London Evening Standard

Tottenham agree Luka Vuskovic loan exit as Yves Bissouma approves Galatasaray move

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Tottenham could explore defender signing as Vuskovic leaves on loan - London Evening Standard
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The 18-year-old officially arrived at Spurs this summer, two years after an agreement was reached to sign the player.

Spurs have decided to send Vuskovic out on loan where he will be afforded far more first-team exposure, and Bundesliga side Hamburg have won the race.

The deal is a straight loan, with no option to make it permanent next summer.

Vuskovic’s departure could have an impact on Spurs’ transfer business in the final days of the window.

The club are prioritising bringing in a No10 and a winger, however Thomas Frank also wants to bolster his options at centre-back.

It is understood that whether Vuskovic remained at the club has been a factor in how hard Spurs push to make a defensive addition, with a final decision on the teenager's loan delayed until now.

Having finally sanctioned that move for Vuskovic, the need to bring in another centre-back has increased.

Kota Takai has missed pre-season with a foot issue and Radu Dragusin is still out with the ACL injury he suffered at the start of the year, leaving Kevin Danso and Ben Davies as cover in the heart of defence.

Spurs are also in talks with Galatasaray as Yves Bissouma moves closer to leaving the club.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at Spurs next summer and is not in Frank's plans.

Discussions are being held with Galatasaray over a loan with an obligation to buy, with Bissouma believed to be keen on the move.

West Ham have been among the other clubs linked with the midfielder, however no official contact was made with Spurs.

It has been apparent for much of the summer that Bissouma would not have a key role to play under Frank, particularly having entered the final 12 months of his contract.

He started just one match in pre-season and that was when Spurs played twice in a day to enable the whole squad to build up their minutes.

The feeling that a move away from the club would suit all parties was strengthened further when Bissouma frustrated Frank by repeatedly being late.

That resulted in Bissouma being dropped for the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain and he has not been in the squad for the first two Premier League matches after picking up an injury in training.

Tottenham want TWO signings before transfer deadline amid Savinho interest and Morgan Rogers links

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Tottenham are hoping for a busy end to the transfer window in terms of both new signings and outgoings.

Thomas Frank has made a strong start to life in the Spurs dugout, winning his first two Premier League matches without conceding a goal, and he wants the squad to be strengthened further before the window shuts on September 1.

Spurs are lining up at least two signings in the next six days, with the focus a No10 and a winger. The club would also like to sign a new centre-back, but that is not deemed to be as pressing a priority.

Standard Sport understands that a move for Como's Nico Paz was never viewed as realistic and is not one Spurs are pursuing.

The club see him as effectively a Real Madrid player, with the LaLiga side having a 50 per cent sell-on clause and the option to buy the 20-year-old back for €10million next summer.

Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has been linked with a move to north London, but he is not believed to be on the list of Spurs targets for this window.

Interest in Savinho is more concrete, though that might be a situation out of Spurs' hands. Manchester City are expected to only sanction that transfer if they first sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid.

Frank would ideally like to increase his options at centre-back as well, even if adding more creativity will be prioritised.

A defensive addition could depend on whether Luka Vuskovic leaves on loan, with Spurs yet to make a final decision on whether to keep the 18-year-old at the club this season.

Spurs will listen to offers for Yves Bissouma, who was left out of the UEFA Super Cup squad due to disciplinary reasons earlier this month and is out of contract next summer.

There are no plans to open talks over a new deal and Spurs would be keen to sell during the next week.

West Ham are said to be interested in the 28-year-old, but no contact has been made with Spurs.

The club are also looking to find buyers for Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil, who are expected to depart if suitable offers are received.

However, Spurs will not terminate contracts early to enable players to leave for free this summer, as it has been claimed Girona want them to do for Gil.

Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal FC agree Hincapie deal; Spurs want Rogers; Isak to Liverpool twist; Man Utd latest

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Sport | Football

Transfer news LIVE! Arsenal agree Hincapie deal; Spurs want Rogers; Isak to Liverpool twist; Man Utd latest

A record-breaking summer window is in the final stretch

Targets: Morgan Rogers, Alexander Isak and Piero Hincapie

London Standard

Alex Young @ alexwsyoung

Transfer news LIVE!

The summer transfer window has just seven more days to run, and there are still plenty of deals in the pipeline, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United among the clubs working to finalise them. The Gunners may have already spent well over £250million this summer, but are not done yet as they hope to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen. They have also wrapped up a record deal with Shamrock Rovers for starlet Victor Ozhianvuna.

Liverpool are now expected to step up their pursuit of Alexander Isak following last night's Premier League clash at Newcastle, with a second bid considered imminent. Rodrygo is their back-up plan as the Real Madrid has instructed his agents to find him a new club, with Tottenham also linked.

Spurs have seen a second bid for Nico Paz rejected and were said to be interested in Hincapie before Arsenal got involved. Morgan Rogers and Savinho remain key targets, but Manchester United hope they enter the race for Alejandro Garnacho. Chelsea remain confident of signing the Argentine, along with Xavi Simons, but the clock is ticking ahead of the September 1 deadline. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

Latest transfer news headlines

Man Utd have dream three-man midfielder shortlist

Manchester United have a three-man dream shortlist for a new midfielder this summer.

According to The Athletic, Ruben Amorim is keen to sign an athletic, dynamic midfielder and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand are most admired.

However, no interest is advanced on a signing and the summer window could well end with Amorim not getting the position filled.

London Standard

Chelsea still expect Garnacho to join

Alejandro Garnacho is expected to join Chelsea this summer.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reports that Manchester United have rejected two bids for the player so far this summer but, given Garnacho has no future at Old Trafford, there is an acceptance that a deal will be struck.

Chelsea fans may have to wait until Deadline Day, on Monday, to see the Argentine holding up a blue shirt, though.

Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Andrews 'fully expects' Wissa to stay at Brentford

Brentford manager Keith Andrews "fully expects" Yoane Wissa to remain at the club this summer amid interest from Newcastle.

Wissa has been pushing to leave the club before next Monday's transfer deadline, and has not yet featured for the Bees this season despite returning to training last week.

Wissa has been the subject of two rejected Newcastle bids so far this summer, the most recent totalling £40million, and Eddie Howe has also reportedly failed with a £50m bid for Wolves' forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.

It remains to be seen if Newcastle go back in for Wissa, but Bees head coach Andrews remains convinced that the striker is not leaving.

He told reporters of Wissa: "He won't be involved [against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup]. Again, it's just a decision based around what I feel is best for the group. The focus is on the group tomorrow. Yoane won't be involved," Andrew told reporters when the topic of Wissa's future was brought up.

"As far as I'm concerned, there's been no movement in any way and I fully expect Yoane to be here come next Tuesday [after the transfer deadline]. [Reintegration] is the plan. If I didn't think it would be, my stance on it would probably be different."

Read more here!

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Arsenal reach agreement with Hincapie

Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Piero Hincapie.

That is according to journalist Nicolo Schira, who adds that the defender has agreed terms on a five-year deal.

Hincapie has a £52million release clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract, but Arsenal are said to want to pay slightly less for the defender.

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Bayern agree terms with Jackson ahead of loan deal talks

Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with Nicolas Jackson as they look to sign the Chelsea striker on loan.

That's according to BILD, who add that the Blues want to sell Jackson permanently or arrange a loan with an obligation to buy next summer.

Jackson is also attracting interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle, and would play second fiddle to Harry Kane at Bayern.

Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade also remains of interest to the German giants.

AP

Crystal Palace begin talks over Gallagher loan

Crystal Palace have approached Atletico Madrid over a potential loan deal for Conor Gallagher.

Journalist Bobbi Manzi, for News Shopper, reports that Gallagher is open to returning to the club where he spent time on loan four seasons ago.

Gallagher was a key player for Atletico last season but has seen less action during the opening stages of the new campaign.

Fabrizio Romano adds that talks have taken place but, as yet, nothing has been agreed.

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No deal yet between Donnarumma and Man City

Gianluigi Donnarumma has not yet agreed personal terms Manchester City... but a deal is very much on.

That’s according to the i Paper, who report that City are expected to push ahead with the signing of the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper.

Summer signing James Trafford struggled against Tottenham at the weekend, and Pep Guardiola is ready to push ahead with a deal for Donnarumma.

Donnarumma’s representatives have long been in contact with City, with the player very keen to make the move, where he plans to be City’s No1.

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Man Utd accelerate £17m Lammens talks

Manchester United are accelerating talks with Royal Antwerp over a £17million deal for Senne Lammens.

The i Paper report that Lammens would come in to provide competition for Andre Onana, rather than usurp him.

That leaves Altay Bayindir heading for the exit door despite playing in both of United's Premier League games so far this season.

Onana has been recovering from a hamstring injury but his position remains secure under Ruben Amorim for now despite a string of errors last season.

Amorim is not expected to hesitate and play Lammens is Onana continues to struggle.

BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

Antony to Betis talks progressing

Talks over a transfer to take Antony back to Real Betis on a permanent deal from Manchester United are advancing.

The transfer flop spent last season on loan in Spain after being told to find a new club by Ruben Amorim.

The Telegraph report that talks are ongoing, and that there is ‘hope’ of a deal being completed.

REUTERS

Tottenham explore £90m Rogers deal

Tottenham are ready to test Aston Villa's resolve with a huge bid for Morgan Rogers.

Journalist Pete O'Rouke claims Rogers is Spurs' dream target for the remainder of the window as they finally look to sign a new No10 at the third time of asking.

Aston Villa are expected to demand £100million. Reports have suggested Spurs would be prepared to spend close to £90m is a deal for Savinho fails.

Interest in the Manchester City winger remains, who will cost around £70m.

Adam Davy/PA Wire

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Tottenham injury update: Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski latest news and return dates

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Goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha saw off a below-par City side with relative ease, and Thomas Frank hopes to be able to welcome Destiny Udogie back to match fitness this week.

Asked for an update before facing Manchester City, Thomas Frank said: “Destiny is better. He's trained with the team twice, full training sessions, and also other trainings.

“He is just too short [of fitness] to be involved for City. We want him to train [on Saturday] and have another good week next week as well, but he's in a good place.

The midfielder was left out of the Spurs squad to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup for disciplinary reasons, and then picked up an injury in training ahead of the Premier League opener against Burnley.

Frank said after the 3-0 win: “Unfortunately he got injured in training yesterday so very unfortunate. An injury we look into how much it is.”

Thomas Frank says Tottenham are not putting a timeframe on how long Dejan Kulusevski will be out, but admits his injury is “a longer one”.

Kulusevski has been out since undergoing knee surgery in May, with Ange Postecoglou stating then that the Swede would be on the sidelines for “at least a few months”.

As expected, Kulusevski has therefore played no part in pre-season and Thomas Frank's only update up to this point was to confirm the 25-year-old will be unavailable for “a long time”.

Reports emerged on Thursday that Kulusevski could be out until 2026 and at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Manchester City, Frank said: “No Kulusevski, he's out. That's a longer one, I don't want to put a timeframe on it.”

Spurs have not put a timeframe on how long Maddison will be out but he is set for a long spell on the sidelines, but he is expected to miss much of this season.

A club statement read: “His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.

“Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way.”

The defender recently confirmed that his rehabilitation is going well and he is involved in all the meetings and tactical discussions with Thomas Frank despite being unable to join training with his new manager.

"I had to learn how to walk again. I was on crutches, my knee was really stiff from the surgery. It was a long process but, once I got back to normal walking, it became a positive journey.

He added: "But honestly, I just want to be back on the pitch training with the boys again. I can't wait to be back. I've been working hard, on and off the pitch, with the fitness staff. Once I'm fully fit, I can't wait to be back with the boys and back for the matches too."

After starring on loan at Leeds last season, Manor Solomon has been unable to impress Thomas Frank this season after a mystery injury ruled him out of all the club’s pre-season outings.

Thomas Frank reveals Tottenham transfer plan as Spurs eye new signings

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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank admitted that he was still hoping to get some new signings in the door despite watching his side stun Man City 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

The Dane concocted a masterplan as the north Londoners ran out victorious in the north-west thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha.

Palhinha, one of Frank’s fresh faces this summer, lashed home a second in the dying embers of the first half as James Trafford, making his home debut for City, played a loose pass into Nico in his own box, and Pape Matar Sarr stole the ball, which broke kindly for the Bayen Munich loanee.

Mohammed Kudus, who signed for the club from West Ham, started on the right wing, and played well again as he continues to deliver on the £55million fee that Spurs paid for him.

Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Frank said that he was anticipating some movement in the transfer market, before the September 1 deadline.

“We have a strong squad that I believe a lot in,” the former Brentford boss said.

“We would like to add a bit, but only if it can strengthen the squad.

“We are looking to add in, and hopefully succeed. I know the club is working very hard. I trust them.”

Spurs have missed out on two top targets in this transfer window, with Morgan Gibbs-White signing a new contract at Nottingham Forest, and then Eberechi Eze deciding to join north London rivals Arsenal from Crystal Palace.

Despite calling on the club to continue its recruitment, Frank praised the mentality of his players to earn a big three points that leaves Spurs two wins from two.

“This is one of the most difficult places to go to in the Premier League,” Frank said.

“A City side that needs to bounce back from last season, and you can see they came with everything. Before our goal, without them dominating us, they were more on top. But we stayed in it, we were solid, with a sharp mentality.”

Asked about the state of the dressing room that he inherited from predecessor Ange Postecoglou, Frank replied: “I found a very strong mentality in the players.

“It was a group that had been through a tough season ending on a high. Those tough moments pulled them even closer together. Great mentality in many ways. We had to build on that.”

Joao Palhinha reveals Thomas Frank conversation that convinced him to join Tottenham on loan

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Joao Palhinha has revealed the role that Thomas Frank played in convincing him to join Tottenham.

The midfielder arrived in north London on loan from Bayern Munich earlier this summer having struggled for game time in his first season in the Bundesliga under Vincent Kompany.

The former Fulham man returned to the capital in a different white shirt this term, and he scored in Spurs’ shock 2-0 win over Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

The Portugal international also started both the UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and the opening-day victory over Burnley, which Spurs ran out 3-0 winners.

Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Palhinha said that Frank was a key reason for his decision to make the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“The coach pushed me to come here, and he showed me the project he has here at Tottenham,” Palhinha said.

“The club is such a great club. I am really glad to be back in the Premier League again.

“Like the last time I was here, I am so happy. Now, I want to enjoy this top club and top atmosphere again.”

Palhinha left Fulham last year for a £43.2million fee, but he made just 25 appearances in all competitions for Bayern.

He emphatically netted Spurs’ second in their victory at Man City, which - at least temporarily - puts Frank’s side top of the table after two wins from two.

Spurs player ratings vs Man City: Palhinha a monster, crucial Kudus

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Sport | Football

Tottenham player ratings vs Man City: Joao Palhinha a monster as Mohammed Kudus proves crucial

Another huge win at the Etihad Stadium sends Spurs top of the league

Monster: Joao Palhinha

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Matt Verri

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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Tottenham moved to the top of the Premier League table for at least a few hours with a brilliant 2-0 win over Manchester City.

Thomas Frank enjoyed the best day of his reign so far, as Brennan Johnson’s opener was awarded after a VAR review and Joao Palhinha then hammered in after City made a complete mess of playing out in their own box.

Spurs held a 2-0 lead in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain and let it slip, but there was no repeat here and they secured the three points in relatively comfortable fashion.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players at the Etihad...

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Great save to keep Omar Marmoush’s effort out in first half. Sloppy pass nearly gifted City a goal after the break but otherwise a solid display in goal.

Pedro Porro 7

Poor header back allowed Marmoush in early on. Went to ground too easily when beaten by Jeremy Doku and could have given away a penalty. Little opportunity to get forward and booked for time-wasting.

Cristian Romero 8

Regularly left one-on-one with Haaland and won that battle. Largely disciplined display, but allowed himself one crunching challenge on Nico Gonzalez. Harshly booked for flying in on Oscar Bobb.

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Micky van de Ven 8

Unusual role in that he was tasked with pressing right up the pitch. Just eats up the ground and didn’t put a foot wrong in defence. Sensational block to deny Foden.

Djed Spence 8

Feels like a banker of a solid performance every week. Some tough moments early against Bobb but otherwise in control, and a couple of dangerous drives forward.

Joao Palhinha 9

Absolute monster in midfield. Constantly broke up play, relentless energy and lashed home for his first Spurs goal. Celebrated a second-half block with more enthusiasm than that finish.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

Forming a superb partnership with Palhinha. Nothing flashy but composed on the ball and ran tirelessly off it.

Mohammed Kudus 8

Gave City nightmares from long balls, with his pace and strength a constant threat. Feels almost impossible to get the ball off him and that’s so crucial in matches like this.

Pape Matar Sarr 8

Great flick on for opening goal and his pressing brought about the second. Continues to do a superb job in making up for Spurs’ lack of No10.

Brennan Johnson 7

Ruthless when it mattered to sweep home the opening goal. Otherwise not hugely effective, whether it be down to a heavy touch or poor decision-making.

Richarlison 8

A nuisance in the best possible way - No9 shirt is his. Worked so hard to force the City mistakes. Great ball for Johnson’s goal and unfortunate as two looping second-half headers just missed.

Substitutes:

Dominic Solanke (Richarlison 77’) 6

Faces a real battle to get back in the starting lineup. Job was limited to running hard and tracking back after coming on. Forced Trafford into a late save.

Wilson Odobert (Johnson 77’) 7

Eye-catching cameo, with one impressive driving run shortly after coming on. Fired just wide when picked out on the edge of the box.

Lucas Bergvall (Kudus 86’) N/A

Kevin Danso (Palhinha 90+1) N/A

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Tottenham XI vs Man City: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today

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Thomas Frank has opted against a back three as Tottenham take on Manchester City today.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the two centre-backs, with Pedro Porro and Djed Spence either side.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha both started on the bench against Burnley last weekend but feature here, with their experience and ball-winning capabilities much-needed against this City side.

With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski out injured, and Spurs missing out on the signing of Eberechi Eze, it falls on Pape Matar Sarr to provide the energy as the most advanced midfielder.

Up front, Dominic Solanke has now had two cameos off the bench as he builds towards full fitness, but Richarlison has been in superb form and scored a brace against Burnley, so keeps his place, with Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson either side.

Man City vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League match stream, latest score, and goal updates

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Not exactly a bouncing atmosphere ahead of kick-off. City announcer is reading out the lineups and the noise is sort of like when a few people decide to clap after a plane lands.

Can never read too much into the warm-ups... but Romero and Van de Ven have spent the last five minutes pinging 60 yard passes to each other. Would be surprised if we saw Spurs playing out from the back too much this afternoon.

Instead, Frank has gone for a back four. Is that a brave decision? Who knows. What we do know, however, is that he does have his first-choice centre-back pairing available to him, and that will be crucial to keeping Haaland quiet. In a sense, they have the perfect duo to give it a go, with Cristian Romero the aggressive marker who can get tight to the striker in the physical battle, while Van de Ven has the recovery pace to match the Norwegian stride for stride.

It’s Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri again at full- back, so expect the former to drift infield and invert as he so often does. Ait-Nouri will be instructed to hold the width a bit more, with Omar Marmoush on the left looking to cut inside and create shooting opportunities and get closer to the box.

In the engine room, Nico and Tijjani Reijnders continue as the double pivot, but it’s Rayan Cherki who comes in as the No10, and he will be given licence to roam behind Erling Haaland, looking to send the big Norwegian clear on goal with his pace in behind.

We thought Frank might go for the 3-5-2 system that worked so well against PSG but he's opted for a back four and it means Johnson keeps his place on the left wing. Richarlison leads the line in another show of faith from Frank - feels like it's his shirt to lose at the moment even with Solanke back and available.

Tottenham: Thomas Frank's rule of three will be key as Spurs plot another Man City scalp

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Thomas Frank and Spurs both know how to beat Pep Guardiola & Co.

Game plan: Thomas Frank

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Matt Verri

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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It was hard not to feel some sympathy for Thomas Frank at his press conference yesterday.

The Spurs boss has been in the dugout for just two competitive matches and his side came out of both with credit. They were much the better side against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and then were comfortable in beating Burnley to start the Premier League campaign.

All of that, though, felt secondary as he sat down with the media ahead of the trip to face Manchester City.

After a week in which Spurs failed to wrap up a move for Eberechi Eze and instead saw Arsenal hijack the deal, Frank had a fairly uncomfortable, if not unexpected, half hour.

He was asked if he had been let down by the club in the transfer window so far, and whether he felt his squad had actually got any stronger this summer. It was also put to him that Daniel Levy's comments declaring Spurs "need" to win the Premier League were perhaps unhelpful.

These were all on topics beyond Frank's control and yet he is tasked with overseeing a performance that can lift the mood and, temporarily at least, dim the talk on transfer failures.

There is every reason to believe the Spurs boss can do so. That display against PSG earlier this month, when Spurs led 2-0 after 85 minutes, will serve as something as a blueprint for how Frank will set his side up in the biggest games.

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He hinted he could go back to that 3-5-2 shape for the Etihad, which would see Kevin Danso return and with it the threat of his long throws. Regardless of the formation, Spurs will be well-drilled in their shape, look to exploit their opportunities on the counter, and maximise set-pieces.

However, Frank was keen to emphasise that the game plan against City, consisting of three key areas of focus for his players, will not be a replica of the one he prepared for PSG.

"I believe in simple messages and have maybe three key areas and try to create a narrative about each game," Frank said.

"And they cannot be too big because there are probably two or three key areas that will win us the game or hopefully maximise our chances of winning. But there are a lot of other areas that will affect it."

Pressed on what those three areas were, Frank added: "They change. Three key areas for PSG. Three other key areas for Burnley. And the key areas for tomorrow I will not tell you. I will keep it to myself.

"Burnley we were big on crosses for example and numbers in the box. You can probably analyse it if you look through our games. Obviously, set pieces against PSG was a big thing."

Tottenham ran out 4-0 winners at the Etihad last season

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These are the kind of games where Frank thrives and his adaptability should ensure Spurs are competitive against the toughest opposition. As Brentford boss, Frank did the double over City in the 2022-23 season. His two most recent trips to the Etihad have ended in defeats by just a single goal.

Spurs have enjoyed their recent trips to the Etihad, winning 4-0 last season in one of the best results of the Ange Postecoglou era and drawing 3-3 the year before.

The early signs are that City will be back to something close to their best this season after last term's struggles, but Frank has had a full week to devise a plan for Pep Guardiola's side.

For all City present a hugely difficult test, these could be the games that come more naturally to Spurs this season. With little in the way of creative options in midfield, Frank can pack the midfield with the likes of Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr and make Spurs hard to beat.

Up front, Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus have shone in the early weeks of the campaign. Should they start as the attacking pair, they must again hold the ball up well to ensure Spurs do not get penned in.

It is still early in Frank's reign and his tactical versatility means there are likely to be surprises as Spurs’ plan is revealed at the Etihad.

"I will be pragmatic," the Spurs boss said yesterday. "I will use different systems and different ways to win football matches."

After a week to forget in the transfer market, Spurs need Frank to find any way to do just that.

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