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Spurs boss looks on the brink after another woeful home defeat

Winner: Callum Wilson

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George Sessions

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Tottenham fans turned on Thomas Frank and chanted "you're getting sacked in the morning" after Callum Wilson struck a stoppage-time winner for relegation-threatened West Ham in a 2-1 victory.

The pressure on Frank had cranked up after an FA Cup exit to Aston Villa extended their terrible run of form, but the midweek arrival of Conor Gallagher offered a much-needed lift for the under-fire Danish coach.

West Ham arrived in north London without a Premier League win in 10 matches, but held a deserved half-time lead thanks to Crysencio Summerville's 15th-minute opener.

Spurs looked short of ideas but after being booed off at half-time, Cristian Romero's bullet header offered hope.

Both teams pushed for a winner and it went the way of West Ham after Wilson bundled home from a corner in the third minute of stoppage-time to spark Tottenham's South Stand to call for Frank's dismissal after an eighth defeat in 14 matches.

Thomas Frank reacts to Callum Wilson winner

John Walton/PA Wire

Gallagher was handed a debut and Mathys Tel fired wide moments later.

It had been a largely bright start by Spurs and yet Nuno Espirito Santo's own big addition Taty Castellanos hooked over before a foul by the Argentine forward on Micky van de Ven meant an effort by Pablo was ruled out.

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Suddenly nervous energy was everywhere inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and West Ham took advantage to take the lead in the 15th minute.

Mateus Fernandes passed out wide to Summerville, who burst past Pedro Porro and Gallagher before his low effort deflected off Micky van de Ven to make it 1-0.

Summerville hugged his under-fire manager Nuno in celebration and Frank's misery was compounded by a serious injury to Ben Davies, but Spurs responded and Alphonse Areola made a crucial double save.

Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring

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The bright Tel produced a wonderful outside of the boot cross, but Wilson Odobert's header was saved and the follow-up by Djed Spence was blocked by Areola.

Castellanos squandered an excellent chance for West Ham from a corner soon after before the Tottenham fans started to turn.

After Tel whizzed an effort past the post, groans echoed as Vicario took too long before Van de Ven blocked Jarrod Bowen's shot.

Bowen had the ball in the net, but he was offside after Vicario brilliantly thwarted Tomas Soucek.

Vicario made an even better full-stretch stop in the 41st minute to save Kostantinos Mavropanos's header to ensure it remained 1-0 at half-time.

Spurs' forgotten man Yves Bissouma was handed a first appearance of the season for the injured Archie Gray and immediately tested Areola from range.

Cristian Romero offered Spurs hope

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West Ham remained dangerous on the break and only a last-ditch challenge by Van de Ven denied Summerville before Bissouma forced a flying save from Areola.

Boos greeted Frank's decision to withdraw the bright Tel before they turned to celebrations when Romero levelled in the 64th-minute.

Porro was the architect with a wonderful cross to the back post where Romero powered home a header.

Spurs were now in a 4-4-2 formation with Dominic Solanke down the middle and after West Ham full-back Oliver Scarles survived a VAR review for handball inside the penalty area, Xavi went close.

Nuno turned to Wilson at this point and after the forward was denied by Porro, he scored from the resulting corner to tip Frank closer towards the exit door.

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‘Change for Tottenham’ say at least 300 fans marched on the ground in protest against the running of the club

Protest: Change for Tottenham

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Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham supporters have staged a protest against the club’s board ahead of their Premier League game against West Ham.

Supporters gathered at the corner of Park Lane an hour ahead of kick-off before marching on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

‘Change For Tottenham’ say at least 300 descended on the ground, though onlookers suggested that figure is likely closer to 100.

Protests continued inside the stadium, with supporters seen waving yellow banners, flags and scarves in support.

West Ham fans, who have held a sustained series of protests against their board, also offered their support for the protest.

On the protest, a Change for Tottenham spokesperson, told Standard Sport that the club could not afford to fall short of expectations in the January transfer window.

“This is a defining window for the club and our owners are failing to rise to the challenge.

“We can’t afford another failure of a window which is why we are putting pressure on the board to be bolder.”

Change for Tottenham

Change for Tottenham

The protest comes after organisers Change For Tottenham released a statement on Monday, in which they raised supporters’ concerns over transfer strategy, injury problems, recent results and high ticket prices.

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“With the transfer window open we have to force the board to be bold. Far too many windows we leave it too late to get the right signings and that can’t happen again,” a spokesperson added.

“We have been demonstrating and putting pressure on the board for some time. Regardless of our league position we needed a huge window in January and which is why we felt we had to act.

“We’ll continue to put pressure on the owners until they show the right ambition we need to ‘compete on four fronts’. Today they must see we are organised and will continue to raise our voice. “

Hundreds marched on the Spurs stadium ahead of kick-off

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Last week Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) cited a ‘dramatic fall in ambition’ as part of a statement on the club’s direction.

THST have since set out five principles that they believe all owners of Tottenham Hotspur — current and future — should be held to ahead of further talks with directors at the club.

The principles, which were announced on Thursday, include a commitment to winning, attracting and retaining talent, future proofing success, leading with integrity and putting fans first.

While Spurs have not directly commented on the protest, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham penned an open letter addressing supporters’ concerns in the club’s matchday programme on Saturday.

“We know there is a distance between the Club and our supporters and we are committed to rebuilding that connection,” Venkatesham said in a lengthy address to supporters.

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A huge London derby dubbed ‘El Sackio’

Tottenham vs West Ham LIVE

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Tottenham vs West Ham LIVE

It’s another huge home game for Spurs this afternoon, and few are bigger in this half of north London than the visit of the Hammers in the Premier League. Two teams in dire straits and desperate for points, this is a London derby which could have a significant impact on the futures of manager Thomas Frank and Nuno Espirito Santo.

Frank has enjoyed a big week behind the scenes at Spurs, with the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £35million, and then the appointment of John Heitinga to his backroom staff, two new arrivals which suggest he is backing backed by the club hierarchy. But Spurs head into the game with just two wins from 12 games - and anything less than victory today could prove costly.

The writing appears to be on the wall for Nuno in east London, though. Cut seven points adrift from safety and without a win in 10, relegation appears almost certain, but a win today will give the fans a rare treat in an otherwise miserable season. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham vs West Ham latest news

We are expecting a full debut for Conor Gallagher today.

There have been some suggestions ahead of the game that Palhinha may miss out through injury.

Nothing confirmed yet. Teams to be announced in just over 15 minutes.

Fan view

Can Vinai fix toxic Tottenham?

The big read in this week’s paper focused on the situation at Tottenham.

When all around you appears to be crumbling and signs of improvement are in short supply, what do you cling to? Vinai Venkatesham, if you are Thomas Frank.

The Tottenham boss is putting his faith in the chief executive’s experiences at Arsenal in the early days of Mikel Arteta’s reign.

“He knows how unfortunately it can take time to get up to where good should look like,” Frank said. “That’s definitely beneficial because also he understands the journey we’re on.”

However, Arteta won the FA Cup in his first season and Arsenal at their very lowest ebb finished eighth.

The club captain was not taking potshots at the hierarchy on Instagram, nor were the players clashing with — or in Micky van de Ven’s case seemingly offering out — the fans so publicly.

Nor, from memory, did Venkatesham, below, have to ponder why exactly Arteta strolled onto the pitch before a match drinking an espresso from a cup emblazoned with Tottenham branding.

Barely six months on from the euphoria of the Europa League success, Tottenham have descended into toxic turmoil. Supporters will protest against the board on Saturday, the first such action taken since Daniel Levy’s exit.

Frank’s position has naturally been questioned but Venkatesham is faced with problems that a managerial change alone will not solve.

Venkatesham’s boardroom role in helping transform the culture at Arsenal on and off the pitch was incredibly impressive. Doing something similar on the other side of north London would undoubtedly be his greatest achievement yet.

Read our Big Read here!

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Change for Tottenham protest ahead of kick-off

Tottenham fans are planning another protest ahead of today’s game, starting at 2pm.

Supporters’ group Change For Tottenham are taking action amid frustrations over the way the club is being run, including transfer strategy, injury problems, recent results and high ticket prices.

Spurs are 14th in the Premier League, were knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa last week despite the Lewis family launching a new era seeking “more wins, more often”.

The protest comes after the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) released a statement to hit out at the direction of the club and a “dramatic fall in ambition”.

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Score prediction

These being two teams with just a win apiece from their last five outings in all competitions indicates how much could rest on the result here for both Frank and Nuno.

Spurs at least won in the Premier League just shortly after Christmas, whereas West Ham are winless in 10 league games. The Hammers have also won just one of their last eight league meetings against Spurs (D3 L4), a 2-1 victory on enemy soil in December 2023, and have been defeated in all six of their Premier League London derbies this season.

Despite winning only four of their most recent 24 Premier League home games (D6 L14), Spurs should have enough quality in their squad - particularly with the arrival of Gallagher helping boost Frank’s injury-hit midfield, and the return of skipper Romero to the backline - to ensure a third home victory of the campaign happens here.

It may not be by quite the same margin as September’s 3-0 rout at the London Stadium, though, given their opponents’ recent attacking reinforcements and the fact that West Ham played most of the second half of that game with 10 men.

Tottenham to win, 2-1.

Early West Ham team news

As for West Ham, there is an expectation that midfielder Mateus Fernandes should recover in time to feature against Spurs after missing the FA Cup victory over Queens Park Rangers at the weekend. If he does so, he could partner Tomas Soucek and/or Soungoutou Magassa in the middle of the park.

Argentine striker Taty Castellanos, a new £26million signing from Lazio, netted the extra-time winner in that game, during which Crysencio Summerville scored and was a bright spark, suggesting the Dutch winger should start once more as he hunts for a first league goal of the campaign.

Castellanos will expect to retain his spot too, having led the line in successive matches since his arrival, though Pablo Felipe - recently brought in from Gil Vicente - is another option.

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Early Tottenham team news

Conor Gallagher could make a quick Tottenham debut against West Ham today, though Spurs have been hit by another key injury blow.

Richarlison has been sidelined for the next seven weeks due to a hamstring injury, and joins Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison on the sidelines.

Gallagher could come straight in for Bentancur at the heart of midfield, and Frank has also been boosted by the returns of Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie.

Solanke, who has been out since August with a recurring ankle injury, came off the bench as Spurs crashed out of the FA Cup.

Udogie was also named on the bench for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury at the start of December. Cristian Romero returns from suspension.

Yves Bissouma has returned to the club and is available for selection after Mali’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 29-year-old has, however, yet to play a competitive game under Frank, owing to injury and disciplinary issues. Pape Matar Sarr is still at AFCON with Senegal.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham chief makes transfer promise in open letter to fans

Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has penned an open letter to supporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League derby against West Ham.

Fans’ frustrations have reached boiling point, with a protest against the club’s board set to take place before kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Conscious of rising discontent among supporters, Venkatesham has written a lengthy and detailed response to their concerns in the club’s matchday programme, in which he addressed, among other things, the relationship between the club and the fans, wage structure and transfers.

“Dear supporters, as we reach the halfway point of our season, I wanted to share an update on our plans for the future,” the letter read.

Read the letter in full here!

Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Tottenham vs West Ham LIVE

Hello and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Tottenham and West Ham.

It’s a London derby which has been dubbed ‘El Sackio’, though there is little suggestion that Thomas Frank will be given his marching order after another home defeat. The same cannot be said for Nuno Espirito Santo.

What is for sure is that these two teams desperately need a win, and anything but will cause yet more anger in the fanbase. Protests from Spurs supporters are planned ahead of kick-off.

We have Sam Tabuteau there for us. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Conscious of rising discontent among supporters, Venkatesham has written a lengthy and detailed response to their concerns in the club’s matchday programme, in which he addressed, among other things, the relationship between the club and the fans, wage structure and transfers.

A highly regarded operator after a 14 year spell at Arsenal, Venkatesham has overseen wholesale changes behind the scenes during the first few months of his tenure at Spurs.

“Dear supporters, as we reach the halfway point of our season, I wanted to share an update on our plans for the future,” the letter read.

“The joint ambition of our executive team, board and the Lewis Family is clear: to see our men's team competing regularly in the Champions League and for major trophies, while significantly raising the competitive level of our women's team. Our focus is sporting success, and in that we share the same ambition as our supporters.

“We know that words carry little weight without action, which is why recent months have been spent undertaking a thorough review of our operations. Opportunities for a genuine reset are rare in clubs of our size and we have been determined not to waste this moment as we make the changes needed behind the scenes to compete consistently at the highest level.

“Football has changed significantly in recent years and, while the club has evolved and achieved incredible things, we recognise that in some key areas we have not always kept pace. We all feel the gap between where we are and where we want to be and, while we know progress takes time, we share your impatience to close it.

“Our supporters want wins and performances to be proud of and we know the men’s first team has fallen short of where we want to be so far this season. Significant work is underway and I wanted to set out the key areas of focus.

“We believe in our current squad, but must add more quality, experience and leadership to compete consistently at the highest level. Doing so requires a more proactive approach to recruitment, alongside a wage structure that supports our ambition.

“We are fully focused on strengthening the squad in January where the right opportunities exist, while recognising that the most significant player trading activity typically comes in summer windows. Our priority is to make signings that genuinely move us forward and we will be disciplined against that aim.

“Player trading is also about knowing when to sell and being decisive about moving players on who are not part of our future. Doing so is essential to maximising value and managing our financial fair play obligations. Despite common belief, we are not immune to these rules and must carefully manage our squad development plans against them.

“This focus is reflected in the appointment of Rafi Moersen from City Football Group as Director of Football Operations. When he joins later this year, reporting into our Sporting Director, Johan Lange, he will play a central role in shaping and executing our player transactions and supporting the wider football operation.

“A productive academy is vital to our future. It provides first-team players without transfer fees and enables investment elsewhere in the squad. Crucially, it also develops players who grow up as supporters and truly understand what it means to pull on a Spurs shirt.

“While there has been good progress in recruitment and coaching in recent years, we must deliver greater first team minutes and transfer returns from our academy. We have therefore committed additional investment to strengthen the academy pipeline of players and to support the systems needed for it to flourish.

“Whilst coaching is of course critical. and we have strengthened Thomas Frank's coaching staff with the appointment of John Heitinga, maximising performance is about more than coaching alone.

“We must be world class in performance services, including medical care, sports science, nutrition and psychology, to ensure players are available and primed to compete at the highest level.

“We have made several changes in this area. most notably the appointment of Dan Lewindon as Performance Director, who joins us next month from City Football Group.

“Perhaps most importantly, we know there is distance between the club and our supporters and we are committed to rebuilding that connection.

“With your input, we have introduced initiatives such as the new Sonny mural, ticketing changes and a trial singing section and we will continue to work closely with the Fan Advisory Board.

“Making matches more accessible for younger fans is a priority and we will be reviewing concession policies for junior supporters and young adults ahead of next season.

“To strengthen engagement. we appointed Kate Miller as Chief Communications Officer in November and Adam Gardiner as Chief Marketing Officer this month. Along with Rafi, they form part of a newly-established Executive Team under my leadership, reflecting a more modern and collaborative structure.

“I want to be clear that our ambition extends beyond the men's team. We are committed to raising the competitive level of our women’s team and have invested significantly during the January transfer window, with early signs of progress already evident this season.

l appreciate this has been a lengthy update, but I wanted to be open about where we want to be and how we are working to get there.

“Tottenham Hotspur cannot exist without you, our supporters. We are built on the loyalty, passion and commitment of those who follow us, and we do not underestimate what supporting our club means.

Plenty on the line for both clubs in crunch London derby

Derby day: Tottenham meet West Ham in the Premier League

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Alex Dakers

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Tottenham face West Ham today in a massive London derby showdown.

Having been dumped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle last time out, Spurs boss Thomas Frank will be hoping this weekend’s scoreline more closely resembles that of his side’s previous meeting with the relegation-threatened Hammers earlier this season.

Things have generally gone downhill since then, with scrutiny on the Dane ramping up with each passing game given the Lilywhites have sunk to 14th in the table. They still have a double-digit points cushion over West Ham, though, who could end the week 10 points shy of safety if they fail to win this latest London derby.

Should that happen, there will undoubtedly be even louder calls for Nuno Espirito Santo - already the club’s second manager in 2025/26 - to be sacked. For Frank, failing to win at home again could have similar consequences.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Tottenham vs West Ham is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off today on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in north London.

Where to watch Tottenham vs West Ham

TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live as it lands during the 3pm Saturday blackout.

Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights from 5.15pm with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.30pm GMT.

Tottenham vs West Ham team news

Frank could bring Conor Gallagher straight into his starting lineup this weekend, with the England midfielder having completed his £34million move to Spurs from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

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A versatile and hard-working midfielder, Gallagher could step into Spurs’ XI in several ways, including as a replacement for Rodrigo Bentancur with the Uruguayan having undergone hamstring surgery. There’s a chance Lucas Bergvall is fit and available to challenge Archie Gray and Joao Palhinha in the middle of the park, too.

Richarlison, the club’s most regular No9 this season, went off holding his hamstring in last weekend’s FA Cup loss to Aston Villa and joins the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison on the sidelines.

Richarlison was subbed in the first half against Villa last Saturday after pulling up clutching his hamstring

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Randal Kolo Muani - who came off the bench to replace him - is one option to lead the line. Another is Dominic Solanke, whose minutes are likely to be managed after months on the injury list with a recurring ankle issue ended with a brief cameo against Villa.

Destiny Udogie returned to the matchday squad in that game an unused substitute, so veteran defender Ben Davies - who started against Villa - or Djed Spence could deputise if the Italian left-back still isn’t ready.

The rest of the backline should, as usual, consist of Pedro Porro on the right and captain Cristian Romero - now back from suspension - plus Micky Van de Ven in central defence.

Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert were the attacking midfield trio last time out, and could play those roles again unless Gallagher’s arrival shakes things up in that area of the pitch.

As for West Ham, there is an expectation that midfielder Mateus Fernandes should recover in time to feature against Spurs after missing the FA Cup victory over Queens Park Rangers at the weekend. If he does so, he could partner Tomas Soucek and/or Soungoutou Magassa in the middle of the park.

Argentine striker Taty Castellanos, a new £26million signing from Lazio, netted the extra-time winner in that game, during which Crysencio Summerville scored and was a bright spark, suggesting the Dutch winger should start once more as he hunts for a first league goal of the campaign.

Castellanos will expect to retain his spot too, having led the line in successive matches since his arrival, though Pablo Felipe - recently brought in from Gil Vicente - is another option.

Summerville and Castellanos celebrating against QPR

Bradley Collyer/PA Wire

There’s no doubt about skipper Jarrod Bowen’s place in the XI, most likely on the right of a front three, while Freddie Potts started at No10 against QPR and could do so again if wantaway playmaker Lucas Paqueta is ruled out.

At the back, El Hadji Malick Diouf’s prolonged involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for Senegal means Oliver Scarles could continue to deputise at left-back, unless Kyle Walkers-Peters is shunted over there now that hitherto preferred right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has returned from AFCON.

Konstantinos Mavropanos will be expected to miss out due to a neck injury that forced him off on a stretcher during the QPR clash, meaning Max Kilman could instead partner Jean-Clair Todibo ahead of goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

Tottenham vs West Ham prediction

These being two teams with just a win apiece from their last five outings in all competitions indicates how much could rest on the result here for both Frank and Nuno.

Spurs at least won in the Premier League just shortly after Christmas, whereas West Ham are winless in 10 league games. The Hammers have also won just one of their last eight league meetings against Spurs (D3 L4), a 2-1 victory on enemy soil in December 2023, and have been defeated in all six of their Premier League London derbies this season.

Despite winning only four of their most recent 24 Premier League home games (D6 L14), Spurs should have enough quality in their squad - particularly with the arrival of Gallagher helping boost Frank’s injury-hit midfield, and the return of skipper Romero to the backline - to ensure a third home victory of the campaign happens here.

It may not be by quite the same margin as September’s 3-0 rout at the London Stadium, though, given their opponents’ recent attacking reinforcements and the fact that West Ham played most of the second half of that game with 10 men.

Tottenham to win, 2-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Tottenham wins: 103

West Ham wins: 67

Draws: 56

Tottenham vs West Ham match odds

Tottenham to win: 8/11

West Ham to win: 15/4

Draw: 29/10

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

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It is hard to know quite how much time Thomas Frank has to turn around Tottenham’s fortunes.

Results under Frank - Spurs have won two of their last 12 league games - suggest that his future could hinge on beating West Ham this weekend.

While supporter frustration is set to reach fever pitch, with a planned protest to take place ahead of Saturday’s London derby.

The mood around the club, though, paints a different picture, with the arrivals of Conor Gallagher, assistant coach John Heitinga, and head of football operations Rafi Moersen this week points to the Dane being heavily backed behind the scenes.

Frank remains under pressure, and a damaging result against lowly West Ham would no doubt force some uncomfortable conversations within the club’s hierarchy.

In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, it was clear Frank felt he was being supported in his vision for long-term stability at the club.

“Tottenham have so much to offer. Some of the appointments we have done on the leadership, with Rafi coming in as well, I think it’s very positive of what kind of direction we want to go in,” Frank said.

“Also to sign John Heitinga, who I think is a very skilful coach, that he believes in the project and the vision from me, from the club, in a moment where, from the outside doesn’t look as smooth but from the inside looks a little bit more positive.”

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Frank was heavily involved in the process to bring Heitinga to the club, and was telling he was pictured with the former Ajax manager upon his announcement, while also providing quotes to explain Heitinga’s role within his backroom setup.

This was not just a club appointment, but a decision made with Frank’s backing.

There remains an immediate pressure for results to improve, starting against a West Ham side seven points adrift of safety and without a win away from home since August, but there also appears to be an understanding that sacking Frank mid-season does not serve to benefit the club long-term.

The £34.7million signing of Gallagher has provided a welcome boost for Spurs, who are grappling with an ever-increasing injury list, and the England midfielder looks set to come straight into the starting line-up in place of Rodrigo Bentancur, who underwent hamstring surgery this week.

Conor Gallagher has joined in a deal worth £34.7m

Tottenham Hotspur

A leader of a team, which Frank has openly admitted lacks leadership, Gallagher will be expected to drive Spurs’ disjointed press. They currently rank bottom of the Premier League for shot-ending high turnovers.

Much like their press, Spurs’ performances in recent weeks have lacked fluency, with Frank’s side starting slowly before chasing the game in the second half. Frank needs balance and will hope that Gallagher can provide it.

As outside pressure continues to build, Frank believes the club are beginning to build towards the structure and culture he had envisioned when he took charge in June.

Saturday will give us the clearest indication of how much pressure Frank is truly under, with games against West Ham and Burnley next weekend potentially must-win for the under-fire boss.

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There are problems all over the pitch for Spurs, who are 14th in the Premier League table, but they have not been helped by the number of long-term injuries suffered in attack.

Frank admits he and his coaching team, who added John Heitinga to their ranks on Thursday, have looked at the data, particularly deep runs, to try to assess their issues going forward.

In Gallagher, though, Frank believes he has a player who can carry the goalscoring burden in the absence of Richarlison and Solanke, who is still working his way back to full fitness.

“I think he's very good to get on the end of chances, and also I think that to have a midfielder who can add goals is a huge quality because of course you always say you need a striker that scores 20 plus goals, but in reality you just need enough goals in the team,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“These days, it can be a winger that is the top scorer, so to have a midfielder that I think can add a good amount of goals in a full season is a huge quality, and especially his ability to arrive in and around the box, whether we are banking teams in or from high-pressure situations. He’s very good at that, and I think he’s a clever finisher.”

In a season of struggle, the development of midfielders Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall has been a rare bright spot for supporters - the pair have started 18 league games between them.

Gallagher’s arrival has raised concerns that they could see their minutes limited, but Frank, who bemoaned his side’s lack of options in midfield last weekend, says the club’s decision to move swiftly to bring the former Chelsea man back to the capital was taken in light of Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury.

"I think any club you need enough competition and quality,” he continued. “Right now, it is like we swapped Rodri (Bentancur) for Gallagher, and before that, both Lucas and Archie played a lot of minutes.

“They are still in a great development (stage), and I think they are doing a lot of things right. There are not many 19-year-olds playing central midfield in the Premier League, so that talks a lot about their quality and also a little bit about how rare it is.”

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Transfer news LIVE!

The January window looks set to kick up a notch as we approach the final weeks, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all looking to make new signings. Arsenal are reported to want Newcastle star Anthony Gordon, with Nico Williams also back on their radar amid growing links to the likes of Kenan Yildiz, Tino Livramento, Breno Bidon and Igor Tyjon, plus the in-demand Marc Guehi.

Chelsea are stepping up their move for a new defender to kick-start the Liam Rosenior era, with Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi said to have been discussed, along with rumoured Arsenal target Jeremy Jacquet, Jacobo Ramon and Charlie Cresswell. Manchester United are believed to be increasingly confident over a deal for Carlos Baleba and also have Murillo in their sights, while Bruno Fernandes looks set to see out the season at Old Trafford.

United could battle Tottenham for Michael Carrick favourite Hayden Hackney, with Spurs poised to announce Souza’s arrival today after welcoming Conor Gallagher. Manchester City may make a huge offer for Guehi as Crystal Palace face Juventus interest in Jean-Philippe Mateta and West Ham desperately try to keep Lucas Paqueta away from Flamengo. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news headlines

Arsenal make contact over Breno Bidon deal

Arsenal have made contact over a move for Breno Bidon, reports claim.

The Gunners have been frequently linked with the Brazilian midfielder, 20, during the early stages of the January transfer window.

TNT Sports in Brazil say that Arsenal have approached Corinthians with an enquiry about Bidon, but are yet to table a formal offer.

They add that Flamengo - in hot pursuit of West Ham star Lucas Paqueta - have also made contact over the player, who has interest from Italy and Portugal.

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Arsenal get new Kenan Yildiz update

Arsenal may wind up disappointed in their rumoured pursuit of Kenan Yildiz.

The Gunners are one of several Premier League clubs linked with a move for the Juventus and Turkey winger in January, joining the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool.

However, TEAMtalk report that Yildiz, 20, is expected to finally sign his long-awaited new contract in Turin - though potentially not until after the transfer window has closed.

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Chelsea make approaches for Jacquet and Ramon

The new Chelsea defender links continue to gather pace this morning.

We’ve already heard that Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi is a target that the Blues have already discussed as they accelerate plans to sign a centre-back, with former Leeds man Charlie Cresswell - now of Toulouse - also on their radar.

The Daily Mail now also report that Chelsea have checked in on Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet and Jacobo Ramon at Como.

Arsenal have also been linked plenty with Jacquet of late, while Liverpool are said to be chasing Ramon - a player for whom Real Madrid retain a buy-back clause and hefty sell-on fee, it should be noted.

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Donyell Malen leaves Aston Villa for Roma

A done deal to bring you early on this Friday morning.

Dutch forward Donyell Malen has left Aston Villa for Roma, for what the former say is an undisclosed fee.

However, the Serie A giants describe it as an initial loan deal that includes an option to buy in the summer.

It had been reported that Roma were paying an initial £2m loan fee for Malen with a £25m buy clause that is mandatory, rather than optional.

Tottenham plot move for Hayden Hackney

Having officially signed Conor Gallagher on Wednesday, Tottenham are expected to announce the arrival of teenage Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos in a £13m deal at some stage today.

Spurs will then move onto another targets amid a busy January window as they attempt to ease the pressure on under-fire head coach Thomas Frank.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are interested in a move for highly-rated Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

However, it is said that Michael Carrick is also interested in reunion with his former player at Manchester United, while Fulham and Everton have also been linked.

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Man Utd eye Murillo as Harry Maguire replacement

Manchester United are also now being linked with a move for Murillo.

The Brazilian centre-back has impressed at Nottingham Forest and was previously said to be on the respective transfer radars of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona, among others.

However, according to the Daily Mail, United are now considering a swoop for Murillo as they prepare to replace Harry Maguire in the summer.

They claim that the 23-year-old is open to leaving the City Ground despite only signing a new long-term contract 12 months ago.

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Man Utd confident over Carlos Baleba deal

Good news for Manchester United on the Carlos Baleba front, it would appear.

The Brighton and Cameroon star is known to feature prominently on the transfer shortlist at Old Trafford, along with the likes of England duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton as they look to overhaul their midfield.

According to The Sun, United are increasingly confident of securing a summer deal for Baleba, who recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The 22-year-old plays alongside current Red Devils star Bryan Mbeumo at international level.

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Chelsea eye Marcos Senesi as defender search steps up

Chelsea want to make a new defender the first signing of the Liam Rosenior era at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have yet to make any additions to their squad this month, though the new head coach reiterated yesterday that incomings were possible if the right opportunities arise.

The Telegraph report that Chelsea are now bringing forward initial summer plans to recruit a new centre-back.

talkSPORT claim that the club are keeping tabs on the likes of Jeremy Jacquet at Rennes - a rumoured Arsenal target - plus Como’s Jacobo Ramon and Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell, formerly of Leeds.

They also report that Chelsea have previously discussed Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi.

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Arsenal want Anthony Gordon

Arsenal look to have rekindled their interest in Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, according to reports.

Links between the Gunners and the England international have resurfaced in the last 24 hours or so as Mikel Arteta looks to further strengthen his formidable attacking options in north London.

Arsenal were mentioned in connection with Gordon last summer, having been said to have expressed an interest along with the likes of Spain star Nico Williams.

Surely any pursuit though would take place at the end of the season.

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Juventus calm over Yildiz new contract delay

Juventus are confident that Kenan Yildiz will snub a move to the Premier League this month and sign a new contract.

There had been expectations in Turin that a new agreement would be completed by the end of 2025, with the appointment of sporting director Marco Ottolini viewed as a key factor in progressing talks.

Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all understood to be monitoring the situation, with Spurs in particular keen on making a high-profile addition.

But Juventus insist there is no major issue in discussions and that Yildiz is not available for transfer.

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Spurs have named, on average, the third-youngest starting formation of any team in the Premier League this season, with 25-year-old Gallagher’s arrival in keeping with the club’s philosophy of signing younger talent.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, which is set to sideline him for at least three months, means there is pressure on Gallagher to hit the ground running.

After talking with Gallagher about the club’s vision and his own motivations for coming back to the Premier League, Frank, though, has no doubts that the Epsom-born midfielder will fit seamlessly into the side.

“I think what he brings in terms of abilities, first and foremost, he's a very good player, great experience in the Premier League, also in La Liga, captain of two teams,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

“So, that character, that leadership, that experience, and still young, 25, with plenty of development to reach, but coming in on a good level, bringing his pressing abilities, his directness, scoring goals, but also being able to find good positions on the pitch, is exactly what we need.”

He added: “I think Conor has a lot of good offensive abilities, his ability to arrive in the box and he's a clever finisher. His skill set in the final third is good in terms of arriving in the right positions.”

The former Chelsea trainee completed his £34.7million move from Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, and is expected to come straight into the starting line-up against West Ham this weekend.

Gallagher was identified by sporting director Johan Lange as someone who could replace Bentancur, but although he was not Frank’s suggestion, the Dane quickly agreed to the deal after conversations with the versatile midfielder.

“I spoke to him about the project and the club and what we are aiming for and all of that suited him,” Frank said, adding: “Of course, one thing (that appealed to him) is the Premier League, secondly is the project and the opportunity here, the role he could get in the team.

“I think first and foremost as a player that can help the team with his abilities, the character and the culture, I think the way he is as well in terms of pushing the group every single day, training matches. I think you can see he is very exciting and there is some very exciting potential in this club.”

However, with just four league starts to his name this season, Gallagher was keen to move back to England to improve his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

Frank, though, is confident that Gallagher’s experience in Madrid has improved him both as a player and a person and says he expects him to make an immediate impact in north London.

“I think every experience makes us better in a way, either clearly impact or reflection over it and learn from the experience.

“Quite a few of the conversations I had with Conor, he really liked the experience at Atletico, he really liked working with Simeone, he really liked everything about it (but) of course, we were privileged that he would like another chance and it was possible.

“I think that experience added to how he ended his last year in Chelsea, I think he was at times unplayable and I think he was a fantastic player for Chelsea that season.

“So, that's the Conor Gallagher we are looking at. That's the Conor Gallagher I'm thinking can step straight into this team and help us straight away.”