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Tottenham Hotspur could turn to a familiar face in their search for attacking reinforcements, with reports claiming Thomas Frank is eyeing a reunion with a proven Premier League goalscorer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a fair few strikers before the opening of the winter transfer window.

Dusan Vlahovic, Harry Kane, Rayan Viktor and Ivan Toney are a few of the names that have been floated around in the Spurs rumour mill.

Thomas Frank had openly addressed Tottenham’s links with Kane and Ivan Toney, not ruling out the possibility of a move for either one of the two.

Thomas Frank open to Ivan Toney return to the Premier League

Fresh reports from TalkSport now state that Thomas Frank is open to bringing Ivan Toney back to the Premier League.

Toney enjoyed several stints in the English top flight under Thomas Frank with Brentford, scoring 36 goals in 83 top-flight games before securing a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli.

The striker has often claimed that he is happy in the Middle East, and according to TalkSport, it is understood that Al Ahli are reluctant to let their striker leave.

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This is a World Cup season, and it is believed that England boss Thomas Tuchel could overlook Toney in favour of those who play in the top European leagues

With Spurs showing interest, it is claimed that the 29-year-old could very much force a move away from Saudi Arabia, while Al Ahli also maintain interest in Tottenham forward Richarlison, who has been linked with a move away from north London.

Pundit believes Ivan Toney is perfect for Spurs

TalkSport’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook believes the forward is exactly what Spurs need, especially as they have struggled for goals from their attacking players this season.

Discussing Tottenham’s forward options on TalkSport, Crook said: “I think they’re light up front, Tottenham. Obviously, the ongoing injury issues with Dominic Solanke have been a problem for Thomas Frank.

“I was not convinced by Mathys Tel last season – I was not really too sure why Spurs made that move permanent. Kolo Muani at the moment I would probably put in a similar bracket.”

Toney reportedly earns a staggering £400,000-a-week tax-free in Saudi Arabia, following his £40 million transfer, meaning if he were to join Tottenham he would have to take a pay cut, given Spurs’ wage structure.

Crook added, “I keep coming back to Ivan Toney for Tottenham. You look at what he did with Thomas Frank at Brentford.

“I think he would like to come back to the Premier League, obviously financially it might be a difficult deal, but that just looks a perfect fit to me for Spurs either in January or next summer.”

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to strike a major new sponsorship deal as plans take shape following confirmed news about their long-standing partnership with AIA.

It was revealed earlier this week that Tottenham Hotspur’s partnership with front-of-shirt sponsor AIA is set to evolve in the coming years.

Spurs confirmed that from 2027, they will have a new front-of-shirt sponsor, bringing an end to their more than a decade-long partnership with the Asia-based insurance company.

AIA is expected to instead feature on Spurs’ training kits from 2027 to 2032, meaning that a new front-of-shirt sponsor is needed.

Football Insider is now reporting that Tottenham are looking to agree a new front-of-shirt sponsorship deal worth up to £60 million.

No names have been mentioned yet, but it is understood that Spurs are looking to reach an agreement with a new shirt partner in a deal that could be worth between £50–60 million.

It is claimed that while AIA’s downgrade is “surprising”, it was a change that was expected, especially after the departure of Heung-min Son in the recent summer transfer window.

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As a result, the Lilywhites are believed to be working behind the scenes to find a new front-of-shirt partner to replace AIA.

Tottenham fans have since stated that they look forward to having new shirt sponsors, with many hoping for a sponsor without a red logo.

Regardless, AIA have significantly contributed to Spurs’ financial growth, after extending their deal for a further eight years in 2019, taking its total value to £320 million over the lifetime of the partnership.

The Asian insurance giant, which has a market cap of more than £80 billion, remains one of the most recognisable names in Premier League sponsorship.

In terms of the biggest shirt deals in the league, Liverpool could bank more than £100 million a year from their new agreement with Adidas.

Manchester United’s deal with Adidas is worth £90 million annually, while Arsenal rake in around £75 million from the German kit supplier.

Wayne Rooney has scored a selection of new Premier League signings out of five, including one bright Tottenham spark.

A couple of Tottenham Hotspur’s new recruits from the summer transfer window have begun to make their mark in north London.

Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha are among the standout additions who have had an instant impact on things at Tottenham.

Palhinha has anchored the midfield brilliantly, while Kudus has looked a real threat down the right of Tottenham’s attack, adding a new dimension to their forward play.

Wayne Rooney gives Mohammed Kudus a low Tottenham rating

Tottenham, however, are not the only side to have made top signings last summer, with several other Premier League clubs also strengthening their squads.

Wayne Rooney has now handed out ratings to a number of the new arrivals and has given Mohammed Kudus a rather modest score.

When asked to rate a few of the new signings out of five on Amazon Prime Video, Rooney started off by giving Alexander Isak a 2/5, Woltemade a 3/5, Mbeumo a 4/5, Wirtz a 2/5, Gyokeres a 4/5, Tijjani Reijnders a 3/5, Joao Pedro a 3/5, and Mohammed Kudus a 3/5 as well.

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He rated Kudus one lower than Arsenal’s Gyokeres and one above Isak, who has endured a poor season so far.

Kudus has been just as good as Gyokeres

Kudus has been exceptional and the numbers back up his influence at Tottenham, with the winger bringing flair, creativity, and a touch of unpredictability to Spurs’ attacks.

He has not only elevated their wide play but has also improved Tottenham’s set-piece threat with his wicked deliveries, something that was notably lacking last term.

Kudus has managed six goal involvements in 15 appearances this season, while Gyokeres has a similar tally in one game fewer, though one could argue the Arsenal forward plays in a more complete side.

To rate Kudus one behind him feels rather perplexing to say the least, when you take into account the overall play of both players and the impact they have both had on their teams.

Louis Saha has predicted how the Premier League table will look at the end of the season, including Tottenham and Man United.

Tottenham Hotspur hosted Manchester United with the prospect of moving up to second in the Premier League table if all three points were taken from the game.

This was in spite of recent disappointing results, including home defeats to Aston Villa and Chelsea in the past month.

However, Spurs were the victims of a 96th minute goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, meaning the North London club could be considerably lower by the end of the weekend.

Louis Saha predicts where Tottenham will finish in the Premier League

Former Spurs striker Louis Saha has predicted which teams will finish in the top six of the Premier League and he has little faith in his old club.

According to Saha, Tottenham have not been good enough this season and do not have what it takes to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive year.

He told OLGB: “I’m not a big supporter of Arsenal winning it so I don’t know. It’s a tough one. I will say that, yes, when you look at it now, Arsenal are definitely better equipped and they will get better. You could imagine you always have the threat to have a great start of the season and then drop. I don’t see Sunderland being there at the end of the season.

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“You still feel like Chelsea with all those youngsters getting more experience and confidence. Who knows? They could surprise us and have a big run and come second? Who knows.

“You always think Man City, wherever they are, and Liverpool, they will be there. I hope, this is the target, that Man United are going to be there to get into Europe.

“I always feel like when you have those types of players (at Man Utd) and they have not clicked yet, you could maybe imagine that. Title contenders? I don’t think so but that’s the top five and you obviously always have the outsiders and Tottenham Hotspur need to do better.”

Saha’s prediction

Arsenal

Chelsea

Manchester City

Liverpool

Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs must show more innovation

It looked as though Tottenham had snatched a late winner against Manchester United, but regardless of this, it had been quite a poor overall performance.

Spurs showed very little of the attacking intensity which was on display against Copenhagen and a victory would have flattered them.

Their upcoming fixtures are no easier than the ones which have been and gone, so getting more creative has to be an immediate priority.

With both teams having the chance to move 2nd in the Premier League table, Tottenham and Man United were forced to share the points after a wild finish in N17.

In what was a replay of last season’s Europa League final, Manchester United came looking for revenge while Tottenham Hotspur aimed to extend their unbeaten record against the Manchester club.

Following last weekend’s woeful 0-1 defeat at home to Chelsea, Spurs responded midweek with a commanding 4-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

However, this time, Thomas Frank’s side were up against a United team unbeaten in 4 and carrying plenty of confidence.

There were some raised eyebrows before kick-off as Brennan Johnson started on the right with Mohammed Kudus absent from the squad, while Djed Spence replaced Destiny Udogie.

At the same time, Richarlison was deployed on the left despite Wilson Odobert’s strong midweek performance in what looked like Frank’s attempt to replicate Ange Postecoglou’s setup from the Europa League final.

First half: Tottenham 0-1 Man United

The opening stages were flat, with neither side doing much to excite the crowd. Still, Tottenham looked slightly better early on, given they were the first team in the Premier League this season to hold off this Manchester United team from having a shot on target in the first 15 minutes.

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Spurs created the first real moment of danger when Johnson whipped in a teasing cross that begged to be headed home, but Richarlison somehow completely missed it.

There was still very little happening from both sides in the final third until United got the better of the dull start. Pape Sarr didn’t clear a loose ball, and it was worked back in by the United team before Amad Diallo crossed for Bryan Mbeumo, who headed past Guglielmo Vicario.

Tottenham struggled to break into the final third, not helped by the lack of attacking quality that left Xavi Simons, their only creative outlet, carrying the burden on his own. They entered the break trailing by one goal and with no shots on target.

Second half: Tottenham 2-2 Manchester United

Despite Wilson Odobert’s substitution at half-time being almost inevitable, it came as a bit of a surprise as he replaced Kolo Muani, rather than Richarlison.

The French U21 international almost had an immediate impact when he sent in a cross that Cristian Romero managed to flick goalwards, but Senne Lammens managed to keep it out. Moments later, the Belgian goalkeeper produced an even better save to deny Joao Palhinha’s volley.

With the hour mark crossed, Tottenham thought they equalised when Richarlison slipped in Brennan Johnson, who finished into the bottom left corner. However, it was ruled out for the Welshman being offside.

With seven minutes left, Spurs finally found their equaliser through their substitutes. Destiny Udogie, drilled a low ball across the box for Mathys Tel, who turned and hit a deflected shot into the top corner.

United almost got one back when Benjamin Sesko was sent through by Mason Mount, but Van de Ven produced a sensational sliding challenge to deny what looked like a certain goal.

However, the Manchester United forward injured himself in the process, and United were unfortunate to be reduced to ten men as Ruben Amorim had already used all of his substitutions.

The ten-man United side were definitely much easier to beat for Tottenham as they took the lead in stoppage time when Richarlison got the slightest touch to Odobert’s curling effort from the edge of the box.

However, fate thought it wasn’t fair to the Red Devils, so it handed them a last-second equaliser. Matthijs de Ligt headed home from Bruno Fernandes’ corner, with the ball crossing the line before Guglielmo Vicario could palm it back.

FT: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

Spurs Web man of the match: Wilson Odobert

What’s next for Spurs?

Both clubs will be happy and disappointed at the same time; United for the fact that they were in control for 83 minutes but then conceded back-to-back, and Spurs for falling short only in their final defensive act.

Thomas Frank will probably be more concerned about the 2 injuries than the 2 points dropped. While Kolo Muani’s substitution at half-time came as a surprise, Frank confirmed after the game that the French international had taken a knock, and Cristian Romero also had to be taken off late due to a minor issue.

With both these players selected to represent their respective countries in the international break that follows this fixture, Tottenham supporters will want them to be rested.

One can’t help but wonder what this team will look like by the time the international break ends, given Spurs are expecting key returns of Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, and Radu Dragușin, with two important back-to-back fixtures after the break.

Spurs have the North London Derby on 23rd November and then face Champions League title holders Paris Saint-Germain after that.

A pundit back in the Netherlands has delivered a harsh verdict on Tottenham’s Xavi Simons, despite his Man of the Match performance in the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur have yet to see Xavi Simons hit full stride since his move from RB Leipzig.

There have been flashes of promise from the Dutchman in a Tottenham shirt, but those moments have often been overshadowed by inconsistent displays.

The 22-year-old has managed just two assists for Tottenham since his £51 million move and is still searching for his first goal for the club.

For a player of his technical quality, the adaptation to the Premier League has not been as seamless as many had anticipated.

Pundit questions Xavi Simons’ physicality after poor Tottenham display

Simons’ performance against Chelsea was one of his least convincing in a Spurs shirt, as he replaced Lucas Bergvall early in the first half but was withdrawn just after the hour mark.

Pundit Johan Derksen has been particularly critical of the Tottenham man, and he once again took aim at Simons’ criticising his lack of physicality.

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Introducing his comments, Derksen suggested that while Simons possesses technical ability, he lacks the physical edge required to thrive in English football.

He told Vandaag Inside (as relayed by Soccer News): “That Simons, he is physically incompetent. In England, they are all skilled on the ball and can all play football, but you also need physical strength.

“Tijjani Reijnders has that, and so do the guys at Liverpool, but Simons is getting lost in the onslaught. Simply because he is physically incompetent.”

Xavi Simons still adapting to Premier League demands

It is becoming clear that the physical intensity of the Premier League is something Simons is still struggling to come to terms with, as he often fails to ride challenges or hold off contact.

The league is unforgiving, and for a player like Simons, it is proving difficult to adapt despite his natural technical quality and flair in possession.

The Dutchman showed glimpses of his talent in Tottenham’s Champions League tie against Copenhagen, where he registered an assist and picked up the player of the match award.

Tottenham Hotspur have played their final Premier League fixture ahead of another international break, but some players will be back in action sooner than expected.

Tottenham Hotspur ended their pre-international break curse against Leeds United in October securing a 2-1 win at Elland Road.

It looked like Spurs would achieve another victory directly before the November break, but a Matthijs De Ligt header robbed Spurs of the win after a second half comeback.

Tottenham return to competitive action on November 23 for the North London derby, but some players will not have to wait as long to represent their club again.

Spurs will play during the international break

Football London report that Tottenham are set to arrange a friendly at Hotspur Way during the international break next week.

The match will see Radu Dragusin back in a Spurs shirt for the first time in 10 months, with the defender suffering from a long-term ACL injury.

There was some hope that Dominic Solanke would join him in the non-competitive fixture, but Thomas Frank has confirmed he is unlikely to be ready in time.

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Tottenham must come back stronger after the break

It has been a difficult few weeks for Spurs in the Premier League and a trip to Arsenal will arguably be their toughest test yet.

A friendly during the international break could be of some use, but no player participating is likely to feature in the clash of the two rivals from North London.

Frank must use the halt in club football to learn why his team are not consistently performing and come up with a solution, because some recent displays have simply not been good enough.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been asked if Dominic Solanke will be back from injury before the end of the year and he has given an optimistic answer, whilst not giving too much away.

Tottenham Hotspur have been without Dominic Solanke for most of the season. The England striker had fallen behind Richarlison in the pecking order, but he is still a major loss for Spurs.

Thomas Frank does not appear to see any of his centre forward options as a definite starter, with Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel all coming in and out of the team.

This means an opportunity could arise for Solanke when he eventually returns, which Frank hinted could be after the international break.

The Tottenham manager has given another update on Solanke following Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United and he is hopeful that the 28-year-old will be back soon.

According to Frank, Solanke’s road to recovery is going as expected, but the Dane has refused to give a definitive answer on when he will be back in the Tottenham first-team squad.

He was asked by Football London if Solanke would return before the end of the year, to which he responded: “Er, I do hope so. I would say let’s see what happens after the international break.

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“We are still going steps forward. It’s on track so far.”

Another striker option would be welcome at Tottenham

Richarlison found the net against Manchester United with a very good header, but Spurs supporters were critical of his overall performance. Tel was also on the scoresheet, but he still looks to be third choice in his position.

Solanke might not have got the goals expected of him during his first season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he could find his form once he gets going under Frank.

The more available players Spurs have, the better, so it is good news that Solanke’s recovery is going as planned.

Wilson Odobert’s introduction flipped the script entirely for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester United, offering signs that he is slowly starting to find his feet in north London.

Thomas Frank would have been satisfied with his side’s display against Manchester United, particularly the second-half performance where Tottenham played with real intent and attacking purpose.

The first half, though, was poor, with Spurs failing to pose any real threat on the United goal as they managed no shots on target before the break.

In the second half, Frank looked to shake things up and turned to his bench, bringing on Wilson Odobert, and it proved to be a decision that completely changed the game for the Lilywhites.

Wilson Odobert impresses for Tottenham against Manchester United

The Frenchman replaced Kolo Muani and brought life to Spurs’ attack with his direct play and creativity, instantly stretching United’s backline and giving Tottenham a much-needed spark going forward.

The stats do back up that Odobert’s introduction was what sparked Tottenham into life, as data shows he created the most chances(3) in the game and was one of the sharpest players on the pitch.

His willingness to take on defenders saw him complete two take-ons and his composure in possession earned him a 100% pass accuracy, giving Spurs a different dimension in attack – it was clear the tempo shifted once he stepped onto the field.

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Below are Odobert’s standout numbers from his performance at Old Trafford:

Wilson Odobert’s confidence growing after difficult start at Spurs

This is the sort of performance that will do Wilson Odobert a world of good, as his confidence continues to build after what had been a testing start to life at Spurs.

The French winger endured a tough opening spell following his long-term injury layoff, but this season he looks to be finding rhythm and consistency with regular game time under Thomas Frank.

After scoring in midweek and now registering an assist against Manchester United, Odobert has produced two goal contributions in his last two outings, which suggests that his adaptation to English football is finally taking shape.

Thomas Frank has been left impressed by one Tottenham Hotspur attacker after two bright performances this week.

There are, of course, a few positives for Thomas Frank to take from the performance of his Tottenham side in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United, one of them being their fighting spirit to come from a goal down.

The Tottenham substitutes were also a big positive for Frank, with Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Destiny Udogie all coming off the bench to make an impact.

Tel grabbed Spurs’ equaliser after combining with Udogie, while Wilson Odobert provided the assist for Tottenham’s second goal, which gave them a brief lead before it was snatched away right at the end.

Thomas Frank reacts to Wilson Odobert’s display for Tottenham

Wilson Odobert started from the off during Tottenham’s midweek Champions League encounter with Copenhagen, but was benched on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking after the game, Thomas Frank explained his reason for not starting Odobert against the Red Devils, despite the 20-year-old scoring on Tuesday.

He told football.London: “I think we tried to work around what is the best way to attack the opponent in front of us, and at the same time still keep a little bit of flow.

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“But I think we wanted two strikers, Kolo Muani and Richarlison, for the crosses, which we thought was an area where we potentially could hurt United.

“I think it worked perfectly with the first one, where Richarlison got a big chance, so that could have been an unbelievable, fantastic game plan from us. So that was part of it, and we need different personalities and types for different games.”

Thomas Frank gives verdict on Wilson Odobert

Indeed, Odobert was one of the standout performers on the pitch despite playing forty-five minutes and the underlying stats back up his performance.

When asked about the young wide man’s individual display, Frank admitted he was pleased with the his impact and the steady progress he is making since returning from injury.

“Oh, sorry, and Wilson, yeah, sorry. I think, again, he’s positive. I think he’s stepping forward, or stepping up, and doing things that look right.”