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Tottenham Hotspur have the option to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis at the end of the season, but ex-Portugal star Pedro Mendes has suggested he could join a different Premier League club.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been delighted with Joao Palhinha for much of this season, as the midfielder has impressed with his defensive contributions. He has also shown himself to be useful in other areas, registering four goals and three assists in all competitions.

However, Palhinha has faced some criticism due to how much of his game is based around winning the ball, rather than carrying it forward and starting attacking moves.

The 30 year old’s partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur has also been under scrutiny, with pundits and fans alike suggesting they do not work well together due to their attacking limitations.

Nuno Mendes backs Manchester United to sign Joao Palhinha

Palhinha has been benched twice since the international break in November and former Tottenham midfielder Nuno Mendes has indicated that Manchester United should attempt to sign him.

Speaking to Boyle Sports, as quoted by Metro, he said: “Palhinha at Man Utd? Well, why not?

“To be fair, I think Manuel Ugarte is more or less the same type of player as Palhinha, [but] Palhinha is an option if they want to replace him.

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“We are not sure what is going to happen to Casemiro, so I think it [Manchester United signing Palhinha] could work.

“Joao Palhinha is the typical Premier League number six, that defensive midfielder who just sweeps up everything in front of the defenders.”

Mendes has claimed Palhinha is struggling at Spurs, despite the many positive comments he has received. According to the former Premier League player, this is because of the club’s style of football.

“If you have a team that has a lot of possession, he’s a little bit out of his game, from my point of view,” Mendes continued.

“The players around him will shine more than him because, as you said, he just wins the ball, passes it away, tackles the ball, passes it. He’s fantastic at doing that role. He was fantastic at Fulham.

“At Bayern Munich, when you have 70% or 60% of ball possession most of the games, you don’t need to do that kind of job.

“Because normally teams play counter-attack or don’t have that type of possession against you, his strength is a little bit forgotten.

“He has more of the ball and he needs to be more involved in the game, and to be fair, it’s not his main strength.

“So probably that’s why he struggled at Bayern and at Spurs at the moment. I like what I saw in some games this year from him, but it’s different from Fulham.”

Palhinha is not the midfielder Tottenham fans want to see depart

There have been concerns raised about how effective Palhinha’s game will be if Thomas Frank attempts to be braver and more attacking-minded, but the Portugal international is still a very good player.

Most Tottenham supporters have been pleased with his performances this season and would be happy to see him signed on a permanent basis.

In contrast, Bentancur is under a lot of pressure due to his displays this season and if he was linked with a move away from North London, there would not be many complaints.

Paul Merson has revealed his concerns for Thomas Frank ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League clash against his former club.

Tottenham Hotspur return to action this weekend with the aim of winning a match for the first time in more than a month.

This could prove difficult because Thomas Frank and his team are yet to record a Premier League victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since the opening day of the season.

The mood around the club has been particularly bad following the international break, as Spurs have suffered two London derby defeats.

Paul Merson believes Thomas Frank is in trouble at Tottenham

Frank has faced the heat in recent weeks for his team’s substandard performances. Losing 4-1 to Arsenal was the last straw for some supporters and there has not been much to shout about since.

However, Merson thinks Frank is in trouble not necessarily because of Tottenham’s results, but due to the comments he made about the fans after their defeat to Fulham last Saturday.

Making his prediction for the match against Brentford, Merson told Sportskeeda: “I think Thomas Frank is in trouble, severe trouble. And it has nothing to do with the results. They are Tottenham and they are always up and down like this.

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“But what he said about Spurs fans not being ‘real’ because they booed Guglielmo Vicario isn’t something that will go down well with the club’s supporters.

It will be a hostile atmosphere when Tottenham host Frank’s former club Brentford on Saturday. It’s a sell out crowd at Spurs’ ground every weekend, 60 odd thousand people turn up for their home games.

“When your biggest rivals are ripping it apart in the league and your manager accuses you of not being ‘real’, it can quickly become a toxic environment. That comment will be unacceptable for any Spurs fan.

“Brentford rested some key players for the Arsenal game. But the problem for them is that they can’t win a game away from home!

“I think Tottenham will need Micky van de Ven to step up in this game because Brentford have pace to burn and that can hurt Spurs. Anything less than a win would put more pressure on Frank and I think Tottenham will fail to secure three points.”

Spurs got the better of Brentford last season

Tottenham did not win many matches in the Premier League last season, but they defeated Brentford both home and away. Of course, this was when Ange Postecoglou was the man in charge, while Frank was managing Brentford.

If Spurs do not record a fourth consecutive victory over the Bees, it is definitely not a good look for Frank. He really needs a win and this Saturday provides as good a chance as any.

Thomas Frank has made an honest statement about Tottenham’s lack of clear first-choice option on the left side of attack amid links to Antoine Semenyo.

Tottenham Hotspur have a handful of left-wing options this season, with Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel all available for selection.

So far this term, we have seen Frank use each of these players out on the left, but no one has held down that position with rotation still happening.

The Tottenham boss has sometimes even opted to go narrow, setting up his side in a 4-2-2-2 formation despite having multiple wide players to pick from.

On the right, however, it is different, with Mohammed Kudus the number one choice for Frank’s side, and that is down to how well the Ghana international has performed since his move to Spurs.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank on left wing competition

Frank has now opened up on the competition for places on the left and whether there is any player clearly ahead in the pecking order.

The manager stressed that rotation remains necessary due to the schedule, but admitted that nobody has stamped authority on the role so far.

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Speaking on the matter, Frank said via the official Tottenham channel: “There is competition for that left side role. We are playing games every third or fourth day so we need rotation but also someone has not put their foot down on the left position.”

This comes as Tottenham intensify their push to try and sign Antoine Semenyo in the January window.

Spurs winger Mathys Tel assessed by Thomas Frank

Frank also discussed Mathys Tel, and he highlighted how the youngster has been training and carrying himself around the squad environment.

Tel has not started in the last seven Premier League games for Tottenham, although he has had a few cameos off the bench.

Speaking on the Frenchman, the Spurs boss acknowledged that Tel is an option off the left and that his attitude has been impressive, while making clear that selection comes down to continued standards.

He added, “The way he carries himself, the way he trains, has been very good. I am very aware he can play off the left. The only thing that any player can do is keep training well, keep doing everything to catch my eye to make it difficult for me when I make my decision.”

Xavi Simons was brought in to help solve Tottenham Hotspur’s creative issues, but the Dutchman has yet to fully take charge of that responsibility in North London.

The 22-year-old started brightly in a Tottenham shirt, grabbing an assist against West Ham United on his debut before featuring regularly in the early weeks of the season.

However, recent matches have seen his involvement reduce to cameos from the bench, with no start for Xavi Simons in the last four fixtures.

Frank revealed last month that the Dutchman’s reduced minutes were down to adaptation time, which is often the case for players transitioning from Germany to the Premier League.

Thomas Frank on Xavi Simons’ chances of starting for Tottenham

The Tottenham boss has once again opened up on the Simons‘ development, offering a fresh update on how things are progressing behind the scenes.

Speaking via club media, Frank revealed that the attacking midfielder has been training at an impressive level and pushing himself closer to selection.

He said: “Xavi has trained fantastic the last five, six times. Very good attitude on the training pitch, I like that a lot.

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“We have played different games with different lineups. Just like Matty, trained well, good attitude and we are getting closer and he has come on in the last four games.”

Why Xavi Simons must stake a claim for left wing spot at Spurs

Tottenham are playing games every three to four days now, and with Brentford next, it feels like the right moment for Simons to finally be handed a start for Spurs.

Frank has already confirmed that there is an opening down the left, as no winger has claimed the spot as his own so far this season and that should be an opportunity Simons needs to approach with real intent.

Thomas Frank will be desperate to see his side record their first Premier League win since October, but standing in his way is his former side, Brentford, who have fared well since his departure. Here’s how to watch the clash between Tottenham and Brentford.

Fixtures continue to come thick and fast for Tottenham Hotspur, and up next is another Premier League encounter as we move closer to the halfway point of the campaign.

For the first time this season, Thomas Frank will stand opposite Brentford, the club where he made his name and built a reputation that earned him the Tottenham job.

The Bees sit 14th in the Premier League table and are level on points with Spurs, who occupy 11th only on goal difference, meaning there is very little between these two sides going into this clash.

When and where Tottenham vs Brentford takes place

Brentford will travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 6 December 2025, with kick-off set for 16:00 (UK time).

How to watch Tottenham vs Brentford in the Premier League

Supporters in the United Kingdom will not be able to watch Tottenham vs Brentford live on television, so those hoping to take in the action will have to be inside the ground.

Team news for Spurs and Brentford

Spurs were handed a small boost on the injury front as Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai edge closer to full fitness following a behind-closed-doors outing earlier this week.

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Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined with suggestions that they may return later this month, while James Maddison is not expected back until next year, and Yves Bissouma has no set return date.

Brentford are without Fabio Carvalho due to a cruciate ligament injury and Joshua Dasilva is also ruled out.

Spurs Web prediction for Tottenham vs Brentford

Tottenham are at home, and given their form on their own turf, it is difficult to see how they come away with a result.

Brentford are a stubborn side, capable of making life uncomfortable for Spurs if they do not begin well, so Frank will need his team sharp from the first whistle.

The Bees make this trip after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, while Tottenham earned a point away at Newcastle, and this feels like a fixture that Tottenham must use to build momentum after a difficult run.

An Inter Milan chief has been desperate to sign a senior Tottenham Hotspur man for a long time, and he now senses an opportunity to do just that.

It has been reported by some publications over recent weeks that Spurs are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper ahead of the January window.

This has raised question marks over the future of Guglielmo Vicario, who has come under criticism for his mistakes this season.

Thomas Frank has dismissed the idea that Vicario’s number one position is under threat, but several sources from Italy are now reporting that Inter Milan are keeping an eye on the Tottenham star’s situation.

Inter Milan CEO obsessed with signing Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario

A new update from TuttoSport (as relayed by Sport Witness) has now also talked up Inter’s interest in the 29-year-old Spurs star.

The outlet says that with doubts growing about Yann Sommer’s abilities, Vicario is seen as the ideal choice to take over between the sticks for the Nerazzurri.

In fact, it is alleged that the Italy international is an ‘old obsession’ of Inter CEO Beppe Marotta, who remains keen on taking him to the San Siro.

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However, the report points out that Vicario is contracted to Sprus until 2028, thus making a deal difficult for the Serie A club.

Vicario wants to return to Italy

This report comes just a day after Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Vicario wants to return to Italy at the end of the season amid his struggles at Spurs.

The outlet claimed that the 29-year-old’s representatives have now opened dialogues with Inter regarding a move next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for a young central midfielder who only swapped the Premier League for France in the summer.

Spurs fans would have been encouraged by Thomas Frank’s willingness to move away from a Rodrigo Bentancur-Joao Palhinha double pivot over the last two games.

However, the Dane is yet to find the perfect midfield balance, and it has been reported that Tottenham want to add an energetic midfielder to their squad in January.

It has now been suggested that the Lilywhites could turn to an Englishman, who has been setting Ligue 1 alight since his summer move to Lyon.

Tottenham are keeping tabs on Tyler Morton

This update comes from TEAMtalk, who claim that Tyler Morton could be set to return to the Premier League just six months after swapping Liverpool for Lyon in the summer.

The 23-year-old had some impressive loan spells in the Championship, but he made just two senior appearances for the Reds before departing Anfield.

However, Tyler Morton’s impressive displays at the Groupama Stadium have caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham.

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Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Newcastle and Everton are also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old.

How much would Spurs have to pay to land Morton?

TEAMtalk say that Morton is delighted with how things are going for him in France, and Lyon are not looking to sell the youngster.

However, it is explained that an opportunity to double the money they paid for the midfielder in the summer may be too good for the Ligue 1 club to turn down, especially given their financial struggles.

Lyon spent £15m on Morton in the summer, which means that, according to TEAMtalk’s information, a £30m offer may be enough to prise him away from the French club in January.

Tottenham may have the chance to strengthen their forward line in January, as a Premier League striker with 11 goals might be on the move.

The Premier League’s leading marksman is Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, who is five goals away from reaching 20 for the campaign after 14 matches.

Right behind him is Brentford forward Igor Thiago, who has been in superb form for the Bees, scoring 11 league goals so far.

Tottenham could do with a forward as potent as either one, but at present, they do not have that type of finisher, with their current top scorer Richarlison on five this season.

Tottenham push for Igor Thiago transfer move

Tottenham are said to be looking to strengthen the forward area of their team, and reports have already linked Spurs with Igor Thiago heading into the winter window, as it is claimed that they are eyeing a £30m move for the forward in January.

Following those links, Brentford manager Keith Andrews issued a hands-off message to Tottenham and other interested clubs, making it clear that they do not plan on selling their striker.

A fresh report from CaughtOffside now claims that Thiago is highly likely to leave Brentford this January.

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Spurs, alongside Aston Villa and Newcastle, are believed to be strongly interested after closely scouting Thiago. It is understood that Brentford are now aware that they are likely to receive tempting offers when the window reopens.

Meanwhile, it is claimed that Tottenham will try an initial loan move for Thiago, with the deal then set to become permanent in the summer.

Spurs interest weighed against Thiago’s goal return

Thiago has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, but it is important to note that five of those have come from the spot.

If you remove the penalties, then the Brazilian has only one more non-penalty goal than Richarlison, who sits on five in the league.

That does raise a fair question about whether Thiago is the level needed to truly elevate Tottenham’s front line, given how much of his return has relied on penalties.

Tottenham Hotspur have their sights set on a former Premier League midfielder and are reportedly willing to pay his club’s £52m asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur entered into the 2025/26 campaign with a host of midfield options, but Thomas Frank has struggled to find a partnership which works.

Playing Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha together has drawn criticism, as the duo are not able to drive Spurs forward and help the team play more attacking football.

However, Frank has recently made changes in the centre of the pitch, only to continue failing to record victories.

Tottenham want to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid

Spurs could look to the January transfer window for the solution to their problems in midfield. According to Fichajes, as relayed by Caught Offside, Tottenham are interested in signing Conor Gallagher, a player who was linked with the club before he departed Chelsea.

This report claims Spurs are willing to pay Atletico Madrid’s £52m asking price for the midfielder, but there is no word as of yet if contact has been made with the La Liga side.

Gallagher has made 20 appearances this season, scoring two goals in all competitions. However, he has only been named in Diego Simeone’s starting lineup six times in total.

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Gallagher will want to boost his chances of playing at the World Cup

It seems a move away from the Premier League has hindered Gallagher’s chances of playing for his national team. The 25-year-old was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for England’s World Cup qualifying fixtures in November.

If Gallagher wants to have the opportunity to play at the World Cup next year, he should leave Atletico, and he could find himself as a first-team starter at Spurs.

Danny Murphy has made a controversial claim about one Tottenham Hotspur starter amid recent struggles on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters looked on with fascination when Guglielmo Vicario first joined the club. The Italian shot-stopper played the sweeper-keeper role so well, and many were happy to have signed him over David Raya, who was linked with Spurs before joining Arsenal.

However, Vicario began to display some major weaknesses in his game as time went on. Defending set pieces has been one of the 29-year-old’s biggest issues, which has seen other clubs target him specifically.

Vicario has suffered some particularly low moments this season, especially his recent error, which single-handedly cost Tottenham a goal against Fulham.

Danny Murphy calls on Thomas Frank to drop Guglielmo Vicario at Tottenham

It seems ex-Tottenham man Danny Murphy is not keen on Vicario, because he has told Thomas Frank to drop his first-choice goalkeeper.

Murphy has admitted that Vicario is good at making saves, but there are areas of his game which concern the retired midfielder.

He told talkSPORT: “Very few players have been through their career without having a spell where they’ve had a bit of stick. You’ve got to show some resilience.

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“The fact is with Vicario, it wasn’t one bad game. He’s been bad all season. He’s been poor and a manager should take responsibility. He should have taken him out of the firing line a month ago. He can’t come for a cross. He’s nervous as a kitten with his feet.

“No wonder the fans are edgy with him. He’s a decent shot stopper, but he should be as a goalie. But he should have been pulled out of the firing line six weeks back because he’s been poor, bang average.

“So he’s got to take some responsibility for that, but he shouldn’t have dug the fans out because he’s given himself a big amount to climb.”

Murphy has not been fair to Vicario

Although Murphy has made some good points about Vicario, claiming he has been bad all season is simply not true.

The Italy international has produced some good performances. In fact, it was thanks to him alone that Tottenham got a draw against Monaco in the Champions League.

Since the start of the season, Vicario has 11 performances rated over 7/10 on Fotmob, including a 9.4/10 against Monaco, 8.5 against Copenhagen, and 8.9 against Chelsea.

There are definitely concerns surrounding Vicario and for good reason, but Antonin Kinsky did not play well against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. Spurs do not have strong alternatives and Murphy has neglected to bring this up.