the Eagles this summer, is very much in the club’s thinking, as per our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher.

Writing last week, Fletcher also revealed that Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and former manager Mauricio Pochettino were also under discussion by the board, who know they need to get their next appointment right.

Now, according to talkSPORT, Spurs have been given serious encouragement that a return to the club for Pochettino is on the cards.

They claim the Argentine, who successfully bossed Spurs from 2014 to 2019, before being surprisingly sacked just months after leading the club into the Champions League final, has made it clear he is ‘open to a Premier League return’ and would ‘like’ to resume his career in England with Spurs.

However, it has been made clear that any appointment will have to wait until after the United States’ interest in the 2026 World Cup is over, with Pochettino having been in charge of USMNT since September 2024 and making it clear he is determined to see his commitment there through.

Spurs have also been linked with former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, though, per reports on Sunday, the Spaniard appears ready to give the job a wide berth, feeling he will soon be offered more prestigious roles.

Tottenham latest: Fourth Man City attacker eyed; Liverpool eye £90m Spurs star

Meanwhile, Tottenham may have tried and failed to sign two Manchester City forwards and were beaten to the punch for Antoine Semenyo, but they could finally have better luck with a fourth option whose exit has been approved.

In other news, a report emanating from Turkey claims that Tottenham are potentially closing in on the signing of a top striker capable of filling two problem positions for Frank, following the news of Richarlison’s hamstring blow.

And finally, Tottenham have set their sights on completing the ‘dream’ signing of a midfielder at the very top of Manchester United’s shortlist, and sources have revealed what it will take for Spurs to press ahead with the hugely audacious transfer.

However, it seems Spurs face a battle to keep their best player amid claims Liverpool are strongly considering a £90m offer for the star come the summer.

Liverpool are ready to go big for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven and are planning a massive bid to bring him to Anfield, according to a report, as sources tell TEAMtalk whether Spurs could sell the Dutchman.

Van Dijk signed a new deal with Liverpool in April 2025 and is under contract at the defending Premier League champions until the summer of 2027. Van Dijk remains one of the first names on manager Arne Slot’s teamsheet when he is fit and available, but the Netherlands international is 34 now.

Liverpool need to find a long-term successor to Van Dijk, and the Reds have identified Van de Ven as ‘the chosen one’, according to Fichajes.

The Spanish news outlet has claimed that Liverpool want Van de Ven as ‘Van Dijk’s successor’ and ‘are preparing a €90million (£78m, $104.1m) bid’ for the Tottenham star.

Van de Ven plays with Van Dijk for the Netherlands national team and has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

Liverpool are looking for ‘a fast defender to hold a high defensive line and cover space in open play’, according to the report, which has claimed that Van de Ven ‘fits that profile perfectly’.

Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle described Van de Ven in Capital Football UK in December 2025 as “a world-class performer” who “could go into” the Liverpool team.

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Tottenham in talks with Micky van de Ven over new contract – sources

Fichajes is a highly speculative source, and any report from the Spanish news outlet must be treated with extreme caution.

However, other sources have been drumming up Liverpool’s interest in Van de Ven, especially with Tottenham struggling under manager Thomas Frank at the moment.

There have been suggestions that Van de Ven himself would be keen on a move to Liverpool, but sources have told TEAMtalk that the Netherlands international is in talks with Spurs over a new deal.

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on December 27 that Tottenham are ready to hand Van de Ven a new deal.

The 24-year-old centre-back is under contract at last season’s Europa League winners until the summer of 2029.

We understand that Tottenham plan to double the wages of Van de Ven – currently £90,000 per week – in order to convince him to stay at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sources have told us that Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham opened initial conversations with Van de Ven’s camp in the summer of 2025.

Venkatesham is now ready to step on the accelerator and get the deal done.

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Latest Liverpool transfer news: Vinicius Junior door opens, Trent Alexander-Arnold not happy

Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans have turned on Vinicius Junior, which will be welcomed by Liverpool, who are keen on a 2026 deal for the Brazil international winger.

The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid is back among hot topics, with yet another report claiming that the former Liverpool right-back is not happy at Estadio Bernabeu.

Xabi Alonso’s stance on taking the job at Tottenham Hotspur if Thomas Frank is sacked has been revealed, after TEAMtalk sources provided a definitive update on the Dane’s future in north London.

Saturday’s demoralising home defeat to London rivals West Ham United means Frank’s side have won just one of their last seven Premier League outings and are now just 10 points clear of the 18th-placed Hammers with 16 games remaining in the season.

Our insider Graeme Bailey has informed us that Tottenham’s leadership group believe the time has come for decisive action, arguing that the team’s trajectory under Frank is no longer sustainable.

All that adds up to the former Brentford chief being shown the door sooner rather than later, although whether that comes on the eve of a huge Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night remains to be seen.

However, with Frank now seemingly on the brink of losing his job the focus is very much on who could replace him in north London.

With our sources also revealing that Oliver Glasner is poised to leave Crystal Palace imminently, rather than at the end of the season, as was planned, Tottenham could look to make a move for the Austrian.

There are fears, though, over the type of football Glasner plays and whether Tottenham could just end up re-hashing a better version of Frank.

One big name who has been mentioned, though, is Xabi Alonso, who is out of a job after being sacked by Real Madrid following just seven months in charge of the Spanish giants.

The Independent reports that the prospect of appointing Alonso has been discussed by Tottenham’s board, however, the 44-year-old Spaniard ‘feels he will have better options over the coming months’.

One of those options could well be the Liverpool job after Arne Slot suffered another disappointing result on Saturday, with the Anfield outfit held at home by bottom club Burnley.

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Pochettino primed for Tottenham return

As for Spurs, there also remains a clamour among certain sections of the support to try and bring Mauricio Pochettino back to the club.

The Argentine spent five years in north London, taking the club to their first-ever Champions League final in that time, before being axed in 2019.

Despite currently being in charge of the USA national team as they prepare for a home World Cup this summer, talkSPORT reports that Pochettino is very much open to a return to Tottenham.

However, that would not come until after the summer showpiece, given that 53-year-old is not prepared to walk away from his current role on the eve of the tournament.

Should that be the route that Spurs chiefs decide to take, it will mean appointing an interim coach for the remainder of the season, if Frank goes.

Ryan Mason is a name being banded around again after his two previous stints at the helm, but he’s just been sacked after doing a dismal job at West Brom, so replacing one failure with another might not be the best idea for an already volatile Spurs fanbase.

One interesting candidate is a coach recently brought on board in Dutchman John Heitinga, who was part of Jurgen Klopp’s title-winning staff at Liverpool and is highly regarded within the game.

In terms of Frank’s future, however, the axe really could fall at any time, unless Tottenham decide they dare not disturb preparations for Tuesday night’s clash with Dortmund.

Tottenham Hotspur are assessing the position of head coach Thomas Frank and are ready to take decisive action after suffering another damaging defeat, this time at home to fierce local rivals West Ham United, TEAMtalk understands.

The loss — described by one senior figure as “hugely embarrassing” — has intensified internal pressure on the Dane, whose side have now slipped worryingly off the pace in the Premier League.

Sources indicate that the manner of the performance, as much as the result itself, has triggered serious conversations at the highest level of the club. The belief is that there are few signs of encouragement, particularly disappointing considering new signing Conor Gallagher was also involved.

TEAMtalk has been told that CEO Vinai Venkatesham, long considered one of Frank’s strongest allies within the Tottenham hierarchy, spent Saturday evening reflecting on the club’s direction and weighing up potential next steps.

While Venkatesham has consistently defended Frank’s project since his appointment and has been desperate to maintain that stance, but we understand the mood around the club has shifted.

According to insiders, several influential voices within Tottenham’s leadership believe the time has come for decisive action, arguing that the team’s trajectory under Frank is no longer sustainable. The defeat to West Ham is said to have “crystallised concerns” that have been building for weeks.

While no final decision has been made, the atmosphere behind the scenes is described as “tense” and “increasingly urgent”, with discussions expected to continue over the coming days.

Frank, for his part, remains determined to turn the situation around, but the pressure is now at its highest point since he took charge.

Venkatesham is due to meet with the club’s hierarchy on Sunday and Frank has been left sweating on his immediate future.

Tottenham are due to face Borussia Dortmund at home in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, where a toxic atmosphere that is already brewing in north London could get even worse with another loss, however, whether Frank is at the helm for that game remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, our sources have revealed that Spurs target Oliver Glasner is on the brink of leaving Crystal Palace after a falling out following the sale of Marc Guehi to Manchester City, in what could end up becoming an interesting development.

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More Tottenham news: Fourth time lucky with City swoop; massive Van de Ven concern

Tottenham have tried and failed to sign two Manchester City forwards and were beaten to the punch for Antoine Semenyo, though they could finally have better luck with a fourth option whose exit has been approved.

Elsewhere, elite Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven has been told why he should avoid signing a new contract with the club at all costs and “deserves to be playing at a bigger club”.

Manchester United have joined the race for Juventus star Pierre Kalulu, according to a report, while we can reveal a new contender for the permanent manager’s job.

Man Utd have yet to make any new signings this month, though they are now in talks with caretaker boss Michael Carrick about potential targets. Central midfield is a key area that needs bolstering, but United could also improve Carrick’s defensive options…

Pierre Kalulu emerges on Man Utd radar

Man Utd are challenging Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa for the signing of Juventus centre-back Kalulu, as per Italian source Calciomercato.

Kalulu caused controversy in August 2024 when he swapped AC Milan for Serie A rivals Juve on an initial loan move, which became permanent in July. The defender has become a crucial player for Juve, having made 27 appearances so far this season and chipped in with one goal and four assists.

The report states that Kalulu’s ‘excellent performances’ in recent weeks have ‘attracted the attention of several teams’, most notably those in England.

There is growing ‘worry’ at Juve as the riches of the Premier League could prise Kalulu out of Turin. Juve will be ‘convinced’ to sell the Frenchman if a bid worth around €30million (£26m) arrives, as such a sale would increase their spending power.

As things stand, United, Spurs and Villa are the Prem clubs most likely to bid for Kalulu.

A January swoop is possible, though the report does note that the 25-year-old – who has been called a ‘true leader’ by Italian journalist Paolo Aghemo – is more likely to swap clubs this summer.

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New manager option

Our transfer insider Rudy Galetti has revealed that United are seriously considering hiring Borussia Dortmund’s Niko Kovac as their next boss following the end of Carrick’s temporary spell.

United have added Kovac to their managerial shortlist and are closely monitoring his situation ahead of potential talks in late spring.

We understand Chelsea also considered the 54-year-old after Enzo Maresca’s departure, only to choose Liam Rosenior instead.

Kovac was hired by Dortmund in February 2025, and his contract runs until June 2027.

The former midfielder has experience in numerous countries, having previously managed the likes of Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, Monaco and the Croatia national team.

More manager updates

It emerged earlier on Saturday that United are moving away from Oliver Glasner, with Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel both preferred targets.

Glasner has announced he will leave Palace at the end of his contract this summer, but the i Paper report that he is no longer a leading contender for the United job.

Instead, United would rather bring in a ‘bold and innovative’ coach, with Marseille’s De Zerbi and England boss Tuchel high up in their thinking.

Out of those two options, Tuchel should be easier to snare. His contract with England expires after the World Cup, whereas De Zerbi’s runs until June 2027.

Thomas Frank could find himself sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in a matter of days unless one thing happens, and while a former boss is tipped to return to the club in the summer, the manager of a current Premier League rival has now been made the new favourite to take the Spurs hotseat next.

It’s shaping up to be another rocky season at N17. With Ange Postecoglou sacked at the end of last season, paying the price for a disastrous domestic campaign that saw the club finish 17th in the Premier League table, Tottenham Hotspur quickly turned to Frank as his successor.

Frank had carved out a fine reputation in the game for the stellar work he had done in his seven-year stint at London neighbours Brentford, establishing them as a solid Premier League side off the back of an impressive 41.64 win percentage record.

But the Dane’s time in the Spurs dugout has not gone to plan. A woeful 11 wins and 11 defeats from his 31 games at the helm so far illustrate the inconsistencies and a repeat of last season’s lowly finish appears on the cards with the club currently 14th in the table.

Now club expert John Wenham believes the axe could fall in a matter of days if results do not pick up fast and ahead of a critical run of games.

“The performance in the first half against Aston Villa was unacceptable, it now means it is three wins in the last 13 games, very few wins all season, and that includes wins against the likes of Burnley, Everton, Copenhagen, Slavia Prague and Doncaster,” he told Tottenham News.

“I think you have to consider now that he started the job in June, he has had well over six months at Tottenham, there is no style of play, no identity, the team mix and matches each week, there is no sort of plan as to how we are trying to proceed and what the intention of Thomas Frank’s Tottenham looks like.

“I think on that basis, when there is no identity and plan, and you add in the horrendous results, for a club of Tottenham’s standings, we have to be up there challenging for the top four of the Premier League.

“When he was brought in, it was made clear that Ange Postecoglou was replaced because Spurs needed to compete on four fronts, we are out of the Carabao Cup, out of the FA Cup, and sitting 14th in the Premier League.

“It is not acceptable, but by any standards, to where now, I think Tottenham maybe would be better holding off their money, and rolling it over to the next permanent appointment.”

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Next Tottenham manager: Two new favourites emerge

Predicting Spurs could now be days away from dispensing with the manager, Wenham continued: “I cannot see Thomas Frank remaining at Tottenham much longer, huge match coming up against West Ham on Saturday, then Dortmund in the Champions League then Burnley away.

“If there are not positive results against West Ham and Burnley, there needs to be two wins in both of those games, otherwise, I cannot see a basis for people saying he should stay at the club.”

Wenhma’s warning comes just days after our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, revealed Frank’s position was becoming increasingly precarious, with his job security hanging in the balance ahead of a crucial fixture against West Ham this weekend.

Furthermore, he revealed that the club have three potential replacements in mind.

Top of their wishlist is Andoni Iraola, who has largely impressed at Bournemouth and despite the Cherries’ recent results also taking a downturn.

They did, typically, record a first win in 11 games recently when beating Spurs 3-2.

Fletcher also revealed Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner is also listed by sources, after his trophy successes with both the Eagles and, previously, Eintracht Frankfurt. Seem as an attractive option for a club, the Austrian has now shot into favourite for the job in the wake of his revelation on Friday that he will leave Selhurst Park for another club at the end of the current campaign.

Fletcher also revealed that former boss Mauricio Pochettino is also being discussed in the Spurs hierarchy again. Now the second favourite for the job, Pochettino arguably enjoyed their best and most consistent run of results under the Argentine.

He has since gone on to manage at PSG and Chelsea and is currently in charge of the USA ahead of a home World Cup. Any return to N17, though would have to wait until the United States’ involvement in the 2026 tournament is over.

Latest Tottenham news: Huge Van de Ven worry; striker deal close

Meanwhile, elite centre-back Micky van de Ven has been told why he should avoid signing a new contract with Spurs at all costs and “deserves to be playing at a bigger club”.

>Our sources have revealed that Tottenham are pushing to tie the 24-year-old down to a lucrative new deal, amid reports that the Dutchman has already identified the Premier League rivals he would like to play for next.

In other news, a report emanating from Turkey claims that Tottenham are potentially closing in on the signing of a top striker capable of filling two problem positions for Frank, following the news of Richarlison’s hamstring blow.

And finally, Tottenham have set their sights on completing the ‘dream’ signing of a midfielder at the very top of Manchester United’s shortlist, and sources have revealed what it will take for Spurs to press ahead with the hugely audacious transfer.

Elite Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven has been told why he should avoid signing a new contract with the club at all costs and “deserves to be playing at a bigger club”.

The Netherlands international has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League since making a £43million switch to Spurs from Wolfsburg back in the summer of 2023.

Van de Ven has gone on to make 60 appearances for the club – a figure that would have been higher were it not for hamstring issues – while also skippering the side this season and becoming a darling of the Tottenham faithful.

However, cracks have started to emerge in a season of struggle under Thomas Frank so far, with Van de Ven and Pedro Poro both clashing with fans after the recent defeat at Bournemouth. Reports also suggest the Dutchman has become frustrated by the current situation at the club, with Spurs languishing down in 14th in the table.

Our sources have revealed that Tottenham are pushing to tie the 24-year-old down to a lucrative new deal, amid reports that the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Man City are keen on snapping up Van de Ven.

Aston Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor, however, is unequivocal about Van de Ven’s future at Tottenham, declaring that the player has to move on for the good of his career.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor delivered a blunt assessment of Van de Ven’s current situation in north London, saying: “I feel sorry for him in the sense that he deserves to be playing at a bigger club.

“He won’t stay at Spurs. Don’t sign a new deal there, Van de Ven. You deserve better than Spurs.”

Agbonlahor’s broadcast partner Alan Brazil, a former Tottenham striker, agreed before suggesting Manchester City as another possible destination, despite the fact they have sealed a deal for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Brazil added: “For me, he is the one I’d be buying. I bet his agent is driving him mad. I think he could just slot in at Man City.”

Much will now depend on whether club bosses can convince the player that his future lies at Tottenham, where significant business in the January window could help matters.

Conor Gallagher has already arrived from Atletico Madrid, while a deal to sign talented Santos left-back Souza is also close to completion.

A real statement signing is needed, however, to prove to the players already at the club along with the fans that majority owners ENIC are moving in a new, ambitious direction.

DON’T MISS: The dream Tottenham XI after January transfer window with astonishing new attack assembled to give Frank no excuses

Latest Tottenham news: Striker swoop; ‘dream’ midfield signing

A fresh report emanating from Turkey claims that Tottenham are potentially closing in on the signing of a top striker capable of filling two problem positions for Thomas Frank, following the news of Richarlison’s hamstring blow.

Elsewhere, Tottenham have set their sights on completing the ‘dream’ signing of a midfielder at the very top of Manchester United’s shortlist, and sources have revealed what it will take for Spurs to press ahead with the hugely audacious deal.

Finally, Middlesbrough are determined not to be pressured into selling Tottenham target Hayden Hackney during this month’s transfer window, while Michael Carrick is keen on a reunion at Manchester United.

Tottenham Hotspur are planning to make a move for a Canadian striker and bring him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window, according to a report, which has also revealed Newcastle United’s interest in him and Juventus’ stance on selling him.

Conor Gallagher has become Tottenham’s first January signing, with the former Chelsea midfielder turning down the chance to move to Aston Villa to join from Atletico Madrid.

Tottenham are also on the verge of sealing a deal for Santos left-back Souza, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Spurs are now being reported to have identified a top international striker and are potentially making him their third signing of the January transfer window.

According to Sports Boom, Tottenham are keen on signing Jonathan David from Juventus this month.

Spurs, who won the Europa League last season, are ‘leading the chase’ for the Canada international striker along with Premier League rivals Newcastle.

Tottenham reportedly view ‘David as the ideal elite-level competitor for their front line’ and are ‘prepared to test Juve’s resolve with substantial enquiries’.

Wolves and West Ham United are also said to be monitoring the situation of David, who is the record top scorer for Lille in European competitions and the third-highest scorer in the French club’s history, according to Ligue1.com.

David left Lille at the end of last season after his contract with the Ligue 1 club ran out; he scored a total of 109 goals and gave 30 assists in 232 appearances for the French outfit.

The 26-year-old Canada international striker has made 26 appearances for Juventus so far this season, scoring five goals and giving three assists in the process.

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Juventus stance on Jonathan David exit in January

Tottenham’s interest in David makes sense given that neither Richarlison nor Randal Kolo Muani have been prolific, and it seems that the north London club’s majority owners, ENIC, are now ready to press ahead and give manager Thomas Frank more ammunition up front.

This is also not the first time that Tottenham have been linked with David since he made the move to Juventus last summer.

Sky Sport Switzerland reported on November 1, 2025, that Tottenham and Bayern have enquired about the conditions of a possible transfer for David.

Sports Boom has reported that David himself has ‘expressed a clear desire to eventually’ play in the Premier League.

However, Juventus are in no mood to offload the striker in the middle of the season.

The Italian giants reportedly view David as ‘a fundamental part’ of their long-term plans and have taken a strict ‘not-for-sale’ stance.

Juventus are in the race for the Champions League places in the Serie A table this season.

It is hard to envisage Juventus selling any of their important players in the middle of the season.

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Midfielder deal ‘not guaranteed’, Man City raid

Meanwhile, it is ‘not guaranteed’ that Tottenham will keep an international midfielder at the club beyond the end of the season.

Tottenham’s chances of signing a Manchester City forward have been enhanced by his desire to leave on loan in the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur may not keep Joao Palhinha at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beyond the end of the season, according to a transfer journalist, as talkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor slams the midfielder, who, sources have told TEAMtalk, is the subject of interest from another London club.

Palhinha joined Tottenham on a season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2025. We understand that Spurs have the option to make it permanent for £26million (€30m, $35m) at the end of the season.

While Palhinha failed to make a huge impact at Bayern, his impressive performances for Fulham between 2022 and 2024 convinced Tottenham to sign him last summer.

The 30-year-old has been an important player for Spurs manager Thomas Frank so far this season, making 14 starts in the Premier League and two starts in the Champions League.

Five goals and three assists in 30 appearances is a good return for a defensive midfielder, especially when one considers how Palhinha played with passion and fire during Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend.

However, former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has not been overly impressed with Palhinha and believes that Frank might drop him from the starting line-up now that Conor Gallagher has joined from Atletico Madrid.

TalkSPORT transfer journalist, Alex Crook, has reported that it is not set in stone that Tottenham will exercise their option to make Palhinha’s loan deal permanent.

When discussing how Frank would add creativity to his Tottenham line-up following the deal to sign Gallagher, Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT (11:15am, January 16): “Maybe he will mix it up. Maybe Joao Palhinha doesn’t play. Why not?”

When prompted that Palhinha was the best player against Aston Villa, Agbonlahor said: “Was he? What just for kicking people and trying to fight everything?”

Crook observed: “I think there is still a doubt whether they will sign him.

“Of course, there is a permanent option in the deal, but it is not guaranteed that Tottenham will trigger that. I like Joao Palhinha as a player.

“I was a bit sceptical about Tottenham bringing him back after not working out at Bayern, but I do think he is one of their better players.”

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Fulham want Joao Palhinha – sources

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, reported on January 1 that Tottenham have not decided whether or not they will make Palhinha’s deal permanent.

While Palhinha’s camp has told Spurs that he is very happy at the north London club, wages would be an issue for last season’s Europa League winners in the long run.

Taking on Palhinha’s wages would put him on par with Tottenham’s highest earners, and Spurs are also mindful of not blocking a pathway into the first team for a young defensive midfielder.

Our transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, reported on January 7 that Fulham would consider a move for Palhinha next summer.

Palhinha is a former Fulham star, and if Marco Silva stays on as the manager, then the Cottagers could try to convince him to return to Craven Cottage.

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Striker swoop, Man Utd competition

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are ready to make a swoop for a striker before the January transfer window closes.

Sources have told our transfer insider, Dean Jones, that Tottenham are exploring a move for a top Championship player that Manchester United interim-manager Michael Carrick also wants.

A fresh report emanating from Turkey claims that Tottenham Hotspur are potentially closing in on the signing of a top striker capable of filling two problem positions for Thomas Frank, following the news of Richarlison’s hamstring blow.

Frank confirmed at his press conference for Saturday’s clash with West Ham that Spurs will be without their leading scorer for ‘up to seven weeks’ after he suffered the injury in the FA Cup loss to Aston Villas last weekend.

That leaves the Tottenham boss with two options to start as the No.9 against the Hammers: Randal Kolo Muani, who has yet to score a Premier League goal for the club, or Dominic Solanke, who only made his return from five months out with an ankle problem off the bench against Villa.

Starting the latter would represent a huge risk, given his lengthy absence, leaving Kolo Muani to lead the line in what is a must-win game for Frank as the pressure continues to mount on the Spurs boss.

Richarlison’s injury is, however, expected to force Tottenham’s hand when it comes to signing another forward in the remaining weeks of the January window, even if it was in their plans before the Brazilian was sidelined.

And now a new report states that a swoop for Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush is now very much in the works, with the player ‘open’ to leaving The Etihad this month.

Spurs have already snapped up Conor Gallagher in a £34.6million deal, but Turkish outlet Haber Sarikirmizi has now doubled down on previous reports that Marmoush is looking to leave City in search of regular football and that the north London outfit are firmly in the mix to strike a deal.

Tottenham and Aston Villa have continued to be mentioned when it comes to securing a loan deal for the 26-year-old until the end of the season, although it’s also been claimed that the striker has been offered to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

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Marmoush desperate for more game time

The report explains that Marmoush sees his long-term future at City and only wants to leave on loan this window, despite the club’s big-money capture of Antoine Semenyo this month.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt frontman has started only two Premier League games this season and has scored just once in 15 games in all competitions. However, he was prolific in his two campaigns in Frankfurt prior to joining City and would be a strong signing for Tottenham if they can secure a deal.

Marmoush is an attractive proposition, given that he can also fill the problematic left-wing position for Frank, although it’s arguably through the middle where is needed the most at Spurs – having scored 76 career goals in 251 games.

While The Athletic‘s David Ornstein has previously reported that City are reluctant to let Marmoush leave when they are in the midst of a Premier League title battle, the Egypt international is desperate for more game time and may end up forcing their hand.

The forward will return to England next week after featuring in the third-place AFCON playoff against Nigeria this Saturday, after Egypt where beaten by Pape Sarr’s Senegal in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

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