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For their final Champions League group-stage fixture, Tottenham Hotspur face Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, knowing that anything less than a win will further reduce Thomas Frank’s chances of staying on as Spurs boss.

The pressure around Thomas Frank briefly eased after Tottenham’s impressive 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund last week, but it has ramped straight back up following the failure to collect all three points against 19th-placed Burnley.

His sacking looked guaranteed had Cristian Romero not popped up with a last-minute equaliser to make it 2-2, a goal that effectively bought Frank another week in the job. That draw also summed up Tottenham’s domestic struggles, with Spurs having won just two league games in the past three months and sitting 14th in the Premier League.

Europe, somehow, tells a very different story. Tottenham go into the final round sitting fifth in the Champions League table, behind only Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Liverpool. Victory in Frankfurt is a must if Spurs want to secure automatic qualification for the round of 16 and avoid the chaos of the play-offs.

The hosts, meanwhile, are also enduring a miserable campaign. Manager Dino Toppmoller was dismissed less than a fortnight ago, ending a three-year spell in charge.

Frankfurt are winless in any competition for over a month and come into this one on the back of two straight defeats, losing 3-2 to Qarabag in the Champions League before falling 1-3 at home to Hoffenheim at the weekend.

What time does Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur: head-to-head record

The two sides met as recently as last season’s Europa League quarter-final. Tottenham, who went on to lift the trophy, were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg before grinding out a 1-0 win in a hostile Frankfurt atmosphere in the return fixture.

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They also shared a group in the 2022/23 Champions League, with Spurs unbeaten across both meetings on that occasion.

Tottenham team news

Tottenham will be without Ben Davies, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison due to injury. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined and, in any case, are not registered in Spurs’ Champions League squad.

Radu Dragușin, Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel are all fully fit but also unavailable after failing to be registered for the competition.

Joao Palhinha remains a doubt, having not featured in any of Tottenham’s previous three matches, with clarification expected from Thomas Frank closer to kick-off.

Eintracht Frankfurt team news

Eintracht Frankfurt will be without Jonathan Burkardt, Younes Ebnoutalib and Michy Batshuayi for Wednesday night’s clash.

Predicted Tottenham line-up

Tottenham: Vicario; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Gray, Simons; Odobert, Solanke, Kolo Muani

Frankfurt: Kaua; Collins, Koch, Theate; Kristensen; Skhiri, Chaibi, Brown; Doan, Uzun, Kalimuendo-Muinga

Our prediction

Tottenham’s centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will be the ones to watch. Not only have they been Spurs’ most reliable defensive performers, they also look the biggest goal threat at the moment, which says plenty about how blunt Tottenham’s attack has been under Thomas Frank.

Frankfurt sit 33rd out of 36 teams in the Champions League table, with a top-16 finish already out of reach. Pride is all they have left to play for, but a loud home crowd will ensure this is anything but straightforward.

On the other side, Spurs supporters made their feelings clear after the Burnley draw, with chants calling for Frank’s dismissal ringing out from the away end.

Anything less than three points here could see Tottenham slip out of the secure top-eight positions, and that would very likely spell the end of Frank’s tenure. Even a supportive board can only absorb so much pressure before acting.

Roma are now growing in confidence about landing a Tottenham Hotspur star before the January transfer window slams shut.

It emerged a few days ago that Spurs had closed the door on Radu Dragusin’s sale in January and had informed Roma that the player would not be allowed to leave mid-season.

However, over the last few days, reports from Italy have suggested that the Giallorossi are continuing to push for the Tottenham defender, who they identified as their top target.

It has now been revealed that the Serie A club have one thing working in their favour as they try to get the deal over the line.

Why Roma are confident of striking deal with Tottenham over Radu Dragusin

According to a report in Corriere dello Sport, the Italian club’s owner, Ryan Friedkin, has given the green light for the Romanian to be signed.

Roma sporting director Ricky Massara is pushing hard for the deal and is holding conversations with Spurs as well as the player’s camp.

The outlet backs up what we have heard from other sources by stating that Tottenham either want €20m (£17.4) upfront for Dragusin or an obligation to buy of the same value attached to any loan deal.

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Roma are ‘increasingly positive’ of striking a deal with the North London club, mainly because the defender wants to move to the Stadio Olimpico and has already agreed personal terms with the Serie A side.

Dragusin’s desire to join Roma is ‘weighing like a milestone’ in the Italian club’s discussions with Spurs.

Why Dragusin’s move may accelerate over the coming days

Corriere dello Sport say that Dragusin got married in Bucharest on Tuesday, and the Tottenham defender was continuing to hold talks with the Roma sporting director even on his wedding day.

The centre-back is now back in London following his wedding, and so is his agent, and they will hold further exit talks over the coming days.

The publication adds that despite suggestions of RB Leipzig’s interest in Dragusin, Roma have no concerns aboutthe Bundesliga club hijacking the deal.

Roma are continuing to push to land Radu Dragusin from Tottenham Hotspur amidst pressure from their manager.

A week ago, it emerged that Roma and Tottenham were not far apart from agreeing on a deal for Radu Dragusin.

That was after the Tottenham centre-back allegedly agreed personal terms with the Serie A club, but the situation appears to have changed since then.

It emerged over the weekend that Spurs had closed the door on Dragusin’s sale in January and had informed Roma that the player would not be allowed to leave mid-season.

Roma continue to push for Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin

However, a new report in Corriere dello Sport has claimed that the Giallorossi are not giving up on the 23-year-old just yet.

It is revealed that Roma have found out that Mario Hermoso now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury against Torino.

This has made them desperate for a new centre-half, with manager Gian Piero Gasperini making it clear that he wants Dragusin through the door.

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This has even caused tension between Gasperini and sporting director Ricky Massara, who is now pushing to try to agree a deal for the former Genoa man.

There is still confidence in the Italian capital that the Romanian can be signed before the end of the month.

Other clubs also want Dragusin

If reports over the last few days are to be believed, Roma are not the only club circling over the Spurs centre-back.

It has been claimed that Antonio Conte is keen on taking Draugsin to Napoli as the former Tottenham boss eyes defensive reinforcements this month.

Xavi Simons has now opened up on his knock, revealing how determined he is to help his Tottenham teammates navigate a serious injury crisis.

Borussia Dortmund are the next side to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a ground that has been far from a fortress in the Premier League for Tottenham.

In Europe, however, it has been far more imposing, with Spurs boasting a strong home record on the continental stage, having managed a 23-game unbeaten run in Europe.

Last time out, the visitors, Slavia Prague, were thumped 3-0, putting Tottenham in a strong position to push for the automatic qualification places.

Xavi Simons on injury concerns ahead of Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund

Thomas Frank is desperate for a result, with pressure mounting on the Dane following a run of three consecutive defeats that saw Spurs crash out of the FA Cup and slip closer to the relegation places.

Injuries have not helped matters, with Frank confirming that he has just 11 fit first-team players available, far from ideal when facing Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund.

Xavi Simons, who took a knock against West Ham United, has been confirmed as available and has now spoken about his fitness and his willingness to play through pain.

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Speaking to Tottenham channels, the Dutchman first addressed the severity of the knock, saying: “Yeah, it was not a big impact but it is getting better.”

Spurs stretched despite Simons’ commitment as injuries mount

The midfielder also opened up on his willingness to help his teammates despite feeling pains in his leg following the crunching challenge by Bowen last weekend.

Simons added, “I think everyone wants to win, not only the coach, but the players as well, and we want to change this. Especially me, I am a guy who is willing to give everything to win.

“Obviously, if I had really, really, really pain, then I would not play, but it is now a situation that I can handle myself, even though I have a little bit of pain. I want to play the game, I want to help the team and to grow into that.”

Spurs need all the help they can get, and Frank will be hoping his side can dig deep during this period of crisis. The injury list is damning, with Frank’s bench potentially consisting of just two senior outfield players and Kinsky.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a decision regarding Radu Dragusin after the centre-back asked to join AS Roma.

Spurs have already turned down an offer from Roma for Draugsin, but the Serie A club’s interest has not gone away.

It emerged a few days ago that the Tottenham centre-back had put his foot down to demand a move to the Italian club.

That update, which came from Corriere dello Sport, suggested that the Romanian had already agreed personal terms with Roma and that the Serie A club and Spurs were not far apart in their valuation.

Tottenham inform Roma of their Radu Dragusin decision

A new report in Calciomercato.it has now revealed that the Lilywhites have now made a final decision about the 23-year-old’s future.

The Premier League side have not given their approval for Dragusin to complete a move to the Italian capital.

It is revealed that Spurs have ‘closed the door’ on the centre-back’s switch to the Stadio Olimpico during the current transfer window.

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The report claims that Tottenham’s ‘decision is irrevocable’, and the Giallorossi have thus been forced to look at other centre-back options.

Recent injury development may have affected Spurs’ decision

With Kota Takai having been loaned out to Borussia Monchengladbach, it was always unlikely that Tottenham would allow Dragusin to leave without signing another centre-back.

To make matters worse, Ben Davies appears to have suffered a serious injury and could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

It seems like the Lilywhites did not find any suitable centre-back option in January, which is why they decided not to risk leaving themselves short by offloading the Romanian.

Rumoured Tottenham target Oliver Glasner has now confirmed how long he will be staying at Crystal Palace amid exit rumours.

Thomas Frank remains confident that he has the trust of the Tottenham hierarchy, but pressure is mounting on the Dane after defeat to West Ham United.

Fabrizio Romano says things are now tense at Tottenham regarding Frank’s future, while there are reports of the Spurs boss losing some internal support at Hotspur Way.

It has been reported by some sources that the Tottenham hierarchy are big admirers of Oliver Glasner, whose contract at Selhurst Park runs out in the summer.

It was claimed by Fabrizio Romano last month that Spurs are on high alert after Glasner decided to set himself up for a new challenge.

Tottenham target Oliver Glasner confirms he will be leaving Crystal Palace

The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has now revealed that he made the decision a month ago that he will not extend his stay at Selhurst Park.

He confessed that the decision had already been communicated to the Ealges hierarchy, with both parties deciding to go their separate ways after the end of this campaign.

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When asked if he would extend his stay at Palace, Glasner said (via BBC Sport): “A decision has already been taken, months ago. I had a meeting with Steve [Parish] in October, the international break.

“We had a very long talk, and I told him I will not sign a new contract. We agreed at the time that it was best to keep it between us. It’s the best that we could do, and keep it confidential for three months.

“But now it’s important to have clarity, and we had a very busy schedule, so that’s why we didn’t want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace.”

After some tense disagreements amid Marc Guehi’s transfer to Man City, it is said that Palace and Glasner have since called a truce and will remain together for the time being (Guardian).

Spurs are prepared to make a big call to wait for Glasner

With the 51-year-old only becoming available next summer, Tottenham would have to wait for several months to get their top target, but that does not mean they will stick with Frank until then.

Football Insider claimed a couple of days ago that Spurs are open to sacking Frank and appointing an interim manager until Glasner is on the market, even though that would not be their preference.

The same outlet claimed that the Lilywhites could face competition from Man United for the Palace boss in the summer, with the Red Devils having appointed Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the end of the season.

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are operating with a new attitude in the January transfer window and revealed what the club’s objectives are over the next two weeks.

This is Tottenham’s first transfer window of the post-Daniel Levy era, and we have already seen some big changes in the way the club are operating.

Spurs agreed the sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace just days into the transfer window, which marks a big departure from the club’s negotiation strategy under Levy, where they often pushed deals to the final days of the window in the hope of gaining a few extra million.

Tottenham also acted quickly to secure Conor Gallagher from under Aston Villa’s nose, with the deal being signed, sealed and delivered in a matter of just days.

Tottenham’s Conor Gallagher signing shows their new attitude

Miguel Delaney has now said that the Gallagher deal is evidence of how Tottenham have changed how they operate, explaining that they were presented with a chance to hijack the deal and did not hesitate.

The journalist also confirmed what we have heard from other sources over recent days by stating that the Lilywhites are now ready to press ahead with a move for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

Delaney wrote in his Inside Football newsletter for the Independent: “While the Conor Gallagher signing genuinely came out of nowhere – this newsletter reported on Monday that he was heading to Aston Villa, with Spurs reportedly considering passing – it is now being seen as a sign of a new attitude at White Hart Lane. The club was told there was an opportunity and chose to act, effectively gazumping Villa.

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“It may also be the first of several signings, as there is still considerable budget for the summer and Spurs are looking to bring in another attacker. The Independent reported this week that Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche is once again a target, as the club looks to bolster its attack.”

Can Tottenham really make big signings amid Thomas Frank uncertainty?

Thomas Frank has never been under more pressure than he is right now in North London. Even his own Tottenham fans chanted ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after defeat to West Ham.

As a result, Fabrizio Romano reports that things are very tense at Tottenham, and Mauricio Pochettino has even been linked with a potential Spurs return.

Journalist George Sessions is confident that a Ligue 1 attacker could end up at Tottenham Hotspur in the next six months.

Tottenham have bolstered their midfield with the addition of Conor Gallagher, while they have also added to their backline, with Brazilian left-back Souza expected to arrive at N17.

Many fans would expect that signing a winger is next on the club’s agenda, with Spurs allegedly looking at various wide players around the continent.

It has been claimed over recent days that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 star is emerging as Spurs’ top target, and one journalist believes the player will end up at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham expected to win the race for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche

It has been suggested that Spurs are attracted by Maghnes Akliouche’s versatility, and that has now been backed up by journalist George Sessions.

He stated that he expects the France international to be a Tottenham player, either in January or at the end of the season.

Sessions told GiveMeSport’s Market Madness podcast: “I think, probably the one that I feel like it’s going to happen this window or maybe in the summer, it feels like Maghnes Akliouche actually is one to keep an eye on.

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“Spurs were interested in the summer. I mean, Monaco kind of expected him to be sold in the summer. €70million (£60.7million) price tag, I think, put a few clubs off.

“And because they couldn’t sell, they actually sort of struggle to reinvest and boost their squad like they’d hoped. But I think Monaco are ready that he is going to be leaving at some point.

“And although he’s not a left midfielder, he’s somebody that can play on the right, is left-footed, can come inside and play in the 10 as well as the left. He feels like, if Spurs are going to sign anyone this month, that they’re probably going to be looking at someone like that.”

Spurs can sign Akliouche on a discount this month

Sessions asserted that Tottenham do not have any plans to shatter their transfer record during the current transfer window. However, they do not need to do that to land Akliouche, as Monaco’s asking price for the youngster has dropped drastically since the summer.

Sessions added: “[Akliouche] is a really good player, but he’s not going to be €70 million. I think his price is going closer to €50 million (£43.3 million), which is generally where Spurs are doing their business – even though there has been a change and Daniel Levy has left.

Tottenham are one of several Premier League clubs circling a Championship starlet, but he won’t come cheap in January.

Spurs have strengthened their midfield with the addition of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, but the former Chelsea man may not be the only midfielder to arrive through the door at Hotspur Way.

Reports indicate that Tottenham are also exploring the possibility of adding a creative passer to their midfield. However, it remains to be seen whether the club do it this transfer window or put off the pursuit until the summer.

A new report has now revealed that a Championship star, who is continuing to dominate in the English second-tier, has emerged as an option for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham eyeing move for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney

TEAMtalk have now named Tottenham as one of the clubs leading the race for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, who has arguably emerged as the best player in the Championship over the last few years.

The centre midfielder has scored three goals and provided six assists in 26 league appearances this term, and his performances are one of the main reasons Boro are sitting in second place in the table.

The outlet claims that despite signing Gallagher, Tottenham Hotspur are exploring a move for the 23-year-old Championship midfielder as the North Londoners eye making further reinforcements to their squad over the next two weeks.

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However, Boro are reluctant to sell their star man mid-season, particularly given that they are making a promotion push this term.

How much would Spurs have to pay for Hackney?

TEAMtalk say that Tottenham are not the only top-flight side eyeing the former England U21 international, with Man United, Fulham and Everton also keeping an eye on the player’s situation.

Michael Carrick, who has been appointed as United’s interim head coach, is said to be a fan of Hackney and could try to lure the player to Old Trafford.

Boro have put a £30m valuation on the midfielder amidst the growing interest, which would make him the biggest sale in the club’s history. However, the Teessiders do not expect their asking price to be met this month.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will not like what Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor have just advised one of the club’s best players to do.

Spurs fans would have been hoping that last season’s 17th-place finish was an aberration, but that may not prove to be the case, with Tottenham now sitting in 14th place after 22 league matches.

That not only makes it difficult for the Lilywhites to attract world-class players but potentially also raises question marks over the long-term futures of the few world-class players in the squad.

One of those is undoubtedly Micky van de Ven, who is reportedly wanted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Micky van de Ven told to avoid singing new contract with Tottenham

Reports over recent weeks have indicated that Spurs are now prioritising tying down Van de Ven to a new deal.

The Lilywhites are allegedly willing to make the 24-year-old their highest-paid player to convince him to sign on the dotted line.

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However, Gabby Agbonlahor believes the defender should be aiming much higher than Spurs, and urged him to snub the North Londoners’ contract offer.

The former Aston Villa striker told talkSPORT about Van de Ven: “I feel sorry for him in the sense that he deserves to be playing at a bigger club. He won’t stay at Spurs. Don’t sign a new deal there, Van de Ven. You deserve better than Spurs.”

Premier League giants urged to buy Van de Ven from Spurs

Over the last few weeks, some outlets have revealed that Real Madrid are closely watching Van de Ven’s performances, while it has emerged over recent days that the Tottenham man is also on Barcelona’s wishlist.

However, Alan Brazil feels that Man City may be the one to watch for in the race for the Dutchman.

The talkSPORT host said about the centre-back: “For me, he is the one I’d be buying. I bet his agent is driving him mad. I think he could just slot in at Man City”, to which Agbonlahor replied: “100 per cent, straight away.”