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Michael Dawson has named the manager that Tottenham Hotspur should hire following the dismissal of Thomas Frank, as Ramon Vega wants two of the senior members of the Spurs board to go.

Tottenham have sacked Frank as the manager despite appointing him to the role only in the summer of 2025. The north London club made the decision following the defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, which left the team just five points above the Premier League table.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Roberto De Zerbi is one of the main candidates to take over as the Tottenham manager.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, first exclusively broke the news about Tottenham’s interest in De Zerbi back on January 7.

De Zerbi is without a managerial role at the moment, having parted company with Marseille on Tuesday.

We understand that Mauricio Pochettino is also in the frame to return to Tottenham and become the next manager.

The former Spurs boss is now the USA manager, but sources have told us that he would be willing to return to the north London club after the 2026 World Cup finals this summer.

Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, though, believes that Robbie Keane would be the perfect candidate to become the new Spurs boss.

The 45-year-old former Republic of Ireland international striker had two spells at Tottenham as a player and is in charge of Hungarian club Ferencvaros at the moment.

Keane guided Ferencvaros to Nemzeti Bajnokság I success in the 2024/25 campaign and also led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli Premier League title in the 2023/24 campaign.

Dawson said on Sky Sports News: “I hear everyone is talking about interim. We don’t know. We don’t know if it’s going to be an interim.

“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.”

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ENIC urged to sack Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange

Keane recently spoke about his managerial ambition and made it clear that he is happy in Hungary.

The former striker told Hungarian newspaper Nemzeti Sport this 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.”

Another former Tottenham centre-back, Ramon Vega, has given his take on the situation at Spurs.

The former Switzerland international wants Tottenham owners ENIC to sack the club’s CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.

Vega wrote on X at 11:05am on February 11: “If Vinai and Lange are not sacked then we have a big problem fundamentally at the Club.

@SpursOfficial it’s a good time now before it’s too late.

“Not when we are relegated NOW it needs to be done.

“They have massively missed on all angles of their mandate by the Club!

“This can’t continue like that.

“The Lewis family also needs to look in the mirror seriously and think about selling ASAP!”

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Serbia ace wanted, Real Madrid enquiry

Meanwhile, 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.

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

Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of appointing Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager following the sacking of Thomas Frank have soared, TEAMtalk understands, with another source revealing the Italian manager did not want to work with Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici and is now ‘more open’.

Tottenham have announced the dismissal of Frank as the manager following the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday. The result leaves Spurs just five points above the Premier League bottom three, and the north London club’s board had no choice but to sack the Dane, despite appointing him in the role only in the summer of 2025.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported back on January 7 that Tottenham had their eyes on Roberto De Zerbi.

Sources told us at the time that the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager was a ‘top target’ for Tottenham, who were compiling a shortlist of candidates.

We understand that De Zerbi was flattered to learn that Tottenham were keeping an eye on him.

De Zerbi was in charge of Marseille at the time, but the Italian manager has decided to leave his role at the French club.

On Tuesday, Marseille announced on their official website that the club and De Zerbi have decided to go their separate ways ‘by mutual agreement’.

The decision came in the aftermath of Marseille getting hammered 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 last Sunday, leaving them fourth in the table with 39 points from 21 matches.

With De Zerbi now without a managerial role, the chances of Tottenham hiring the 46-year-old have soared, with Fletcher informed on Tuesday night that his exit at OM has been very much noted by the Spurs decision-makers.

The Italian tactician is now even money to be the next Tottenham manager with bookmakers.

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Roberto De Zerbi ‘more open’ to Tottenham role now

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has also reported that Tottenham are keen on De Zerbi.

Crook has noted that Tottenham wanted De Zerbi before they hired Ange Postecoglou in 2023.

De Zerbi was the manager of Brighton at the time, and he did not want to work with Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici.

Levy was working as the Tottenham chairman during that period, while Fabio Paratici was involved with the north London club in a senior role.

Crook said on talkSPORT at 10:14am on February 11, 2026: “I don’t think it is necessarily a coincidence that Roberto De Zerbi has left Marseille overnight.

“He was someone that Spurs were keen to appoint before bringing in even Ange Postecoglou.

“At the time, I am told he wasn’t necessarily up for working with Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici, the former sporting director.

“Both of those are no longer part of the day-to-day running of the football club.

“I am told De Zerbi would potentially be more open to taking the Tottenham job.”

De Zerbi, though, is not the only manager that Tottenham are considering following the sacking of Frank.

Sources have told us that former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is also a genuine candidate for the role at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Pochettino is in charge of the USA at the moment, but we understand that the Argentine would be ready to take charge of Spurs after the 2026 World Cup finals in the summer.

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Striker chase, Real Madrid raid

Meanwhile, our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur in signing a Serbia international striker, who will become a free agent at the end of the season.

A Tottenham star is said to be ‘very keen’ on joining Real Madrid, who have already ‘enquired’ about the transfer fee needed to sign him.

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted little time after Tuesday’s demoralising defeat to Newcastle United by sacking Thomas Frank, with the defeat leaving the club just five points clear of the relegation zone – and with TEAMtalk sources revealing both the club’s long and short-term plans over a successor.

The Dane was brought in over the summer as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou but failed to inspire Tottenham Hotspur to any sort of improvement and the 2-1 defeat to the Magpies on Tuesday evening has proved the final straw. Frank departs the club with just 13 wins from 38 matches to his name – a win percentage record of just 34.21%.

We revealed on Wednesday morning how the club were meeting to discuss Frank’s future and with his dismissal a growing possibility after they slipped to 16th in the table.

And breaking the news on his X account, the ultra-reliable David Ornstein has now confirmed the decision to axe the 52-year-old has been made.

Ornstein wrote: ‘Thomas Frank sacked as Tottenham Hotspur head coach. #THFC working through various possible contingency plans to replace 52yo Dane as club sit 14th in Premier League – 5 points above relegation zone after 2 wins from 17 matches.’

Shortly afterwards, in a short statement on the club’s website: Tottenham confirmed Frank had been relieved of his duties: “The Club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.

“Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.

“However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.

“Throughout his time at the Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

Next Tottenham manager: De Zerbi in frame; Pochettino wanted

We revealed last week that, of those contingency plans, the club will look to appoint an interim coach through to the end of the season and with the recently-appointed first-team coach, Johnny Heitinga a strong candidate to steer the ship through the remainder of what has now become a battle for survival in the Premier League.

Former caretaker boss, Ryan Mason – who recently left West Brom after a failed stint at The Hawthorns – would also willingly return to the club, even in an interim capacity, should the club take up that option.

However, we also understand that Roberto De Zerbi, who on Tuesday night, by coincidence, also left his role as Marseille manager, could also now come into the equation.

We revealed back on January 7 that De Zerbi was a genuine candidate for the job this summer when sources confirmed his plans to leave the French side and return to the Premier League. Now his departure has been confirmed, albeit earlier than expected, the Italian is likely to be very much in their thinking, though it remains to be seen whether he would jump immediately back into another role or would prefer to assess his options come the summer.

If Spurs are to wait, however, our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, revealed last week that Mauricio Pochettino would unequivocally accept a return to Spurs if offered the role.

However, there is a caveat on when the Argentine would consider taking charge, as our exclusive report revealed.

If they do decide to wait for the 54-year-old’s return, though, it would make sense for an interim to take charge of the club in the short-term and with the brief of ensuring the club avoid the unthinkable: relegation to the Championship.

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Thomas Frank had made plea to keep Tottenham job

Despite all that, Frank, speaking in the wake of Tuesday’s loss to Newcastle, insisted he remained the right man to steer the club through their crisis and has urged the board not to lose their heads and fire him.

“I’m 1000 per cent sure [I will stay],” he told the media after the 2-1 defeat. “I am also 1000 per cent sure that I never expected us to be in a situation like this with 11 or 12 injuries on the back end of this and what we’ve been facing, but I know when you need to build something and need to get through things, you need to show unbelievable strong resilience.

“I think it is fair to say there are a few before me up here not only for Tottenham but in many other clubs that have lost their head many times and I think you need to have a calm head, carry on, keep fighting and keep doing the right thing, make sure we stick together because we can only do this if we stick together. That is the board, that is the leaders, that is the players, that is the staff, that is me, and that is the fans.

“We’ve got to get through this!”

Frank also insisted he will remain in charge for Spurs’ next Premier League game, at home to Arsenal on Sunday, 22 February.

“I’m convinced I will still be in charge [for the Arsenal game],” he continued. “I understand the question, and I understand it’s easy to point at me, but I also think it’s never only the head coach or the ownership or the directors or the players or the staff. It’s everyone.

“If you do something right, you build something that can last. Of course, we are not in a top position now. Everyone knows, directors, ownership, and myself, what position we are in, what we need to improve and what we need to do better.”

Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of a Tottenham Hotspur star, with a report claiming that Los Blancos have enquired about a possible deal, as TEAMtalk reveals how much the Spanish club would have to pay Thomas Frank’s side.

It is dire times at Tottenham at the moment, with the north London club just five points above the Premier League relegation zone. The 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening has increased pressure on manager Thomas Frank, who is facing the sack.

Tottenham’s situation has been further aggravated by a senior player publicly criticising the club for not making enough signings in the winter transfer window to address the injury problems.

Cristian Romero went public with his disgruntlement towards the Tottenham board last week, and since then, it has emerged that the defender is willing to leave last season’s Europa League winners in the summer of 2026.

Real Madrid are on the hunt for a new centre-back, with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba out of contract at Estadio Bernabeu at the end of the season.

Romero has now come onto Madrid’s radar, with reputable Argentine publication TyC Sports claiming that the Argentina international is ‘one of the names being closely followed’ by the Spanish and European giants.

Sports Boom has also reported Real Madrid’s interest in the 27-year-old World Cup winner with Argentina.

Fichajes has added that Madrid have made ‘initial enquiries’ for Romero to ‘determine’ his price.

The Spanish media outlet, which is often speculative, has reported that Madrid president Florentino Perez is ‘determined to make a significant investment’ to bring the Tottenham star to Estadio Bernabeu in the summer of 2026.

The report has gone on to claim that Romero himself ‘would be very keen to wear the Real Madrid jersey and compete for the most important titles in Europe’.

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How much Tottenham want for Cristian Romero – sources

It was only in August 2025 that Romero signed a new contract with Tottenham.

The defender is now under contract at the north London club until the summer of 2029.

We understand that Romero is Tottenham’s highest-paid player and earns £200,000 per week.

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Romero is ready to leave Tottenham, with the defender getting increasingly frustrated with the situation at the club.

Sources have told us that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid want to sign Romero from Spurs.

However, Tottenham have reassured the defender about their ambition and have informed him that they will make major signings when the window reopens in January.

Spurs are not going to be willing to sell Romero on the cheap. Sources have intimated to us that Tottenham will demand £70-£80 million (up to €92.7m, $109.5m) for their captain.

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Latest Real Madrid and Tottenham transfer news

Meanwhile, a Real Madrid star is ‘very upset’ with manager Alvaro Arbeloa after he was snubbed yet again against Valencia in LaLiga last weekend.

Endrick’s agent has responded to rumours that the striker could leave Real Madrid for good in the summer of 2026, with the Brazil international currently on loan at Lyon for the rest of the season.

Sources have told our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, that Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign a Real Madrid defender.

News that Tottenham Hotspur are considering sacking Thomas Frank and are exploring contingencies until the end of the season and beyond has brought a mixed reaction from furious supporters, who are growing increasingly exasperated by the club’s slide towards the relegation zone.

The north London side appointed Frank as a successor to Ange Postecoglou over the summer, but has been unable to see an improvement on last season’s woeful Premier League form that saw Tottenham finish 17th. And after another head-scratching home defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, Spurs are now just five points clear of the relegation zone, sitting in 16th.

With Frank and his players leaving the pitch at half-time and full-time to a chorus of boos and with ‘sacked in the morning’ ringing out throughout, it seems there is little the Dane can now do to prevent the chop.

Indeed, our reporter Graeme Bailey revealed on Wednesday morning that Spurs bosses are to hold crunch talks over the manager’s future and his sacking as manager before the north London derby clash on Sunday week has not been ruled out.

That report has been backed up by the BBC’s chief football reporter Sami Mokbel, who has confirmed that Spurs’ overlords, ENIC, are now ‘considering contingencies’.

In light of that, supporters have reacted to the news – and it is clear now that the vast majority are desperate to see the Dane, who has a woeful 34.21 win percentage record, removed from his job.

‘I [swear word] despise this [swear word], if that hasn’t woken the owners up, I don’t know what will,’ one fan raged on X.

Another agreed, adding: ‘This is the worst it’s ever been, an utter disgrace; genuinely not seen this club at a lower point in my lifetime.’

A third agreed, commenting: ‘I can’t watch this horror show anymore! I can’t even comprehend this utter stupidity!’

A fourth turned their anger towards the owners, accusing them of being too slow to react: ‘Say one thing about [Daniel] Levy, at least he would have sacked the useless [swear word] by now…’

A fifth agreed, adding: ‘This club are so [swear word] spineless.’

A sixth chimed in: ‘Nepo babies ruining the club because they’re all too scared to make a big decision.’

A seventh added: ‘Wth is going on? The DOF and CEO have to be sacked now. I’ve always publicly detested Levy, but I can tell you for certain, he wouldn’t have stood by and watched this fool continually fail his way into the Championship.’

Another fan commented: ‘It needed to happen months ago. There haven’t been any improvements. Why delay the inevitable?’

A ninth added: ‘This board of pen pushers have doomed us.. Levy he would have had the balls to sack him.’

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Next Tottenham manager: Fans suggest three names

With regards the next manager, fans shared a difference of opinion on who should be the next man in charge.

‘Just take De Zerbi, he was one of the candidates alongside Frank, so pretty much he should be a coach they like,’ one fan argued.

‘Bring Harry in until the end of the season. We may still go down to the Championship, but at least we’ll have a laugh!

Speaking of the Championship, one fan argued: ‘At this point, we might as well stick with Thomas Frank. I’m not joking. At least he knows the Championship and knows how to get out of it!’

While TEAMtalk sources exclusively confirmed last month that De Zerbi was a genuine candidate for the job this summer – and those chances have significantly risen after the Italian’s departure from Marseille on Tuesday evening – he is now no longer the leading candidate for the job.

That’s after our correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, revealed last week that Mauricio Pochettino would unequivocally accept a return to Spurs if offered the role. However, there is a caveat on when Pochettino would consider taking charge, as our exclusive report revealed.

Frank sack? Spurs manager insists he’s still the right man

Despite all that, Frank insists he remains the right man to steer the club through their crisis and has urged the board not to lose their heads and fire him.

“I’m 1000 per cent sure [I will stay]. I am also 1000 per cent sure that I never expected us to be in a situation like this with 11 or 12 injuries on the back end of this and what we’ve been facing, but I know when you need to build something and need to get through things, you need to show unbelievable strong resilience.

“I think it is fair to say there are a few before me up here not only for Tottenham but in many other clubs that have lost their head many times and I think you need to have a calm head, carry on, keep fighting and keep doing the right thing, make sure we stick together because we can only do this if we stick together. That is the board, that is the leaders, that is the players, that is the staff, that is me, and that is the fans.

“We’ve got to get through this!”

Frank is also adamant he will remain in charge for Spurs’ next Premier League game, at home to Arsenal on Sunday, 22 February.

“I’m convinced I will still be in charge [for the Arsenal game],” he continued. “I understand the question, and I understand it’s easy to point at me, but I also think it’s never only the head coach or the ownership or the directors or the players or the staff. It’s everyone.

“If you do something right, you build something that can last. Of course, we are not in a top position now. Everyone knows, directors, ownership, and myself, what position we are in, what we need to improve and what we need to do better.

On the transfer front, a second source has backed up our exclusive reveal on Tottenham moving for a German international midfielder, with the new report insisting a €60m / £52m bid will ‘probably’ see the deal completed.

Elsewhere, reputed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed the summer target that Tottenham Hotspur are ‘dreaming’ of signing, though the club will have to completely obliterate their current transfer record to seal a deal.

Tottenham Hotspur sources have refused to rule out Thomas Frank leaving the club before next Sunday’s North London derby with Arsenal, we can reveal.

Tottenham placed huge trust in Frank when they appointed him last summer as Ange Postecoglou’s successor, but the Dane is now under severe pressure after a disastrous run of form. Since taking charge, Spurs have won just two of their 13 home games, a record that has alarmed senior figures and left the fanbase increasingly hostile.

The atmosphere reached breaking point on Tuesday night as Spurs were booed off at half‑time and full‑time during a 2–1 defeat to a badly out‑of‑sorts Newcastle United.

One club source present at the game told us: “Things are not good, it was toxic tonight. The club do not want to make the change, they really don’t, but you can’t rule it out at this point.”

Spurs sit only five points above the drop zone, and while insiders insist they do not consider themselves part of a relegation fight, they admit the current situation cannot continue.

As previously revealed by us, CEO Vinai Venkatesham has been Frank’s strongest defender, repeatedly pushing back against calls from elsewhere in the hierarchy to make a change. But even his support is being tested as results worsen and pressure intensifies.

We can now confirm that talks are scheduled before the derby with Arsenal. A change is not expected at this stage, but sources stressed that Frank’s removal cannot be ruled out, especially if discussions reveal a lack of confidence in his ability to steady the team.

The next few days will be critical. Spurs do not want upheaval before facing their fiercest rivals but the situation has deteriorated to the point where every option is now on the table.

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Thomas Frank responds to sack talk

When asked after the Newcastle game if he will stay in charge, Frank responded: “1000 per cent sure. I am also 1000 per cent sure that I never expected us to be in a situation like this with 11 or 12 injuries on the back end of this and what we’ve been facing, but I know when you need to build something and need to get through things, you need to show unbelievable strong resilience.

“I think it is fair to say there are a few before me up here not only for Tottenham but in many other clubs that have lost their head many times and I think you need to have a calm head, carry on, keep fighting and keep doing the right thing, make sure we stick together because we can only do this if we stick together. That is the board, that is the leaders, that is the players, that is the staff, that is me, and that is the fans.

“We’ve got to get through this!”

My colleague, Fraser Fletcher, revealed on Monday that the situation has hit ‘breaking point’. If Frank is sacked, assistant boss Johnny Heitinga is a candidate to take over until the end of the season while Spurs search for a permanent replacement.

Sources confirmed to Fletcher last week that Mauricio Pochettino has greenlit a spectacular return to the club.

Roberto De Zerbi is another potential target, especially after his departure from Marseille.

Tottenham news: £52m Germany target; elite star offered

Meanwhile, we revealed in January that Spurs are pursuing Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha, and there has now been an update.

Not only have German newspaper Bild confirmed our reporting, they have also taken the story further.

Thomas Frank is “1000 per cent” sure he remains the right manager for Tottenham in the wake of growing calls for him to be sacked after Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle on Tuesday evening – though TEAMtalk understands the loss to the Magpies could well prove his final game at the helm.

The Dane was brought in over the summer as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, but has struggled to get a tune out of his squad, who have steadily got worse as the season has progressed. Going into Tuesday’s game, Frank had overseen an alarming record of just one win in 10 Premier League games in form that had seen Tottenham Hotspur dragged towards the relegation zone.

And after Jacob Ramsey scored a 68th-minute goal for Newcastle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the home team were booed off at full-time with chants of ‘sacked in the morning’ directed at the 52-year-old’s direction.

While there are mitigating circumstances for the latest defeat – Spurs were without several first-team stars through injury and suspension – the fact that they now sit in 16th place, and only five points clear of the drop zone, is likely to enforce his sacking.

Despite staring down the barrel, Frank is refusing to walk away quietly and is adamant that he remains the right man for the job.

Speaking to the media at full-time on Tuesday night, he insisted: “1000 per cent sure. I am also 1000 per cent sure that I never expected us to be in a situation like this with 11 or 12 injuries on the back end of this and what we’ve been facing, but I know when you need to build something and need to get through things, you need to show unbelievable strong resilience.

“I think it is fair to say there are a few before me up here not only for Tottenham but in many other clubs that have lost their head many times and I think you need to have a calm head, carry on, keep fighting and keep doing the right thing, make sure we stick together because we can only do this if we stick together. That is the board, that is the leaders, that is the players, that is the staff, that is me, and that is the fans.

“We’ve got to get through this!”

Frank is also adamant he will remain in charge for Spurs’ next Premier League game, at home to Arsenal on Sunday 22 February.

“I’m convinced I will still be in charge [for the Arsenal game],” he continued. “I understand the question, and I understand it’s easy to point at me, but I also think it’s never only the head coach or the ownership or the directors or the players or the staff. It’s everyone.

“If you do something right, you build something that can last. Of course, we are not in a top position now. Everyone knows, directors, ownership, and myself, what position we are in, what we need to improve and what we need to do better.

“That is what we are working very hard on.”

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Frank can expect Tottenham sack with successor already chosen

Tuesday night really was the game that Frank could not afford to lose.

Going into the match, sources had informed TEAMtalk that a defeat to Newcastle could prove the final straw for their owners, who have been alarmed by their slide down the table over the course of this season.

And with club bosses seemingly at the end of their tether, the pressure on Frank has now reached what well-placed sources describe as “breaking point” with his reign due to come to an end after just 38 games at the helm.

Showing a barren 34.21% win record across those games (just 13 games), insiders suggested going into the game that another poor showing against Eddie Howe’s Magpies could prompt immediate action.

Bookmakers had already listed Frank as the overwhelming favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked, with odds shortened even more dramatically in recent hours.

Should Frank depart, Tottenham are expected to appoint an interim coach — possibly Johnny Heitinga, already part of the backroom staff — to guide the team through to the end of the campaign, buying time for a permanent solution…

Former coach Ryan Mason, recently axed by West Brom after a short spell in charge, is also in the frame.

Down the line, though, the north London side have already earmarked the man they want to take charge in the long run, though such an appointment will have to wait and hence why Spurs, who have wanted Frank to succeed, have stood by his side for now and refused, to this point, to pull the trigger on his reign…

With Spurs bosses already casting their minds towards a successor, we revealed last week how the long-term picture points towards a sensational reunion with Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine, currently leading the United States into their home-hosted 2026 World Cup, has given the green light to return to north London once his international duties conclude this summer.

Tottenham latest: £52m deal on for Dortmund midfielder; Rudiger offer

Meanwhile, a second source has backed up our exclusive reveal on Tottenham moving for a German international midfielder, with the new report insisting a €60m / £52m bid will ‘probably’ see the deal completed.

Elsewhere, reputed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed the summer target that Tottenham Hotspur are ‘dreaming’ of signing, though the club will have to completely obliterate their current transfer record to seal a deal.

In other news, Antonio Rudiger is open to a return to England this summer, with intermediaries already sounding out Premier League clubs about a potential deal for the Real Madrid defender, and TEAMtalk understands Tottenham are among his potential suitors.

Rangers are keen to retain the services of Tottenham Hotspur loanee Mikey Moore for another season, with sources suggesting a further loan spell at Ibrox remains a realistic possibility.

The 18-year-old Englishman has flourished in Glasgow since joining on a season-long deal in August. Under manager Danny Rohl, Moore has emerged as a key creative force, particularly shining in recent outings.

He had another superb performance in the commanding 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock, where he terrorised the opposition defence, created the most chances on the pitch, registered an assist for teammate Andreas Skov Olsen, and then sealed the win with a late goal.

This followed earlier contributions, including his first Rangers goal against Dundee in November and a strike in the Old Firm derby against Celtic.

Across the campaign so far, Moore has notched four goals and two assists in the Scottish Premiership and, despite a slow start, he has begun to flourish in royal blue.

Fans at Ibrox have quickly warmed to the youngster, with chants of “Mikey, Mikey Moore” ringing around the stadium and calls growing for the club to secure his return next term.

Moore himself appears settled north of the border. Indeed, in recent comments, he expressed his love for playing under Rohl, stating there’s “nothing decided so far” regarding his future, while also emphasising a focus on the present while enjoying life at Rangers.

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Moore keen on Ibrox return

Sources close to the situation indicate that, should regular first-team minutes not be assured at Tottenham next season, the winger would be eager to extend his stay in Scotland to aid his continued development.

Tottenham view Moore as one of their brightest prospects after he became the club’s youngest-ever Premier League debutant at 16 years and 277 days in May 2024 and signed a new long-term contract on his 18th birthday in August 2025.

With no purchase option in the current loan agreement, Spurs are open to discussions about another temporary move, prioritising game time for the teenager over an immediate return.

As Rangers push for silverware in a competitive title race, Moore’s form could prove pivotal in the coming months. Another successful half-season might strengthen the case for another loan deal.

Tottenham have agreed to sell one of their strikers to Brazilian side Bahia, who form part of the overarching City Football Group.

Tottenham certainly don’t lack for options in the striker position right now, though whether any are all that effective is another matter entirely.

Dominic Solanke is the best of the bunch… when he’s fit, which isn’t often. Richarlison can safely be classified as a flop – 28 goals in 121 appearances is not enough for a £60m player.

Loanee Randal Kolo Muani and £30m forward Mathys Tel have made minimal impact so far. The former is still to register his first goal in the Premier League despite making 16 appearances.

There are other frontmen on Tottenham’s books too, including Alejo Veliz who has barely kicked a ball in a Spurs shirt since arriving for £13m in 2023.

The Argentine, 22, was loaned to Sevilla and then Espanyol before being turfed out once more to Rosario Central ahead of the current campaign.

But according to reports out of Brazil, Veliz won’t be back in north London when the loan ends next summer.

Journalist Yuri Santana led the way when writing on X: “Alejo Véliz will be a Bahia player!

“Bahia and Tottenham have reached an agreement, and the Argentinian striker will sign a five-year contract with the Tricolor.

“However, Alejo will only arrive mid-season, after the end of his loan spell at Rosario Central.”

The ‘mid-season’ Santana is referring to is mid-season in the Brazilian leagues, meaning Veliz will join Bahia outright in the English summer.

Soon after, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on his own social media channels.

He wrote on X: “Bahia agree deal to sign Alejo Véliz from Tottenham on permanent move, here we go!

“€9m fee plus add-ons, Véliz wanted to stay in Rosario until the end of his loan and then join Bahia.

“Medical to happen in June, deal verbally agreed with director Cadu Santoro today.”

Bahia form part of the City Football Group, and signing for one of Man City’s sister clubs can sometimes lead to the player eventually making it to Manchester.

One such recent example is Savinho who starred for sisters club Troyes then Girona before joining Man City in 2024.

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Latest Tottenham & Man City news – DOUBLE defender exit / Guardiola replacement

In other news, Tottenham are bracing themselves for a summer showdown as they vow to fight to keep skipper Cristian Romero, amid fears of a potentially crushing double exit in north London.

Elsewhere, Man City are increasingly resigned to losing Pep Guardiola at season’s end, and we can reveal the one outstanding candidate who is at the very forefront of their search for a replacement.

Tottenham are bracing themselves for a summer showdown as they vow to fight to keep skipper Cristian Romero, amid fears of a potentially crushing double exit in north London.

The Argentine centre-back’s recent public outburst – branding the club “disgraceful” for operating with a threadbare squad – has intensified speculation over his future and put Spurs on high alert.

Romero is now being linked with a big-money switch to LaLiga again, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid all reportedly circling for his signature.

Indeed, my colleague Fraser Fletcher has also reported how interest from Spain has gotten ‘serious’ again following the 27-year-old’s most recent dig at the club’s board.

Sources insist, however, that Romero would not be able to leave without a fight.

Indeed, Tottenham believe his contract, which runs until 2029, gives them significant leverage – and the club is determined to retain one of their most important defensive players.

Fans remain concerned about the club’s ambition, and losing Romero would be another sharp indicator of the challenges facing the club.

Looking ahead to the summer market, Tottenham are expected to focus on strengthening rather than weakening their squad, with sources suggesting they are more interested in signing another centre-back than letting one go.

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Van de Ven exit concerns also grow

Complicating matters further, the club could also face a battle to keep Micky van de Ven, who is attracting interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid, while Manchester United have also been urged to sign the Dutchman.

Losing either player would be bad enough, but there is every chance that both demand a move if the club’s disastrous domestic campaign continues.

Indeed, the only way Tottenham will be back in Europe next term will be if they win the Champions League, which still looks an incredibly tall order despite their form being significantly improved in that competition.

Replacing either player will also be a tall order, even if Romero never really hits the same heights as he does while away on international duty with Argentina.

Kevin Danso is a capable backup who is much liked by Spurs fans, while Radu Dragusin will almost certainly be moved in the summer.

There has already been plenty of noise over supremely talented youngster Luka Vuskovic and what he could bring to the side next season after his successful loan stint at Hamburg, although, worringly, Bayern Munich continue to circle for the teenager.

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More Tottenham news: Arsenal midfielder hijack; Robertson hopes fading

A Bayern Munich star who will change clubs in the summer is wanted by Tottenham, but a report out of Germany claims there’s a ‘strong chance’ he joins Arsenal instead, if they simply put an offer on the table.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are considering handing Andy Robertson a new contract to keep him at Anfield beyond the end of the season, sources have told TEAMtalk, but it is not over for Tottenham Hotspur or Celtic to get a deal done for the Scottish left-back.