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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in turmoil behind the scenes, with the club’s football operations described as ‘staggeringly inept’, according to Sky Sports presenter Marcus Buckland.

The North London side have endured a difficult first part of the season under manager Thomas Frank, winning just 11 of their 31 games across all competitions.

Spurs crashed out of the FA Cup on Saturday after losing 2-1 at home to Aston Villa, with the defeat raising further questions over Frank’s long-term prospects at the club.

The Danish tactician only joined Tottenham ahead of this campaign, replacing Ange Postecoglou and signing a three-year contract.

Buckland, writing on X, cited ‘very trustworthy sources’ who suggested Spurs are facing significant issues behind the scenes amid a disappointing campaign under Frank.

The update comes following the news that Fabio Paratici is set to end his short-lived spell as Tottenham sporting director after the January transfer window.

According to journalist David Ornstein, the Italian executive is set to complete a move to Fiorentina at the start of February, just three months after his reappointment at the North London club.

Paratici is reportedly leaving his role at Tottenham due to personal reasons and is expected to become Fiorentina’s new head of football.

The 53-year-old only officially returned to Spurs in October following the end of his 30-month ban from football activity, re-joining as co-sporting director alongside Johan Lange.

Paratici is believed to have been involved in Tottenham’s pursuit of Santos left-back Souza, who is anticipated to become the North London club’s first signing of the January transfer window.

Souza to Undergo Tottenham Medical

As GIVEMESPORT reported previously, Tottenham are set to complete the signing of Souza after agreeing a deal worth £15m with Santos.

The promising Brazilian defender is expected to undergo his medical soon, having been identified as a priority signing for Spurs following another injury to Destiny Udogie.

The Italy international has only made six Premier League starts for Spurs this season, with Djed Spence deputising at left-back in his absence.

Souza made 38 appearances for Santos after breaking into the first team last season, scoring one goal and providing four assists.

Tottenham Join Conor Gallagher Race

Tottenham are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is reportedly looking to leave the Spanish capital side this month.

Tottenham Hotspur are already set for a transfer market shakeup at the end of the current January window - with director Fabio Paratici set for the exit door.

Tottenham have not been at their best in recent weeks, winning just three games from six in December, and failing to win any of their three games in 2026, being knocked out of the FA Cup and slipping to 14th in the Premier League table as a result.

They will need recruitments in January to help Thomas Frank fire his side up the table, as well as aiming to qualify for the top eight of the Champions League. And it will be Paratici's final act as director, according to reports, with claims that he will be on his way back to Italy.

Ornstein: Fabio Paratici Set for February Tottenham Exit

The report by The Athletic journalist David Ornstein states that Tottenham's Italian sporting director Paratici is set to leave the north London club at the end of the transfer window.

He's currently helping Tottenham out in terms of their recruitment, though it's thought that he will be heading back to Italy for personal reasons in a month's time. Once he's back in his homeland, Paratici is expected to join struggling Serie A stalwarts Fiorentina, bringing to an end a short second spell at Tottenham.

The Italian director previously held a role at Tottenham under Antonio Conte, though his second spell working with Thomas Frank will come to an abrupt end within the next few weeks.

The 53-year-old had a successful spell in securing the transfers of Dejan Kulusevski and Cristian Romano during his first spell at Tottenham, though his short spell second time around may have a lasting impression in the capital.

Paratici's reign in north London lasted almost two years, before he resigned in April 2023 after losing his appeal against a worldwide ban imposed by FIFA.

However, upon the expiration of his contract, he moved back to Tottenham back in October.

That second spell will only last just over three months, according to Ornstein, and with Fiorentina on the cusp of relegation having amassed just 14 points from 20 games, he'll be tasked with restoring them to their former glories.

Spurs have seen Paratici work alongside Johan Lange in the hotseat in recent times, but it will now be down to the 46-year-old Dane to take Tottenham forward under the Lewis family after the departure of Daniel Levy at the start of the season.

Tottenham have placed a €60million bid for Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz, according to Fichajes in Spain.

Spurs are looking to bolster their squad in the January transfer window, with Thomas Frank's side languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table after a disappointing first half to the 2025/26 campaign.

The first signing looks set to be completed in the coming days, with 19-year-old Brazilian Souza expected to arrive in a £13million deal from Santos.

Tottenham Transfer Plans Revealed

GIVEMESPORT understands that Spurs are on the lookout for a new defensive midfielder, a left-sided forward following the injury to Mohammed Kudus and the departure of Brennan Johnson and a new striker.

Diaz does not quite fit that bill, given he is better suited to the No.10 role, but he has been known to play as the main striker.

Manel Casanova, Malaga's academy director said: "I see him play in European games for City and for Spain’s youth teams and he still has that vision of the game that very few have.

“I don’t like where he has been played. For example, in Manchester, in the European games, they have had him as a central striker. For me, it’s not strange, it’s an error. He doesn’t have the physique to play against defenders like that. He’s better as a No.10.”

Diaz Shines On International Stage

With injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, Xavi Simons is currently the only player available to play in that No.10 role and with his history of playing through the middle too, he could be a good option for Thomas Frank and Spurs.

The 26-year-old is something of a bit part player at the Santiago Bernabeu, having only started three La Liga games for Los Blancos this season. He is, however, starring on the international stage for Morocco.

He has scored in every single game for the Atlas Lions at their home tournament, helping them into the semi-finals where they will play Nigeria on Wednesday.

Brahim Diaz Has All The Attributes

Morocco coach Walid Regragui said after the win over Cameroon in the quarter-finals: "What I like is that he didn't just score, he changed his mentality.

"What he did was run, fight, and keep possession. He sent a message to his teammates. It's very important for the team's morale when you see your best player running like that.

"He can be the best player in the world if he wants to be."

According to Fichajes, Spurs have made their first move with that £52million offer, although they could face serious competition for his signature, given the player's rising stock at the African Cup of Nations.

Manchester United were linked with making a move in the summer transfer window, but no move materialised.

Diaz started his career at his hometown club Malaga, before moving to England with Manchester City as a 16-year-old. He made 15 appearances, scoring twice before making the move to Real Madrid, where he has been since.

With every passing match, the pressure ramps up on Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs were dumped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle on Saturday, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, making it highly unlikely they will back up last season's UEFA Europa League triumph with a second trophy in as many years.

Out of the Carabao Cup and now the FA Cup, with Spurs 14th in the Premier League table, the Champions League is now the only remaining chance of silverware - and given their form that is a highly unlikely occurrence.

Tottenham Fans Have Lost Patience

There were boos at half-time and full-time in N17 on Saturday evening, although some of the full-time boos may well have been reserved for referee Craig Pawson, who drew the ire of the home supporters throughout.

Boos have become the norm at the end of matches involving Tottenham Hotspur of late, such is the disconnect between the fans and the club.

The January transfer window could be a hugely important one, not just for the club, but for the head coach, who is seemingly holding onto his job by a thread.

It looks like Spurs will tie up a deal to sign Brazilian wonderkid Souza from Santos this month, with the left-back undergoing a medical after a £13million deal was agreed.

At 19 years old and without any top flight European experience, however, Souza is one for the future and Tottenham need players for the here and now.

Spurs Summer Transfer Decision Looks Silly Now

And one player who left in the summer - albeit temporarily - could be a huge benefit to Frank and Spurs right now, given their injury problems.

Tottenham will be without Mohammed Kudus for a couple of months after the Ghanaian picked up a quad injury during the draw with Sunderland last week. That came just days after Frank sanctioned the £35million sale of last year's top scorer Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.

Spurs are light in attacking areas and will be looking to rectify that in the January transfer window. But one player on the books in N17 could have solved a number of issues already - Mikey Moore.

The teenager has impressed on loan north of the border at Rangers this season and has come alive in recent weeks having settled in to life in Scotland, with three goals in his last eight appearances for the Gers.

Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle does not think he should have gone out on loan.

"Mikey Moore, for me, should still be here at Tottenham. He'll be playing [this weekend]. He's a talented lad, doing well at Rangers on loan and I think that is somebody who has a bright future for Tottenham.

"For me, he should be playing here in this squad. They've sold Brennan Johnson and they have got a player, in-house, who is going to get better and better and better."

Rangers take on Aberdeen on Sunday, with Moore likely to be part of the squad, knowing they could go top of the Scottish Premiership table if Hearts slip up against Dundee earlier in the day.

Mikey Moore Has Big Admirers

Former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou described Moore as a "special player" last season, saying: "He's just turned 17, but even physically, he's such a strong young man. We just have to be careful how we use him and when we use him because, for us, he's going to be a pretty special player."

After a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last season, James Maddison said: "From minute 45 to 65 I thought we had Neymar on the left wing. He was brilliant, demanding the ball, fearless, with that young fearless mentality and you never want to take that away from him."

Mathys Tel is considering a move away from Tottenham Hotspur this month due to a lack of game time, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

The French forward made the move to north London last January on an initial loan deal from Bayern Munich, before making the move permanent in the summer. But so far this season, the 20-year-old has managed to start just five times in the Premier League and has made just one appearance in the Champions League, having initially been left out of the squad entirely.

Now the former Rennes star is considering a move away from the club this month in order to play more regularly, in a similar situation to what saw him arrive 12 months ago.

Mathys Tel Eyeing Tottenham Exit

Tel, who has been described as 'unbelievable', has started the club's last two Premier League games, scoring in the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth this week, but he has found regular game time hard to come by under Thomas Frank.

Spurs have already allowed Brennan Johnson to depart for Crystal Palace this month, while Mohammed Kudus has now been ruled out until after the March international break with a thigh problem, which has limited their attacking options in the near future.

That hasn't convinced Tel that he will play more regularly though, and the France Under-21 international is open to moving on before the end of the month if it means he can play more often.

Tottenham are not open to a permanent exit at this stage, but according to RMC Sport they could be open to a loan solution so Tel can go and improve his form, get sharper and come back even better.

Tottenham Should Play Tel, Not Lose Him

Prior to the campaign, it was clear that Tottenham wanted to make additions to their forward line despite Tel's permanent arrival. But his lack of game time has been rather surprising, especially considering the team's form this season.

Tel obviously has the ability to command more game time, and his most recent performances show that he deserves the chance to try and earn a spot as a regular starter. Letting him leave not only weakens the squad further, but it also brings into question why they bothered to sign him permanently if they didn't believe in him enough to play him.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a shock offer to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United, according to reports in Brazil.

Paqueta is facing an uncertain future with the Hammers currently on track to be relegated from the Premier League after a disastrous campaign to date.

Despite scoring five goals in 19 games so far this term, the attacking midfielder has left supporters disappointed with his all-round performances. As a result, it's expected that Paqueta will leave West Ham before long as both he and the club prepare for a fresh start.

Where he will end up remains to be seen with West Ham's bitter rivals emerging as surprise contenders to snap him up.

Tottenham Eye Shock Paqueta Move

Paqueta's West Ham days appear to be numbered and Tottenham are now among the clubs keen to sign him. According to Torcida Flamengo, Spurs have tabled an offer worth £26million to sign the midfielder.

The 28-year-old is also a target for Brazilian side Flamengo. Paqueta came through the youth ranks with the club and scored 18 goals in 95 games before joining AC Milan in 2018. The report states that a return to his boyhood club is the preferred choice of the attacking midfielder with Flamengo in advancing talks over a deal to sign him.

However, with Spurs also entering the fray and offering him the chance to stay in England and Europe, Paqueta could face a head vs heart battle when deciding his next destination.

Currently, battling relegation with Nuno Espirito Santo's side, Paqueta has 18 months remaining on his contract that expires in the summer of 2027.

West Ham Must Rebuild Entire Team

Paqueta's potential exit could pave the way for a much-needed rebuild at the London Stadium. Nuno's squad is lacking in so many positions and needs vital attributes added to it in order for them to compete on a regular basis.

Whether West Ham are in the Premier League or Championship next term, the Hammers need to revamp the entire squad to get them firing again.

Funds from a deal to sell Paqueta could be crucial in doing that. The only risk to selling the Brazilian is the prospect of losing one player with an undoubted x-factor and someone who can be a matchwinner. But with supporters keen to see a team fighting for their shirt, I don't think too many tears will be shed if he moves on.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign Santos left-back Souza, according to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Ben Jacobs.

The starlet will join on a deal worth £15million with payment terms now finalised. The 19-year-old is expected to arrive in north London for a medical late this weekend or Monday.

Described by South American football expert Tim Vickery as 'skillful', Souza has agreed a five-year contract to join Thomas Frank's side.

Having broken into the Santos first team last term, Souza made 38 appearances for the club, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He made 24 appearances last term to help Santos to avoid relegation to the second tier.

Tottenham are looking for reinforcements to bolster their squad after a disappointing start to the season. Sitting in 14th position in the table, Spurs are hoping to kick on in the second half of the campaign to ensure they are playing European football next term.

Souza To Tottenham Deal Explained

Souza's move to Tottenham is expected to be a big boost in the short and long term. The Brazilian arrives with Spurs keen to add competition for places at left-back. Destiny Udogie has recently returned to training after a hamstring injury.

In Udogie’s absence, Djed Spence has regularly deputised despite being a right-back by trade. However, Ben Davies recently filled in for Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Saturday.

With a new left-back on board, it should ease the pressure on Tottenham's defence as they look to build some momentum going into the second half of the campaign.

Tottenham Preparing For Busy January

Thomas Frank has been speaking about Tottenham's plans this month, suggesting that the club will be busy after selling Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million and losing Mohammed Kudus to injury.

Asked if Spurs are less attractive as a result of their bottom-half standing in the Premier League, Frank said: "I think we are very attractive in many ways. I think Spurs is a fantastic club with huge potential. I think some of the boxes you need to tick is, of course, the stadium and the training ground and the potential.

“Of course, if we compete against the three teams that are clearly ahead of us — City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, unfortunately — then those three clubs are probably more attractive right now.

“That’s not to say that we can’t attract some of the players that also want to go to those clubs.

“It depends a little bit if there is a spot available for the player to play in those clubs and here, for example.”

Thomas Frank reportedly stunned Tottenham Hotspur players by delivering a 'well done' message in the dressing room following their 3-2 loss at Bournemouth, The Telegraph journalist Matt Law has reported.

The North London side went winless for the fifth time in their last six Premier League games on Wednesday, with Antoine Semenyo’s extra-time winner securing all three points for the hosts.

Trailing 2-1 at the interval, Tottenham players reportedly headed into the dressing room 'angry' and held a tense half-time inquest at the Vitality Stadium.

However, despite frustration spilling over into heated interactions with fans after full-time, the mood in the dressing room was strikingly different following the loss, with Frank’s 'well done' message leaving his players surprised.

Frank Said ‘Well Done’ After Bournemouth Loss

According to Law, despite several Tottenham players confronting travelling fans at full-time at the Vitality Stadium, the dressing room atmosphere afterwards was described as 'quiet and brooding':

“Tottenham’s angry players took it upon themselves to hold a half-time inquest at the Vitality Stadium. But by the time the players returned to the dressing room, having confronted fans after the final whistle, there was little said with the mood described as quiet and brooding.

A source said: “Things were said between the players at half-time in the dressing room, but at the end it was just quiet. The message to the players was just ‘well done’, which seems a bit strange given what had happened.”

Tottenham’s disappointing Wednesday night descended into chaos after Micky van de Ven appeared to confront a group of travelling fans at full-time.

The Netherlands international gestured for supporters to come onto the pitch and moved close to the stands before stewards intervened and surrounded the defender.

Pedro Porro was also seen arguing with fans shortly afterwards, while Guglielmo Vicario and Joao Palhinha attempted to calm tensions and prevent further confrontation.

Cristian Romero Fires Shots at Tottenham Chiefs

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero took to Instagram shortly after the loss at Bournemouth and appeared to take aim at the club’s hierarchy, suggesting it should be them, rather than the players, facing criticism from supporters. He wrote:

“At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't – as has been happening for several years now. They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies. We'll stay here, working, sticking together and giving our all to turn things around."

The Argentine defender received supportive replies to his message from Porro and Richarlison, with the Spanish defender writing: “Amen. Keep going, brother. We have a lot of battles left.”

Sitting 14th in the Premier League table, Tottenham have won just seven of their 21 games under Frank, including only two victories since the start of November.

Tottenham Hotspur are determined to sign Santos left-back Souza after agreeing personal terms, Fabrizio Romano has exclusively revealed on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast.

Thomas Frank’s side are believed to be nearing their first signing of the January transfer window, with club-to-club talks ongoing with Santos to finalise a move for the 19-year-old.

Spurs are anticipated to make a new bid for the talented left-back soon, but are unwilling to overspend on the defender, who is rated at around €35m (£30m) by the Brazilian club.

A new left-back is believed to be a priority for Frank this month, with Destiny Udogie sidelined by injury.

Tottenham Progressing on Souza Deal

Romano, speaking on the Market Madness podcast, revealed that Souza is keen on a move to north London, with talks now ongoing with Santos over a deal for the 19-year-old.

“It's a possibility. There are talks ongoing with the agents of the player. I'm told that the player is keen on the move. There was also interest from Italian clubs and Spanish clubs calling these agents.

“But now Totenham are on it. Tottenham are negotiating with the player, and also club-to-club with Santos. So that's a possibility.

“There is a conversation ongoing. Let's see about the price. Because Tottenham don't want to overpay. They want to make sure the deal makes sense for them from a financial point of view.

“It already makes sense from the technical point of view. Souza is a talented left back.

“So they are following and tracking the situation, talking to the agents. Let's see, club-to-club, what's going to happen, but on the player's side it is going quite well.”

Souza, who turns 20 in June, came through Santos’ youth ranks and made his top-flight debut in May last year.

The wide defender amassed 24 Brazilian Serie A appearances last season and, alongside team-mate Neymar, helped Santos avoid relegation to the second division.

Souza has been capped 12 times by Brazil’s U17 side, including five appearances at the U17 World Cup in November 2023, helping the team reach the quarter-finals.

Thomas Frank Needs a New Left-Back

While Spurs view Souza as a prospect for the future, they need help at left-back this season, with Udogie unavailable for much of the campaign.

The Italian defender has made only six starts for Tottenham this term, with Djed Spence deputising in his absence, while veteran Ben Davies started in the position for their 1-1 draw at Sunderland last weekend.

Davies, who scored his first goal for Spurs in over two years last weekend, is out of contract at the end of the season and made only his second appearance of the campaign against Sunderland.

Tottenham Exploring Forward Options

Romano also noted on Market Madness that Tottenham may look to sign a new forward this month if the ‘right opportunity’ arises.

Spurs were missing injured Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski in their 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on Wednesday, and also saw Lucas Bergvall taken off with a fresh setback.

It's FA Cup weekend and for many teams that means reduced ticket prices, allowing more supporters the opportunity go and see their favourite players.

That is no different for Tottenham Hotspur, who have offered tickets at £30 for adults and £10 for juniors and young adults for their clash with Aston Villa at the Totenham Hotspur Stadium.

The two Premier League giants go head-to-head in N17 in what will be one of the biggest clashes of the third round. The match will be broadcast live on BBC1 at 5.45pm on Saturday.

That will give even more people the chance to see the action from the comfort of their own homes, but that is a choice many Spurs fans have already made by the looks of things, with the big match nowhere near sold out.

Tottenham Go From Bad To Worse

It may be the magic of the FA Cup this weekend, but the situation at Tottenham feels anything but magical right now with Thomas Frank under huge pressure in north London, as the Lilywhites languish in 14th place in the Premier League table with just one win in their last six domestic matches.

They were beaten 3-2 by Bournemouth in midweek - a side who had gone 11 games without a win before they faced Tottenham. Frank even came under fire after being photographed drinking from an Arsenal branded cup before kick-off.

The FA Cup does give the Spurs players and their under-fire head coach some brief respite from the Premier League challenges and criticism that has been aimed in their direction.

Spurs have been booed off the pitch in each of their last three Premier League matches - the defeat to Bournemouth and draws with Sunderland and Brentford - with some Spurs players involved in an altercation with fans after the final whistle at the Vitality Stadium.

Cristian Romero Blasts Spurs Owners

Club captain Cristian Romero came out and appeared to criticise the club's hierarchy in the wake of the defeat to Bournemouth.

In a later altered Instagram post, the Argentinian said: "At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't - as has been happening for several years now. They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies."

Romero later removed the "to tell a few lies" part of the post, but the damage had already been done.

He also apologised to supporters by saying: "Apologies to all fans of you who follow us everywhere, who are always there and will continue to be. We are responsible, there’s no doubt about that. I am the first. But we will keep facing up to it and trying to turn the situation around, for ourselves and for the club."

Many supporters have lost patience with Frank and his tactics, but there is an underlying feeling of apathy towards the club's owners - ENIC and the Lewis Family too, despite Daniel Levy - the ire of many fans in the last two decades - having been relieved of his duties as chairman at the start of the season.

Tottenham Players May Not Face As Many Boos If They Lose To Aston Villa

And there may not be as much of a chance for boos around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, as, despite the cheaper price of tickets, the ground is unlikely to be full.

The fans are seemingly voting with their feet and not buying tickets to the match, with more than 4,000 tickets still available to buy at the time of writing this story, just one day before the game is due to take place.

Empty seats around the venue will certainly send a message to the owners and the head coach over how the fanbase are feeling right now, with the January transfer window becoming increasingly important.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has not been a great place to watch football for the last year-and-a-half and supporters look like they have finally had enough.