TEAMtalk

It’s all change for Tottenham Hotspur on the managerial front again after they axed Thomas Frank on Wednesday, and TEAMtalk has ranked seven names all being linked with the permanent job, and it may come as a surprise as to who we have in first spot.

Spurs are now looking for their sixth permanent manager in seven years following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure back in 2019, while the writing has been on the wall for Frank for some time after a disastrous run domestically.

In complete contrast to their Champions League results this season, Frank notched just seven Premier League victories in 26 games and also has the worst top-flight home win percentage of any Spurs manager since 2008.

And with Tottenham now firmly in a relegation battle, the focus is on whether they turn to an interim chief to get them out of the mire or name a new permanent manager, knowing that a number of top targets will likely not be available until the summer.

With all that in mind, we’ve ranked the names linked to that permanent role, basing those judgements on several factors, including the fit, playing style, affinity to the club and likelihood of a deal even happening – assuming, of course, that they manage to avoid the drop…

This is more purely based on why rather than if, as it’s tough to imagine the Barcelona legend taking charge of a club that has struggled so badly domestically over the last two seasons and will almost certainly have no European football to offer up either.

The bookies do have the former Barcelona boss in the mix, however, and there’s no doubt that the football would be good on the eye if he did end up in north London.

The only real scenario where this happens, though, is if there is a major takeover in the summer and floods of money come in to revamp a young squad that is severely lacking in top-level performers.

As a legend of the game, Xavi would certainly be able to attract some big names, regardless of the lack of European football, but it still looks like an unlikely partnership.

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On his way out of Crystal Palace in the summer, the Austrian would be available to slot straight in and was heavily linked with a switch to north London once the noise over Frank’s future started to ramp up.

However, Glasner is a similar sort of character to Frank and there needs to be more of a departure from that style and often surly on-pitch demeanour. In short, the Tottenham supporters are crying out for a manager who can lift them and, while Glasner is rightly regarded as an astute tactician, he doesn’t exactly come across as someone who could bridge the growing gap between the fanbase and the team.

If Spurs do decide to move for the 51-year-old, there would at least be more intensity in the style of play, but he just doesn’t feel like the right fit after how things went down with Frank.

It’s been a real mixed season for Bournemouth that had looked like it might see them end up embroiled in a relegation scrap, after a run of no wins in 11. Thankfully for them, Dr. Tottenham gave them a nice boost at the start of January and Iraola‘s men are now unbeaten in their last six league outings, winning four of those.

The Spaniard is tactically sound and plays more on the front foot than Frank, and there’s a reason he continues to be sounded out for the Manchester United job and potentially the one at Liverpool, if they decide to eventually part company with Arne Slot after a disastrous title defence.

The worry is that Tottenham end up treading the same path they did with Frank in appointing a manager who has done a tremendous job at one of the Premier League’s smaller clubs (no disrespect to the Cherries or Brentford), with most experts and pundits claiming he deserves his shot at a higher level.

Another manager who falls into that same category as Iraola, Cottagers chief Silva has done a tremendous job with a Fulham side who play an eye-catching brand of football.

Silva is another one of those names who continue to be floated when bigger jobs become available, but he has worked on bigger stages at Sporting and also Everton in the past.

Although things did not go well on Merseyside, there is a strong feeling within the game that the 48-year-old has made big developments with his managerial style during his time at Craven Cottage and is now ready to take on another major role.

He’s probably a safer bet than both Glasner and Iraola, in terms of the overall Spurs match-up.

Our sources have been all over the De Zerbi to Tottenham links for some time, with the club’s admiration for the Italian going back to his days at Brighton.

The football fit is there, although some fans might panic even more than Ange Postecoglou’s time in charge when it comes to the risk/rewards of playing out from the back!

In another major tick of the box, De Zerbi also has a track record of being able to improve young talent, although his sometimes volatile style can cause issues, and much would depend on how the hierarchy deals with those eventualities.

The 46-year-old has to be considered a major contender, though, given how highly he is thought of in north London.

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The top choice for the majority of Tottenham supporters, and there can be no argument that the return of the club’s former manager would appease the fanbase and at least take some pressure off an under-fire hierarchy.

Currently heading up USA’s challenge ahead of a home World Cup, Pochettino has previously revealed that he has unfinished business in north London and has heady ambitions over the direction the club needs to be going in.

The 53-year-old enjoyed varying degrees of success during his time at PSG and Chelsea after leaving Tottenham, but there is always that age-old adage of things never going as well second time around.

Indeed, Pochettino would not be inheriting the sort of squad he did back when he first took charge of Spurs more than a decade ago. However, one of his best traits is improving players, while also recognising their strengths and weaknesses and using them in the right way.

There is this thing, though, about trying to look forward rather than back and embracing new ideas from younger coaches who are starting to make names for themselves – and that’s how we’ve come to our No.1 pick.

Talking of not looking back (conveniently forgetting that he was a player at Spurs – twice) and trying to move forward, Keane is the educated gamble that Tottenham should be taking and sticking with through thick and thin for the next few years.

The affinity to the club is very clear and very obvious, but Keane is now forging a name for himself in management at Ferencvaros in Hungary and has been earning rave reviews for his high-octane brand of football that has already delivered one league title, with another potentially on the way as they lead the standings again.

Yes, the Hungarian top flight is a long way from the Premier League, but Ferencvaros have also competed well in the Europa League this season and face a play-off clash against Nottingham Forest to reach the last 16.

Keane, as well as Pochettino, would give the fanbase that immediate lift before even walking back into a stadium that the striker still frequents with the Spurs legend side – and remains absolute quality by the way! The bookies certainly believe he has a strong shout after the 45-year-old’s odds were slashed for the role.

He would arguably need an experienced head alongside him as assistant, preferably someone who also has club ties, but it’s time to try and bring some joy to that shiny stadium – and Keane can do exactly that, if given the backing and time to do so.

Roberto De Zerbi is poised to snub Manchester United in favour of a stunning move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report, while we can reveal a second manager has already said yes to joining the north London side.

Both Man Utd and Tottenham are searching for their next permanent managers. Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim on January 5, United appointed Michael Carrick on an interim basis until the end of the season, giving them time to sound out suitable candidates.

Carrick has done a great job so far, helping United compete for Champions League qualification. Despite this, the Red Devils are still expected to weigh up all elite options on the table.

Tottenham, meanwhile, axed Thomas Frank on Wednesday after they fell down to 16th in the Premier League.

Assistant manager Johnny Heitinga could get the job temporarily as Spurs decide whether to find an immediate replacement or wait until the summer, when more coaches will be available.

De Zerbi is a target for both clubs, particularly after his exit from Marseille.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, revealed on January 6 that De Zerbi has burst into contention for the United job.

While TEAMtalk’s own Graeme Bailey confirmed on Wednesday that the Italian is also being eyed by Spurs.

As per the i Paper’s Pete Hall, Mark Douglas and Kat Lucas, De Zerbi is ‘ready to pick Spurs over the United job’.

He is ‘ready to get straight back into work’ after his Marseille exit and sees Spurs as the ‘logical next step’ in his career, despite the turmoil at the club.

De Zerbi thrives at reuniting broken dressing rooms and this could see him steer Spurs to success.

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Tottenham could ‘scupper Man Utd plans’

The report tips Spurs to ‘scupper United’s plans’ given the fact they can move quicker and hire De Zerbi straight away.

The 46-year-old has a great reputation after getting Brighton to play exciting, attacking football during his time on the south coast.

Manchester City previously saw De Zerbi as their favoured successor for Pep Guardiola, while Sevilla boss Matias Almeyda called him ‘the best coach in the world’ in August.

Mauricio Pochettino, Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola, Robbie Keane and Julian Nagelsmann are all on Spurs’ radar, too.

We revealed last week that Pochettino has greenlit a sensational return to north London. Although, Spurs would have to wait until the summer for Pochettino, as he is contracted to lead the USA at their home World Cup.

Sources confirmed to us on Wednesday that Spurs hold genuine interest in De Zerbi, and that he would welcome talks if club chiefs made an approach.

Not only can De Zerbi match the Spurs way, he also has a proven track record of improving young players.

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Joao Palhinha’s chances of securing a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur have been plunged into fresh uncertainty following the sacking of Thomas Frank.

The former Tottenham boss was a driving force behind the club’s decision to sign the Portugal international on loan from Bayern Munich last summer. It had been understood that Palhinha’s best opportunity of turning that temporary switch into a full-time deal hinged on Frank remaining in charge.

While Spurs and Bayern enjoy good relations, sources have consistently indicated that the Bundesliga giants were unlikely to receive a definitive answer on Palhinha’s future until the end of the season.

But Frank’s exit has now complicated that picture.

The loan agreement includes an option to buy, worth an initial fee of around £22million (€25m / $30m). It is a figure considered reasonable given Palhinha’s pedigree and experience at the top level.

However, with uncertainty now surrounding Spurs’ managerial direction and transfer priorities, there is no guarantee the clause will be triggered.

Palhinha remains under contract at Bayern, and, should Tottenham decide against making the move permanent, the Germans will face a decision of their own over the midfielder’s future.

As it stands, a reintegration into Vincent Kompany’s long-term plans appears unlikely, raising the prospect of another move next season.

We revealed on January 7 that Spurs are debating whether to abort the permanent signing of Palhinha. Sources have confirmed to us that Fulham are keen on a reunion with the 30-year-old.

Palhinha has not always been a regular starter at Spurs this season, despite impressing early on. Frank realised that playing him alongside Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield was far too pragmatic and left the team lacking dynamism, particularly at home.

That changed when Bentancur joined a host of his team-mates in the treatment room. But Yves Bissouma has started to get the nod over Palhinha recently, even though the Malian appeared to have completely burned his bridges in north London.

Palhinha’s fortunes could improve when Frank’s replacement arrives, though his future is certainly up in the air.

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Tottenham news: Shock target; savage Frank criticism

Meanwhile, Spurs are plotting the surprise signing of a former Chelsea forward.

Manchester United and Liverpool are also tracking the 27-year-old, but it is Spurs who hold the strongest interest.

Frank will be weighing up whether to secure a quick return to the dugout or take a break from coaching.

One pundit has called him ‘useless’, while a second is concerned the Dane might never get another elite role.

Christian Pulisic is increasingly open to a return to England, with intermediaries now confirming to TEAMtalk that Premier League interest in the American star is not only real but growing by the week.

The 27‑year‑old has just 18 months left on his AC Milan contract, with the club holding an option for a further year. Despite his outstanding form since arriving from Chelsea in 2023, talks over an extension have failed to gather momentum, much to the frustration of those close to the player.

Pulisic has been nothing short of transformative in Serie A. His first two seasons delivered 20 goal contributions apiece, and he has already hit double figures again this term. Across the last two and a half years, no player in Serie A has produced more goals and assists combined, a statistic that has elevated him into the bracket of Europe’s most dangerous wide forwards.

Even with the managerial change to Max Allegri in the summer, Pulisic’s influence has remained constant. Milan insist they intend to open talks, but after handing a lucrative new deal to goalkeeper Mike Maignan, the club are in no rush, and that stance has not gone unnoticed.

Milan, though, do point to the fact that it is a similar situation with Portuguese star Rafa Leao, whose contract runs until 2028.

Sources, though, have confirmed to us that Pulisic’s camp have now informed Milan they will gauge the market, and the response has been immediate.

We can reveal that Tottenham Hotspur have registered concrete interest in bringing the USMNT captain back to London. Spurs view Pulisic as a ready‑made, high‑impact addition who fits their profile for both versatility and end‑product.

Intermediaries have also spoken with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, though at this stage the strongest and most proactive interest comes from Tottenham – which is fascinating given that former boss Mauricio Pochettino is one of the favourites to return as manager this summer. Pochettino and Pulisic have built a very strong relationship while working together at the USMNT.

With Milan slow‑playing negotiations and Premier League clubs circling, the situation is edging towards a pivotal moment. Those close to the player believe that if Milan do not accelerate talks soon, this summer could become a defining crossroads in Pulisic’s career.

And with the USA hosting the World Cup, the timing could hardly be more dramatic for a player poised to be the face of the tournament on home soil.

Spurs were first linked with the former Borussia Dortmund ace on Monday, and we can confirm he is indeed emerging as a serious transfer option.

United were tipped to move for Pulisic on Wednesday, though their interest is less advanced than Spurs’.

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Tottenham: Pochettino return ON; brutal Frank verdicts

Returning to Pochettino, TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher revealed last week that the Argentine has said yes to a spectacular return to Spurs.

But he is not the only manager in the frame, with the likes of Roberto De Zerbi, Oliver Glasner and Julian Nagelsmann also under consideration.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Thomas Frank will decide to quickly return to management after being sacked by Spurs.

Robbie Keane is emerging as a genuinely strong candidate to become the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur after the odds on him replacing Thomas Frank were dramatically slashed and one of his former teammates offered a ringing endorsement of his credentials – and while TEAMalk sources can confirm he is one of the names in the frame, he is not yet at the top of their wishlist.

Tottenham Hotspur‘s alarming slide towards the relegation zone prompted overlords ENIC to sack Frank on Wednesday morning after a wretched run of form had seen them collect just one win from 11 matches. Defeat at home to Newcastle United on Tuesday evening proved the final straw, with Spurs just five points clear of the drop zone and having slid to 16th in the table.

Weeks before his departure – in fact, as far back as January 7 – we had revealed that ENIC were strongly considering Frank’s future anyway and had earmarked Roberto De Zerbi as a prime candidate for the job.

And while he was initially expected to come into contention come the summer, his departure as Marseille head coach on the same evening has thrust the Italian very firmly into the mix.

Sources can now confirm that De Zerbi is a name very much being discussed by the Tottenham hierarchy.

However, he’s not the only name in the frame and the club are also intrigued by the potential return to north London of Mauricio Pochettino. Sources have confirmed to our correspondent Fraser Fletcher last week that the current United States manager would instantly say ‘Yes’ to a return, citing unfinished business if the opportunity came his way.

Despite that, there is a major caveat on when Pochettino, 53, would be able to take charge again at Tottenham.

In addition to that, we can confirm that former striker Keane is also a name under discussion.

And his odds have now been dramatically slashed from 7/1 to 7/2 third favourite to take on the job, behind De Zerbi (6/5) and John Heitinga (11/4), with the Dutchman likely to be handed the reins on a temporary basis.

In the meantime, Keane, currently manager of Hungarian side Ferencvaros, has now addressed claims that he could be lured back to north London, though his four-word response and decision to walk away from the microphones only fuelling the speculation…

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Next Tottenham manager: What has been said on Robbie Keane?

Keane has been cutting his managerial teeth with the Hungarian side, and he has been doing a stellar job with them by all accounts.

He led them to the top of the league table after 21 games this season as they look to defend the Nemzeti Bajnokság I (the Hungarian First Division) title they won last season.

Now, speaking to the media after his side’s thumping 4-0 win over Aqvital FC Csakvar on Wednesday night, Keane dropped a very blunt four-word reply when asked if he was a contender for the Spurs job.

“I can’t help speculation,” the Irishman answered before he quickly left the interview and walked away from the camera.

While the 45-year-old Irishman might not be one of the more household names linked with the job, he does boast an impressive 60.32% win percentage rate with Ferencvaros, winning 38 of his 62 games at the helm.

His credentials have also been talked up by former Spurs teammate Michael Dawson.

“I hear everyone is talking about interim. We don’t know. We don’t know if it’s going to be an interim,” Dawson stated.

“If that happens, then I think there is only one manager that is waiting for, and it has to be Pochettino in the summer.

“Or do they go out and get someone now? People say who will that be.

“Well, for me, there’s someone there in the making, someone who knows the football club, someone who has got the passion, played for the club, loves it, will galvanise everyone and bring everyone in the right direction, and that’s moving forward, and that is Robbie Keane for me.”

Keane himself also went on record to state his happiness with life in Budapest last week.

“I never dream about it. After playing there the most, people back home expect me to work in England.

“It doesn’t work that way for me. Am I looking for the opportunity to sign for England? No.

“Would I like to be the manager of Liverpool? No. If they want me to be one, we can talk about it.

“I feel great at Ferencvaros, I couldn’t be in a better place right now.

“I am lucky because I don’t need money, I earned a living when I was a player, I don’t do it to get money at the end of the month, I am motivated by something completely different.”

Latest Tottenham news: Spurs chase Serbian star; Dortmund midfielder eyed

On the transfer front, our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur in signing a Serbian star, who is available for a free transfer in the summer of 2026.

In other news, a Spurs star is reportedly ‘very keen’ on joining Real Madrid, with the Spanish and European giants on the hunt for a new centre-back.

And finally, Tottenham are ready to make an offer for a Borussia Dortmund midfielder, according to multiple sources, backing up claims which first emerged on TEAMtalk last week.

Tottenham Hotspur have swiftly made moves to replace Thomas Frank, with the north London club contacting as many as three top-class managers to take charge of the first team.

Thomas Frank was sacked as the Tottenham manager on Wednesday, as the team fell five points above the Premier League relegation zone following the defeat to Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported back on January 7 that Tottenham were looking at Roberto De Zerbi as a potential replacement for Frank.

De Zerbi was in charge of Marseille at the time and was flattered to learn that he was on Tottenham’s radar.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion manager left his role at Marseille this week and, crucially, is now available to take over at Tottenham.

Media Foot has reported that Tottenham have already made ‘contact’ with De Zerbi, adding that the Italian tactician ‘could be tempted’ to take over at last season’s Europa League winners.

The report has claimed that Spurs have been in contact with De Zerbi ‘for several days’.

The French news outlet has also claimed that Thomas Tuchel has been ‘approached about taking over’ at Tottenham ‘after the World Cup’.

Tuchel is in charge of the England national team at the moment and was initially under contract with the FA until after the 2026 World Cup finals this summer.

However, according to ESPN, Tuchel has agreed a new deal to stay on as the England manager until 2028, which means that Tottenham face an almighty task in luring him away and, in truth, that avenue looks to have now already closed on them.

The German is one of the most decorated managers in the world, though, with the 52-year-old German having won Ligue 1 twice with Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League once with Chelsea and the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.

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Tottenham contact Mauricio Pochettino – sources

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Tottenham have been in contact with Mauricio Pochettino, too.

The former Tottenham boss is in charge of the USA national team at the moment.

Sources have told us that Pochettino would be delighted to take over at the north London club after the World Cup, giving Spurs’ overlords, ENIC, a genuine sense of optimism that he could be lured back.

Pochettino’s arrival is one that would be welcomed by supporters, who still hold the 53-year-old close to their hearts after the historic 2018/19 season in which he guided the club through to the Champions League final.

The Argentine manager was in charge of Tottenham from the summer of 2014 until he was, somewhat brutally, sacked in November 2019.

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Everton raid, Real Madrid links

Meanwhile, sources have told our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in raiding Everton for a winger.

Fraser Fletcher has also reported interest from Tottenham in a Serbian striker, but it is Chelsea who are leading the race for his signature.

Pundits have been reacting to the sacking of Thomas Frank by Tottenham Hotspur, with the Dane labelled ‘useless’ and his chances of getting another top job supposedly in tatters.

Frank built up a great reputation at Brentford, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League for the very first time before establishing the Bees as solid top-flight competitors. Last summer, Frank made the emotional decision to leave Brentford and replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham boss.

However, Frank too has been sacked after Spurs slipped down to 16th in the Premier League. They have not won in the league since December 28, picking up four draws and four defeats in that time.

Frank’s chances of success were hampered by a severe injury crisis, as he was missing key players such as Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Bergvall, just to name a few.

The Spurs board sympathised with this extremely difficult situation, but the 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night proved to be the final straw.

David Ornstein revealed on Wednesday that Frank had been axed, which was soon followed by confirmation from the club.

Former Liverpool star Jan Molby has now questioned whether the 52-year-old will ever manage another elite club.

“There is no doubt that there are more jobs for Thomas Frank, but there are probably no more jobs of this size as Tottenham,” Molby said (via Tipsbladet).

“And of course there will also be people who think that he did well at Brentford but was a bit protected by the way they do things.

“I actually think in many ways that this has as much to do with Tottenham as it does with Thomas Frank. That it is so difficult to be successful at Tottenham as a manager. But what big jobs are left for Thomas Frank? I doubt that a bit.”

Prior to Frank’s departure, ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara reacted to the defeat against Newcastle by saying: “Get him out. He is useless. He is one of the worst managers we have ever had.

“We are going down under him.”

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Pochettino, De Zerbi among replacement targets

Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has revealed that Spurs chiefs actually made the decision to sack Frank at half time of the Newcastle clash.

We can confirm that Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi are both prime contenders to take over, though there are five other names on Spurs’ shortlist.

We exclusively revealed on February 6 that Pochettino has greenlit a blockbuster return to north London ready for after the World Cup.

If Spurs go down this route, then they are expected to appoint Frank’s assistant, Johnny Heitinga, as interim boss.

Alternatively, De Zerbi is an immediate option. He is a free agent after leaving Marseille on Tuesday.

More on Frank, Spurs…

Former Spurs captain Michael Dawson has revealed who he thinks should be hired on a temporary basis until the summer.

A journalist has suggested De Zerbi is ‘more open’ to taking the Spurs job now that Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici have left.

Spurs’ managerial uncertainty will also impact their transfer plans for the summer.

The next permanent Tottenham manager – which looks like it will come from a two-man shortlist – could be placed in a dire situation from day one, with multiple reports talking up the triple sale of three guaranteed starters.

Tottenham sacked Thomas Frank on Wednesday, with the Dane paying the price for a horrific run of results that have seen Spurs dragged into a relegation scrap. Not aiding Frank’s cause are stunning revelations he had a bizarre obsession with Arsenal. Of all the clubs to admire while serving as Spurs boss, Arsenal should be bottom of the list.

Tottenham are still weighing up whether to appoint an interim manager or move for a permanent boss straight away.

However, it’s quickly becoming clear there are two main candidates in the frame to take the reins on a permanent basis whenever that may be – Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi.

But according to a collection of reports, either Pochettino or De Zerbi could find themselves taking over a squad that’s about to sell their starting goalkeeper and regular centre-back pairing.

Firstly, trusted Argentine reporter, Gaston Edul, recently declared it’s game over for Cristian Romero at Tottenham.

Edul is highly reliable when it comes to reporting on Argentine players and declared Romero “is going to leave Tottenham in the next June transfer window.”

Interest from LaLiga is particularly strong, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all showing degrees of interest.

Micky van de Ven could also depart, with our insider, Dean Jones, confirming as much back on February 5.

Liverpool have already signed Jeremy Jacquet for the summer, but if Ibrahima Konate leaves, they’ll need another big-money buy at the back. Van de Ven features high on their shortlist, and he’s also strongly admired at Real Madrid too.

The Daily Mail are another to report on Van de Ven and in late-January, they declared the Dutchman is ‘keen to move on from Spurs’.

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Finally, Guglielmo Vicario could also be sold, with a return to Italy seemingly gathering pace.

Talk of Vicario heading back to Serie A, potentially to Inter Milan, has been rampant over the past few months.

The latest from Calciomercato on Wednesday stated that it’s not only Inter who want Vicario, but Juventus too.

They stated: ‘It’s always Inter-Juventus: from the pitch to the transfer market, the challenge is total.

‘There are three days to go until the Derby d’Italia, on Valentine’s Day, San Siro lights up again for the new appointment with a historic rivalry and a shadow looms over the Meazza: that of Guglielmo Vicario.’

Inter are moving on from Yann Sommer in the summer, while Juve are seeking an upgrade on the unconvincing Michele Di Gregorio.

Inter are believed to be frontrunners of the two, though from Tottenham’s perspective, a potential bidding war would at least drive up the price.

Thomas Frank kept committing the ultimate sin that contributed to his dismissal at Tottenham, and the race to become the next Spurs manager appears to be narrowing down to two candidates.

Frank was relieved of his duties on Wednesday, and leaves Tottenham staring down the barrel of a scrap to avoid relegation over the coming months.

There is sympathy for Frank in some quarters, primarily due to the mind-boggling amount of injuries he had to deal with.

Arguably Spurs’ two best attackers, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, have missed almost the entire season so far. They are just the tip of the iceberg in the treatment room right now.

Yet Spurs believed the time was right to remove Frank from power, with on-field results – including an appalling run of two wins in 17 Premier League matches – too poor to ignore.

And according to a report from The Telegraph, there’s another factor that contributed to Frank’s sack – his bizarre obsession with Arsenal.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out a Spurs boss should tread carefully when praising Tottenham’s north London rivals.

Yet per the report, Frank practically had an obsession with The Gunners and put simply, wouldn’t stop banging on about how great they are.

The Telegraph quoted a source as saying: “He was constantly going on to the players about Arsenal and they quickly got sick of it.

“Even before and after the game at the Emirates, he was telling them how good Arsenal were. The feeling among some was very much ‘just shut up about Arsenal’.”

Frank namechecked Arsenal in his first press conference as Spurs boss, and although he was clearly stitched up, being pictured drinking from an Arsenal-branded cup earlier in 2026 didn’t help his cause.

The report concluded by stating Frank’s love affair with Arsenal ‘undoubtedly made life more difficult’ for the Dane that it otherwise would’ve been if he’d kept his mouth shut.

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Who’ll succeed Thomas Frank?

TEAMtalk understands the decision to axe Frank was actually made at half-time of what turned out to be their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday night.

That news was relayed by our insider, Graeme Bailey, who quickly confirmed Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi are among the key contenders to become Spurs’ next permanent boss.

De Zerbi is available right now after parting ways with Marseille over the past 24 hours. Pochettino would have to wait until the summer and after he’s wrapped up his commitments with the USA at the World Cup.

If going for Pochettino, Spurs would appoint an interim manager to see out the season. John Heitinga – one of Frank’s assistants – and Robbie Keane have been mentioned as viable fits for that role.

And per the latest from reporter Ben Jacobs, the race to become Tottenham’s next manager is narrowing down to the two candidates Bailey zeroed in on – Pochettino and De Zerbi.

Taking to X, Jacobs wrote: “Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino two leading names under consideration to replace Thomas Frank.

“Robbie Keane and Francesco Farioli also discussed. De Zerbi and Pochettino both understood to have unfinished business in the EPL.”

Tottenham parted ways with Thomas Frank after a dramatic decision was taken at half‑time of their bruising defeat to Newcastle United, and TEAMtalk can confirm seven Spurs targets to replace him permanently, with a left-field candidate among them.

We revealed on Wednesday that the situation inside Spurs had turned “toxic,” with senior figures increasingly concerned that the project had lost direction. And just hours after those revelations, Frank’s departure was confirmed – but the truth is the decision was effectively made before the final whistle on Tuesday.

We are told the decisive push came from CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who held lengthy discussions with executive chairman Peter Charrington as the first half unfolded.

With tensions already running high behind the scenes, the dismal showing against Newcastle served as the final trigger. The Lewis family were contacted overnight and wasted little time endorsing the decision to remove Frank.

And we also understand that some changes within the club’s hierarchy could be on the way, with several roles and reporting lines expected to be reviewed as part of a wider reset following Frank’s dismissal.

A host of names have already been floated in immediate internal conversations, but we can confirm that Mauricio Pochettino remains highly regarded by Tottenham’s hierarchy, as we exclusively revealed on January 13.

There is genuine belief at senior level that a return for the Argentine is very much in the club’s thinking. Some in Spurs’ hierarchy believe he could restore identity, energy and unity at a time when all three are in desperately short supply. His return is considered a real possibility and has significant support internally.

Another major contender is Roberto De Zerbi, as we also exclusively revealed, back on January 7. Tottenham’s admiration for the Italian is genuine, and sources close to him have confirmed he would welcome the opportunity to speak to Spurs if an official approach is made. His bold attacking style and proven ability to elevate young talent make him an appealing fit for the club’s vision going forward.

Tottenham are insisting privately that they will undertake a thorough and disciplined process. Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner have both been discussed as tactical fits who align with the club’s preferred profile, particularly with their structured, high‑energy approaches. Both men are regarded as credible candidates should talks with the more high‑profile names prove complex or unsuccessful, though another shock contender has emerged…

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Gareth Southgate emerges as shock contender for Tottenham job

In a surprising development, we can reveal that Sir Gareth Southgate has admirers within the Spurs structure. Some senior figures believe the former England manager’s leadership, calmness and player‑management skills could steady a fractious dressing room.

Whether Southgate would be open to the role remains uncertain, but his name has been raised in internal conversations.

Two heavyweight figures have also been mentioned: Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel, both preparing for the upcoming World Cup finals with Germany and England respectively.

While admired for their tactical pedigree and elite‑level experience, landing either is considered highly ambitious at this stage, with a lack of Champions League football on-offer to try and entice them.

Wednesday’s dramatic events underline just how unstable this era has become at Tottenham. Frank arrived as a figure intended to bring long‑term clarity and calm, yet his tenure unravelled rapidly amid poor results and internal tension.

The club now stands at a crucial crossroads. With fan frustration rising and Spurs drifting in both identity and results, this next appointment will define the club’s direction for years to come.

What is clear is that Tottenham are moving fast, speaking to agents, analysing profiles and debating strategy behind the scenes. The powerbrokers – Vinai Venkatesham and the Lewis family – are under intense scrutiny, with supporters eager for decisive leadership and a manager capable of re‑energising the entire club.

Latest Tottenham news: De Zerbi ready to join / Robbie Keane tipped

Meanwhile, reports have backed up our information that De Zerbi is ready to become Tottenham’s new manager, with the Italian open to taking the role now that Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici have left the club.

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has reported that Tottenham are keen on De Zerbi, and believes that it wasn’t a coincidence he left Marseille overnight.

In other news, Michael Dawson has urged Spurs to bring in ex-Tottenham striker Robbie Keane as their interim manager until the end of the season.

And in that same report, we not how another former Tottenham centre-back, Ramon Vega, has called for Spurs CEO Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange to be relieved of their duties.