TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur look likely to stand by Thomas Frank for a little while longer at least, despite sources insisting his sack is now ‘inevitable’, and after two big-name options were taken off the menu for the time being, TEAMtalk understands.

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a crucial midweek clash against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, the club’s board is quietly navigating a turbulent managerial landscape.

Current boss Frank, who joined Spurs amid high hopes in the summer of 2025, is on borrowed time, with sources indicating that his tenure is nearing its end. However, we understand the Dane will remain at the helm for the upcoming fixture at least, a decision driven more by necessity, as opposed to confidence in his leadership.

The hesitation to pull the trigger stems from a stark reality: the managerial market is barren of compelling options mid-season. Insiders at Spurs reveal a consensus both within the club and across the footballing world that the squad is significantly underpowered, plagued by inconsistencies and lacking the depth required for sustained success.

This perception has deterred potential candidates, who view the role as a big risk, where lofty expectations from fans and the board clash with the on-pitch limitations. The club is in the midst of a painful transition, exacerbated by injuries and the urgent need for substantial investment in the transfer window to bolster a squad seen as “majorly below par.”

Efforts to identify a replacement have yielded mixed results. Xabi Alonso, a name high on Spurs’ wishlist, was informally approached but has shown little enthusiasm for the move.

Alonso, who took Bayer Leverkusen to domestic glory and was recently removed from his job at Real Madrid, appears content to wait for the right opportunity rather than inherit Tottenham’s challenges. His former club, Liverpool, where Arne Slot remains under intense pressure, have been strongly touted as an option.

Similarly, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, another target, is set to see out the season at Selhurst Park, making an immediate switch unlikely despite mutual interest and the Austrian’s frustrations at Palace.

Want breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Next Tottenham manager: Two outstanding options emerge for the summer

Should Spurs decide to axe the Dane, they at least have a plan in place to see them through the remainder of the season following last week’s arrival of John Heitinga as an assistant first-team coach.

The Dutchman worked under Slot at Anfield last season, while also taking charge at Ajax before being sacked by the Eredivisie giants after just five months in November.

Looking ahead, the summer window promises a more fertile ground for change – and the Tottenham board knows it.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluding in July, a wave of high-profile managers could become available, unshackled from international duties or expiring contracts.

Among them, Mauricio Pochettino stands out as a tantalising prospect.

The Argentine, who led Spurs to their first Champions League final in 2019 before departing amid internal strife, is said to be “very open” to a sensational return.

Pochettino’s familiarity with the club, combined with his proven track record at big clubs, could provide the stability and tactical acumen Tottenham desperately craves.

Another name generating buzz is Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.

The Basque tactician has impressed with his progressive style at the Cherries, transforming them into a competitive mid-table outfit. While Iraola is intrigued by the potential opportunity in N17, he too favours a summer transition, allowing for a smoother handover and ample time to reshape the squad.

For now, Frank’s stewardship buys the board precious time to deliberate. His pragmatic approach had started brightly, but recent results, including a string of draws against lesser opposition and defeat to West Ham, have amplified calls for change. Supporters’ anger at their ongoing struggles will not be silenced for much longer.

As Spurs fans brace for what lies ahead, the overriding sentiment is one of getting this season out of the way.

The club has endured managerial merry-go-rounds before, but with the right appointment and targeted reinforcements, a return to the upper echelons of English and European football remains within reach.

The summer of 2026 could mark the dawn of a new era – or yet another chapter in Tottenham’s ongoing quest for glory.

Tottenham transfer latest: Another Man City star targeted; Liverpool star linked

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.

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

Potentially moving in the other direction, Tottenham have shown shock interest in signing a Liverpool player who has been a regular starter for Slot of late, and whose exit would leave a concerning void at Anfield.

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.

Brahim Diaz is on his way back to Real Madrid after enduring a nightmare in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for Morocco, as Tottenham Hotspur reportedly plan to convince the winger to move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the January transfer window.

The future of Thomas Frank as Tottenham manager remains uncertain, but that has not stopped the north London club from trying to make the squad better and making signings in the January transfer window.

Former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has already signed from Atletico Madrid, with Tottenham also set to complete a deal for Santos left-back Souza.

Signing a winger is also on Tottenham’s agenda, with Mohammed Kudus out of action until April due to a thigh injury.

Earlier this month, the Spanish media reported that Tottenham were keen on a January transfer deal for Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz.

Tottenham (and Borussia Dortmund) were reported to have ‘already begun making moves’ for Diaz, with the report claiming that last season’s Europa League winners were ‘convinced’ that the 26-year-old former Manchester City winger ‘can be a game-changer in projects that would offer him a leading role from day one’.

Diaz was playing for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations in his native country at the time, and now he is on his way back to Real Madrid, which will potentially allow Spurs to press ahead with their pursuit of the winger, although Los Blancos are very unlikely to sell him in the middle of the season.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Brahim Diaz ‘in tears’ for Morocco at Africa Cup of Nations

Diaz had a very good Africa Cup of Nations for Morocco and played a vital role in his country reaching the final.

The Madrid winger won the Golden Boot with five goals, but his tournament ended in agony.

Diaz had the chance to become a legend for Morocco in the 24th minute of injury time in the final against Senegal at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Sunday.

It was the Madrid winger who won the penalty in the eighth minute of injury time, but had to wait for a long time after the majority of the Senegal players had marched off the pitch in protest at the award of the spot kick.

When the time came for Diaz to score from the spot, the former Man City winger went for a ‘Panenka’ chipped penalty.

Senegal international goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood his ground and caught the ball with ease, with his team-mate Pape Gueye eventually scoring the winner in extra time.

According to The Daily Star, Diaz was ‘in tears’ as he watched the remainder of the match from the bench after being taken off in just eight minutes into extra-time.

Former Morocco international midfielder Hassan Kachloul said on Channel 4: “I think Brahim Diaz is going to have a lot of nightmares in the coming days.”

Former Nigeria international midfielder Jon Obi Mikel noted: “(The miss) spoils everything Brahim Diaz has done well in this tournament.

“He is going to be devastated. This is going to be tough on him, for weeks, for months.”

Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Shock Liverpool links, Thomas Frank sack

Meanwhile, Tottenham are showing interest in a Liverpool midfielder, according to a reliable source.

Trusted journalist David Ornstein has revealed the chances of Tottenham sacking Thomas Frank as their manager in the coming days.

Tottenham have shown shock interest in signing a Liverpool player who has been a regular starter for Arne Slot of late, and whose exit would leave a concerning void at Anfield.

Tottenham have already landed one new midfielder this month in the form of Conor Gallagher. However, we understand Spurs are still exploring further additions in the engine room, hence their ‘discreet enquiries’ into the signing of Adam Wharton.

A move for the Crystal Palace ace looks highly unlikely in the current window, though according to The Times’ Paul Joyce, Spurs could now look up to Merseyside.

Liverpool have always prided themselves on having at least one scouser in the team. Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard flew the flag for many a year, while Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up that mantle for much of the last decade before he defected to Real Madrid.

That left just Curtis Jones as the only homegrown and local star Liverpool and Slot could call upon in the first team at present.

But per Joyce – who is perhaps the most trusted source on all things Liverpool – Tottenham have an interest in taking the last Scouser the Reds have out of Merseyside.

In a report that focused on the wider problems at Liverpool and the need for another big push in the transfer market, Joyce stated: “Is the current midfield ready to push to reclaim the title next season or does it need strengthening?

“Will Curtis Jones, who had been attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur, feel it is time to be more of a guaranteed starter somewhere?”

Little else was reported on the matter, but Joyce’s revelation does throw up an intriguing situation.

Jones has started regularly under Slot of late, at times keeping Alexis Mac Allister on the bench, which has been a source of frustration among Liverpool fans who are beginning to turn on the manager.

But in truth, Jones has rarely ever been a regular starter during his time at Anfield and if the under-fire Slot is axed, the new manager would surely revert to picking Mac Allister alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

Jones will turn 25 later this month and if a club like Tottenham came calling and offered guaranteed starts, he’d have a decision to make.

There are no suggestions Jones wants out of Liverpool even despite his squad player status. And given his affinity for his boyhood club, an exit decision would not be taken lightly.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Latest Liverpool & Tottenham news – Trent return / Frank sack / Alonso…

In other news, talk of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Real Madrid just months after joining from Liverpool has reared its head again, with a source claiming that the former Anfield star is not happy at Estadio Bernabeu.

Down in north London, David Ornstein has confirmed it’s now a matter of when and not if Thomas Frank is sacked.

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.

Want breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

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.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

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.

Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

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.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

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.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

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.

Get the inside story first by joining our TEAMtalk Facebook channel to receive the latest breaking and exclusive news straight into your Messenger inbox.

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.”

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

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.