London Evening Standard

Striker Solanke has not played for Spurs since the 2-0 win over Manchester City in late August as he continues to struggle with a lingering ankle injury.

He stepped up his comeback bid out on the grass at Tottenham training last week, but Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Doncaster came too soon for a return.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has now confirmed that Solanke will not play against Wolves on Saturday night either, telling reporters at Friday’s pre-match press conference: “It's an ankle injury that's just been a little bit tricky. Nothing big. We are relatively positive that it will be relatively quick.”

Also still sidelined is Tottenham’s Deadline Day signing Kolo Muani, who has only featured once for his new club so far as a late substitute in the Champions League win over Villarreal last week.

He was not fit to line up either in last weekend’s battling 2-2 draw at Brighton or against Doncaster due to a dead leg that has yet to heal.

“Dead leg is just dragging on. Little bit annoying... he will not be available,” Frank said of the Paris Saint-Germain loanee on Friday.

Frank said after the win over Doncaster that there was a “good chance” midfielder Pape Matar Sarr would be fit to return against Wolves following a slight groin injury that ruled him out of the win over League One opponents.

Ben Davies has been dealing with a small knee issue of late, while summer signing Kota Takai recently returned to working outside on the grass along with Solanke.

Daniel Levy's exit at the start of September sparked speculation that the majority-shareholding Lewis family were preparing for a sale.

Sources close to the family have insisted that is not the case and that they remain committed to the club long-term, but others are not so sure and two expressions of interest in a takeover were registered earlier this month.

Despite both of those being rejected, there is now fresh talk of a £4.5billion takeover move from a US consortium led by Brooklyn Earick.

It is claimed that £3.3bn would be offered to take full control of Spurs, and £1.2bn would then be invested in the squad. There is also a £250m stadium naming rights deal reportedly being lined up.

Earick has had an unusual career path to get to the stage where he is being linked with a massive bid for a Premier League club.

The 41-year-old started as a DJ in his teenage years, performing at the Sundance Music Festival, and he secured a deal with Warner Records.

After almost a decade doing that, Earick experienced burnout and opted for a complete shift in career. He moved to San Francisco and began an internship at NASA as an electrical engineer in the small spacecraft division.

Earick became increasingly interested in computer programming and took up courses on coding, which led to a move into the tech industry.

He has been involved in apps such as Phoodie and Littlstar, as well as investing in NFTs and other online projects.

Earick founded Redacted RnD, a company with a focus on technology, sports, media and entertainment, and Algorith Capital, an investment fund entity.

Tottenham's owners insist that the club is still "not for sale" despite reports that a US consortium is preparing a £4.5billion takeover bid.

Spurs’ majority owners ENIC, run by the Lewis Family Trust, "unequivocally rejected" two preliminary expressions of interest in the club earlier this month, including one from Amanda Staveley's PCP International Finance Limited.

As Spurs follow the UK Takeover Code, any expressions of interest or official bids must be made public. PCP confirmed that it does not intend to make an offer and cannot return to do so for the next six months.

Reports from The Sun have since claimed that a consortium led by American tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick has launched a £4.5bn takeover move.

It is suggested that £3.3bn of that would be to buy the club, with the remaining £1.2bn set aside for investment in the team. A £250m stadium naming rights deal is also reportedly being lined up.

Earick is said to want to be in place for the start of the January transfer window as he looks to quickly kickstart an ambitious project.

NFL and NBA investors are reportedly part of the 12-man consortium with Earick, who earlier this year was involved in a failed attempt to acquire Formula E team Maserati.

Despite those latest reports, a source close to the Lewis family told Standard Sport that the club is "not for sale".

It is understood that no expression of interest or bid has currently been received by the family from Earick's consortium.

The Lewis family's stance applies both to a full sale, which is not being considered at this time, and also minority investment. The owners are believed to have no desire to part with any of ENIC's 87 per cent share in Spurs.

Speaking earlier this month, Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham said: "There's been a lot of newspaper articles and a lot of media speculation around a takeover, so I can be really clear on this. So the Lewis family are really clear.

"They see their involvement in Tottenham Hotspur being long-term and they see their involvement continuing through the generations.

Tottenham fans have outlined where they want the club to improve, as the Lewis family embark on a new era at Spurs.

The departure of Daniel Levy signalled a fresh start for Spurs and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) have published the results of their annual survey.

The results show 69 per cent of fans are unhappy the club’s transfer policy last season and 54 per cent are dissatisfied with team performance, despite Europa League success last season.

Despite the signings of promising young midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, as well as striker Dominic Solanke, Tottenham were left short in defence last season and struggled to cope with a growing injury list.

The loan signing of centre-back Kevin Danso, a move that has since been made permanent, in January eased some of the pressure on Tottenham’s backline, but regardless Sours struggled to name a settled defence for much of the season.

Publishing the result of the survey, THST said: “Thank you to every Tottenham Hotspur fan who took part in our recent surveys - your voices have been heard.

“Your feedback has given us a clear picture of how Spurs supporters view the key issues facing the club.

“We use this vital insight to highlight to the club what fans are thinking and where improvements are needed.

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Carabao Cup fourth round draw: Arsenal get home tie but Chelsea away

Thomas Frank warned Luca Williams-Barnett he has a “very tough” next step to take in his development after making his Tottenham debut.

The 16-year-old came on for the final minutes of Spurs’ 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster, becoming the 900th player to represent the club.

Williams-Barnett was one of three academy stars on the bench and got the nod for his first-team bow after registering six goals and four assists in four appearances for the Under-21 side this season.

“I think it's always a pleasure to be part of a young player's debut. So, yeah, happy with that.”

This is Williams-Barnett’s first season with the U21s but he has already looked a cut above, scoring and assisting in the UEFA Youth League against Villarreal earlier this month.

He also scored a hat-trick against Leicester last week to take his PL2 tally to four goals and two assists in four matches.

Spurs are not alone in giving minutes to young talents, with 15-year-old Max Dowman making his Arsenal debut earlier this season and Rio Ngumoha featuring for Liverpool having only just turned 17.

Frank praised Williams-Barnett for making the first step on his journey to becoming a first-team regular, but made it clear there is still a long way to go for the teenager.

“I think that definitely over the last many years the focus on the talent development and academies across the world is so big,” Frank said.

“But one thing is the debut when you're 16. The next step, and much more important, is how Luca or other players take those steps forward. It's very tough to keep going and then get into the first team as a really regular player. But the first step is very important.”

Tottenham barely broke into a sweat as they eased into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 win over Doncaster.

Boss Thomas Frank had promised to have a decent crack at the competition this season and he was as good as his word as Joao Palhinha's improvised strike, a Jay McGrath own goal and Brennan Johnson's stoppage-time breakaway disposed of League One Rovers.

Mathys Tel only needed to get a touch on Johnson's low cross six yards out but the French forward missed the ball completely.

That act of generosity almost backfired when the teenager hooked the ball across goal, only for Toyosi Olusanya to fluff his header at the far post.

Instead Spurs went ahead in the 14th minute after Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor missed his punch at a corner.

Sean Grehan headed the loose ball off the line but only as far as Palhinha, who hooked an overhead kick back over the defender and into an empty net.

Spurs doubled their lead three minutes later when Wilson Odobert raided down the left and sent in another low cross.

Doncaster defender McGrath was unable to sort his feet out in time and succeeded only in bundling the ball into his own net.

The Premier League side sensed they could end the tie as a contest before half-time, but Lawlor made good saves to deny Tel and Gray while Bentancur's header from a corner floated just wide.

And Rovers almost pulled one back before the break when Owen Bailey's Paolo Di Canio-style volley was tipped onto a post by Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky.

That was the only moment of mild peril Spurs faced, however, and Frank was able to shuffle his pack by sending on Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison for the final 30 minutes as well as handing a late debut to 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett.

They should have had a third when Bergvall drilled in a low cross from the right, but Tel knew it was not his night when he came up with another air shot from six yards.

A home tie against League One opposition appeared on paper to be a generous start to the competition and so it proved, with Spurs firmly in control inside 20 minutes.

Joao Palhinha opened the scoring with a clever overhead kick and almost immediately the lead was doubled when Jay McGrath turned into his own net.

There was little to get the fans going after the break until the closing stages, when 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett came on for his debut, and Brennan Johnson then sealed victory with a nice dinked finish deep into stoppage-time.

Spent most of the first half stretching, trying to stay warm, but then produced a brilliant save to tip Owen Bailey’s volley onto the post.

Handed the captain’s armband and was keen to mark it with a goal, trying his luck from distance on several occasions. Booked for diving late in the match.

Yet another classy performance, even in a more unfamiliar position. Composed in defence and finished brilliantly with an overhead kick to make it 1-0. Always delivers for Frank.

Impact came more in attack, where his long throws were a real threat and Doncaster struggled to deal with him from set-pieces. Nasty cut early in first half but played on with bandaged head.

Read play brilliantly to stop a Doncaster counter in the first half but otherwise largely untroubled in defence. Did not offer much in attack.

Thrived in more attacking midfield role in first half, making runs beyond Brennan Johnson and forcing Ian Lawlor into a smart save. Assured when dropping deeper after the break.

Solid enough as the deepest midfielder and played the full 90 minutes, despite tiring as the second half went on. Vocal presence in midfield, barking orders.

Particularly bright early on when driving from deep into space and looked like he was in for a fun night. Didn’t quite materialise though, as he faded before being replaced on the hour mark.

Brighter on the right wing. Clipped a couple of lovely crosses into the box and deserved at least one assist on the night, and took his goal cooly as ever when played in with the final kick of the match.

Another frustrating night. Got into good positions but no calmness when his chances came, twice swinging at thin air when picked out in the box by Johnson.

More encouraging display from the Frenchman. Direct and purposeful when he had the ball, his cross forced McGrath’s own goal.

Hardly had a kick after coming on. Spurs could do with him rediscovering early-season form.

Added a bit more energy to midfield. Denied late goal by offside flag but picked out Johnson through the middle for third goal.

Spurs set up with a handful of players out of position but still produced a composed performance

Comfortable: Archie Gray impressed on return to his natural position

Bradley Collyer/PA Wire

Matt Verri

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Thomas Frank has vowed to get Tottenham competing on all fronts and the bid for domestic honours is off to a positive start.

Spurs cruised to a 3-0 win over Doncaster to book their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and the result was never in doubt against League One opposition.

Even with seven changes and a lengthening injury list, this was a strong Spurs side as Frank freshened things up amid a busy run.

Two quickfire goals early in the first half sent the hosts on their way, as Joao Palhinha scored an overhead kick and Jay McGrath doubled the lead with an own goal.

The third did not come until the final kick of the match, Brennan Johnson streaking away and dinking over the goalkeeper, but this was a stress-free night and another job well done for Frank and his players.

Sign Palhinha up

Midfield destroyer, effective centre-back and, seemingly, acrobatic goalscorer.

Joao Palhinha has been one of Spurs' best players this season and that continued here with another assured showing.

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The 30-year-old was confident with the ball at his feet at centre-back but also did his defensive work well, showing good pace to track Toyosi Olusanya and make a good challenge when the Doncaster man got in behind.

Having scored against Manchester City last month, Palhinha added another goal to his Spurs tally, producing a lovely overhead kick to find the empty net after Ian Lawlor had made a mess of a corner.

Spurs have the option to make Palhinha's loan move from Bayern Munich permanent for a fee of around £27million. That already feels like a no-brainer.

Gray makes his mark

When the teamsheet came out, it looked like Archie Gray was set for a stint at centre-back alongside Kevin Danso. Instead, it was Palhinha who dropped back and Gray got his chance to impress in his more natural position.

Even in the opening minutes it was noticeable how advanced he was, pushing right up onto the Doncaster defence when Spurs had the ball.

Gray regularly made runs in behind and got to the byline, and Brennan Johnson and Pedro Porro should have picked him out more regularly.

He was strong on the ball, too. One powerful run in the first half saw him fouled two or three times but Gray stayed on his feet and pinged a lovely ball out wide, drawing applause from Lucas Bergvall who was warming up on the touchline.

Gray was not quite as effective after the break but there were still bright moments, including one run and cross out wide that led to Bergvall heading just wide.

Minutes have been hard to come by this season for Gray, but on this showing his deserves more opportunities.

Top of his game: Palhinha marked a smart performance with a memorable goal

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Williams-Barnett becomes Spurs' No900

Three academy stars made the bench, as Frank handed places in the squad to Luca Williams-Barnett, Juna'ai Byfield and Tynan Thompson.

It is Williams-Barnett who attracted most excitement in the build-up to this match after a remarkable start to the season for the Under-21s. In six appearances, the 16-year-old has registered six goals and four assists.

When Spurs went 2-0 up inside 20 minutes, it felt inevitable that at least one of the teenagers would get on. However, with the lead remaining at only two goals and the match not quite put to bed, Frank first turned to Richarlison, Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie off the bench.

Williams-Barnett eventually got the call to stop warming up and with three minutes remaining, his moment came. A huge roar went around the stadium as he replaced Mathys Tel to become the 900th player to represent Spurs.

There was real anticipation whenever Williams-Barnett picked up the ball. Playing on the left, he drifted inside and had one pass through to Bergvall cut out. He then bundled his way through another challenge and played it wide to Udogie for a move that led to Bergvall finding the net, but the offside flag was up.

There will surely be plenty more Spurs appearances to come for the teenager, but this is one he will never forget.

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Guglielmo Vicario has been in goal for all of Spurs’ matches under Frank and has kept four clean sheets in six matches.

Kinsky has barely featured since having a run in the side after arriving in January, but Frank has confirmed the 22-year-old will be one of the changes as he rotates his Spurs side.

“Antonin will start tomorrow, so I'm very happy with him as a goalkeeper,” Frank said at his pre-match press conference.

“I think he's a very good goalkeeper and I think he's got very good potential. For any player that is not starting, they're not happy. Some probably understand it a bit more, or outfielder sometimes.

“The easy thing for Antonin was to stay at his former club and now it's a bigger stage, a bigger challenge. I think he's got a great future here at Tottenham. I like what I see from him. He just needs to keep training well and doing well.”

With Dominic Solanke out with an ankle issue and Randal Kolo Muani yet to recover from a dead leg, Mathys Tel starts up front as he looks to kick his Spurs career into gear.

“I think it would be a great opportunity to have some of the younger players on the bench and I always think it's a privileged position to be in if you can give anyone a debut, especially a young player,” Frank said.