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Thomas Frank on Dominic Solanke injury, Romero and Xavi

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Tottenham press conference LIVE - Thomas Frank on Dominic Solanke injury, Romero and Xavi - Football London
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Thomas Frank is holding his press conference after Tottenham battled back to grab a point and a 2-2 draw with Premier League title-chasing Manchester City on Sunday.

Spurs found themselves a goal down 11 minutes into the contest when Yves Bissouma lost the ball in midfield and Erling Haaland picked out Rayan Cherki's run and the Frenchman ran on and fired a low shot that took a little touch off Dragusin's toe and flew into the far corner.

City scored a second just before the break Dragusin struck an aimless kick upfield straight to Rodri. The midfielder played it to Bernardo Silva and he poked the ball to Antoine Semenyo to curl a shot past Vicario.

The hosts did get a controversial goal back eight minutes into the second half. Xavi Simons hit a pass with the outside of his foot into Dominic Solanke's path and and striker cut inside and appeared to kick Marc Guehi's leg into the ball which bounced over the line. A VAR check ruled out an offside and the foul. When the goal was replayed on the big screen, Pep Guardiola pointed up at it and protested, earning himself a yellow card from the referee.

There was no doubt about the second goal for Solanke as he got a flying backheel to Conor Gallagher's cross and looped the ball up and into the net with Gianluigi Donnarumma only able to help it on its way in.

Both sides had chances in the final moments but neither could take them and Spurs took a much-needed point.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those asking the questions after the game. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham player ratings vs Man City - Xavi magical and Solanke brilliant before injury scare

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Tottenham player ratings vs Man City - Xavi magical and Solanke brilliant before injury scare - Football London
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Here are our Tottenham player ratings after their draw with title-chasing Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday evening

A makeshift Tottenham team came from behind to draw 2-2 with Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday and here are our Spurs player ratings from the game.

Thomas Frank made four changes to his Spurs team from the 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night which helped the north London outfit into the Champions League last 16. He lost Kevin Danso to a snapped toe ligament, Djed Spence to a calf problem and Micky van de Ven was not deemed ready to return for the game.

That meant midfielders Archie Gray and Joao Palhinha at right wing-back and centre-back respectively with Radu Dragusin getting his first start in a year in the back three.

Spurs found themselves a goal down 11 minutes into the contest when Yves Bissouma lost the ball in midfield and Erling Haaland picked out Rayan Cherki's run and the Frenchman ran on and fired a low shot that took a little touch off Dragusin's toe and flew into the far corner.

City scored a second just before the break after Dragusin struck an aimless kick upfield straight to Rodri. The midfielder played it to Bernardo Silva and he poked the ball to Antoine Semenyo to curl a shot past Vicario.

The hosts did get a controversial goal back eight minutes into the second half. Xavi Simons hit a pass with the outside of his foot into Dominic Solanke's path and and the striker cut inside and appeared to kick Marc Guehi's leg into the ball which bounced over the line. A VAR check ruled out an offside and the foul. When the goal was replayed on the big screen, Pep Guardiola pointed up at it and protested, earning himself a yellow card from the referee.

There was no doubt about the second goal for Solanke as he got a flying backheel to Conor Gallagher's cross and looped the ball up and into the net with Gianluigi Donnarumma only able to help it on its way in.

Both sides had chances in the final moments but neither could take them and Spurs took a much-needed point.

Here are our Tottenham player ratings:

Guglielmo Vicario

Couldn't get to Cherki's early goal or Semenyo's close range effort, but made a terrific reflex save to deny the Frenchman even if a goal kick was given. Didn't have another save to make. 6

Joao Palhinha

Battled away in defence again and was a real leader in the backline. 8

Cristian Romero

Only played the first half and was chasing City players for most of it. Looked like he was struggling with some talk that he had been feeling under the weather in Frankfurt. 5

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Radu Dragusin

His first start in a year. It looked like it in the first half as he stood off Cherki for too long for his goal and then hit a ball straight to Rodri for City's second goal. Got much better as the game wore on after so long since his last start, was excellent at times up against Haaland in the second half. 6

Archie Gray

Gave absolutely everything to the cause and was limping around the pitch in added time. A blockbuster display down the right. 8

Conor Gallagher

Battled for everything and made Spurs' second goal by winning the ball and whipping in a cross for Solanke to score which knocks him up a mark. 8

Yves Bissouma

Caught in possession for City's first half goal. Had some tidier moments in possession before coming off in the second half. 5

Destiny Udogie

A busy performance down the left and defended well late on. 7

Randal Kolo Muani

A hard-working shift from the Frenchman as he pressed and ran at the City defence. 6

Xavi Simons

Spurs' best player and the game that showed what he can be for this team. Constantly dribbling and probing with the ball and played his part in Tottenham's first goal with an outside of the foot pass to Solanke. Set up Odobert for an effort and had a deflected strike tipped over by Donnarumma. 9

Dominic Solanke

Some nice interplay with Xavi in the first half and then forced Spurs' first goal before a delightful backheeled volley. Did come off after holding his ankle near the end of the game. Tottenham can't afford to lose him again. 8

Subs

Pape Matar Sarr

A really important impact from the bench as he made plenty of important interceptions and runs. 7

Wilson Odobert

A constant threat and should have scored with one shot saved and another blocked in front of goal. 7

Mathys Tel

Came on to a cheer and brought a positive cameo. 6

Jun'ai Byfield

Gary Neville slams Tottenham fans with brutal four-word quip after Man City frustration

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Gary Neville slams Tottenham fans with brutal four-word quip after Man City frustration - Football London
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As Tottenham Hotspur struggled to get themselves up for facing Manchester City at home, Gary Neville let rip at Thomas Frank's struggling players

Gary Neville slated the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as "flat as a pancake" before describing the intensity as a "charity game".

Thomas Frank's side hosted Manchester City a matter of days after securing a fourth placed finish in the Champions League table. Any positive momentum gained from the 2-0 away victory over Eintracht Frankfurt was absent in the first half in north London.

Spurs were insipid in the opening 45 minutes and were punished with goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. During the limp collapse to Pep Guardiola's side, Neville tore into the atmosphere within the £1billion stadium, likening it to a charity match.

He described the noise levels and buzz within the stadium as "flat as a pancake" before mocking the sterile and apathetic feeling around the ground. Comparing the clash against City with Chelsea's dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham United, the ex-Manchester United defender said: "It’s a little bit different than the game last night, Chelsea vs West Ham.

"It’s a little bit like Soccer Aid (this), bring Robbie Williams and Harry Styles on at half time, lift the crowd a little bit!”

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A huge number of Tottenham fans had not returned to their seats by the time the second half whistle was blown. There were huge swathes of empty seats, minutes after the restart. Observing the stadium becoming emptier and emptier, Neville added: "There was a planned walkout at 75 minutes.

"But unless those Tottenham fans are having a couple of drinks, I wouldn't blame them if they were, a lot of them have not come out for the second half. At the top, you can't quite see it, but it's empty at the top as well. It's eery times."

Spurs fans were woken up by Dominic Solanke halving the deficit with a second goal in two games. The ex-Bournemouth forward, who found the net against Frankfurt, dinked the ball over City shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

He then flipped the mood completely by scoring a stunning second goal. After brilliant harrying from Conor Gallagher was followed by an even better cross, Solanke flicked the ball with his heel and diverted the ball over Donnarumma.

It provided a much needed boost to Spurs, who have been struggling domestically. Before the match, Frank had to deal with 11 first team players being absent against the Cityzens.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, Djed Spence and Kevin Danso were all absent for the home clash. Speaking about the injuries, Frank said: "I think it's fair to say that we're hit pretty hard with injuries.

"But it's part of the game. We need to find solutions, others need to step up. Kevin Danso, having hyperextended his big toe, a ligament snapped, because he landed on the foot of an opponent, so extremely unlucky, like a random injury.

"He's got time with a consultant next week, so we don't know exactly the length of it. It's in a big toe, so hopefully not too worrying. Djed a minor calf injury."

Tottenham confirmed team vs Man City - Spence and Danso injuries explained amid four Frank changes

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Tottenham confirmed team vs Man City - Spence and Danso injuries explained amid four Frank changes - Football London
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Here's the Tottenham team that Thomas Frank has selected to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday evening

Thomas Frank has made four changes to his Tottenham team to face Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League from his remaining fit and available players.

Spurs have a treatment room that is full to the brim with injured stars and that has impacted Frank's line-up with new absences for this game. It had been a positive week for Thomas Frank with the 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night which helped the north London outfit end up fourth in the Champions League table and leap into the last 16.

After finding that a 3-4-3 formation gets more out of his players, Frank looks to have gone with that again against Pep Guardiola's team.

The Dane was hoping that Micky van de Ven would be fit enough to return after training on Thursday and Friday but it has not proved to be the case.

Kevin Danso was also limping heavily throughout the win in Frankfurt after an awkward fall following a first half collision with his own captain Cristian Romero.

The means Joao Palhinha plays in the defensive trio again after impressing in Germany, while Radu Dragusin gets his first start in a year.

Souza is on the bench for the first time after his move from Santos. In the midfield, Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma come in with Archie Gray coming in at right wing-back with Djed Spence out.

Dominic Solanke returns to the starting line-up after his late cameo and goal in Germany. Randal Kolo Muani's improved display earns him a start behind the England international with Wilson Odobert coming out.

On the injuries, Frank said: "I think it's fair to say that we're hit pretty hard with injuries, but it's part of the game. We need to find solutions, others need to step up.

"Kevin Danso, having hyperextended his big toe, a ligament snapped, because he landed on the foot of an opponent, so extremely unlucky, like a random injury. He's got time with a consultant next week, so we don't know exactly the length of it. It's in a big toe, so hopefully not too worrying. Djed a minor calf injury."

Here's the team Frank has selected:

Tottenham suffer yet another injury blow as new problem emerges for Man City game

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Tottenham suffer yet another injury blow as new problem emerges for Man City game - Football London
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Tottenham have been handed another fresh injury blow with Djed Spence missing from their squad to face Manchester City. The versatile defender played the full 90 minutes of the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, but is missing from the weekend's squad.

With it likely to be because of an injury, he is set to join Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Pedro Porro, Richarlison and Ben Davies as those to have suffered issues recently.

Kevin Danso is also absent for the visit of Pep Guardiola's side after he was spotted limping for much of the European tie following an early collision with Cristian Romero. Frank has since issued updates on the two players.

Speaking on the two new injury issues, Frank said: "Djed a minor calf injury. I think it's fair to say that we're hit pretty hard with injuries, but it's part of the game. We need to find solutions, others need to step up.

"Kevin Danso, having hyperextended his big toe, a ligament snapped, because he landed on the foot of an opponent, so extremely unlucky, like a random injury. He's got time with a consultant next week, so we don't know exactly the length of it."

Danso's absence has given an opportunity to Radu Dragusin with the Romanian getting minutes for the first time in over a year.

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Further forward, it looks to be a midfield pivot of Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma with Joao Palhinha as part of the back three again. Replacing Spence on the opposite flank to Destiny Udogie looks set to be Archie Gray.

There was some hope that Micky van de Ven would be back after missing the win in Germany, but he is still out.

Frank said on Friday: "Micky is a minor one, it will be touch and go for Sunday. We're hoping, he was on the pitch yesterday, on the pitch today. So, hopeful for that, but it's touch and go."

Wilson Odobert has dropped down to the bench with Dominic Solanke supported by Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons. It could be that Frank has reverted to a back four again but given the success of the back five formation used recently, it is likely to be that again.

City arrive to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with their own injury issues. Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias, Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones are all dealing with problems.

January signings Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo have kept their places in the team with Rayan Cherki preferred to Phil Foden, who is on the bench, but Erling Haaland recalled after Omar Marmoush started last weekend's win over Wolves.

Frank will be concerned about the damage they can all cause but with particular focus on Semenyo considering he openly admitted Spurs tried to sign him from Bournemouth.

He said: "I can promise the Lewis family are super committed and there is no doubt the club is clear, I will break a rule, we wanted to sign Semenyo. That is a big signing with finances and all that. It is aligned and they are the quality players we’re looking for to improve the squad."

The Spurs boss later added on transfers: "The fans just want the best for the club like I do, the owners and everyone in the club. It's fair to say though that the transfer window is not like Football Manager. Maybe it would be more boring if it was with less to talk about."

Tottenham vs Man City LIVE: Updates as Dragusin and Kolo Muani start, Tel and Odobert benched

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Tottenham vs Man City LIVE: Kick-off time, confirmed team news, goal and score updates - Football London
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The big one, and a tough one to predict. Spurs got a good result in the Champions League, but it was a dead rubber, and they’ve really struggled of late in the league. Those fans aren’t happy, and I worry what the atmosphere could be like if they go a goal behind here.

This could be a big weekend for City if Arsenal drop points to Leeds. They had that poor spell at the beginning of January, but I can see them going on a good run of form, Guehi and Semenyo look like brilliant signings. I can see City scoring a few. 3-1.

One to watch - Semenyo looks like he’s been in this side for years and could be such a threat in this one if this turns into an open game on that big pitch.

I think it's fair to say that we're hit pretty hard with injuries, but it's part of the game. We need to find solutions, others need to step up.

Kevin Danso, having hyperextended his big toe, a ligament snapped, because he landed on the foot of an opponent,so extremely unlucky, like a random injury. He's got time with a consultant next week, so we don't know exactly the length of it. It's in a big toe, so hopefully not too worrying. Djed a minor calf injury.

Tottenham predicted team vs Man City - Frank forced into three big changes

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Here's the Tottenham team that we reckon Thomas Frank could select to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday

Thomas Frank must put together a Tottenham team to face Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League from his remaining fit and available players.

Spurs have a treatment room that is full to the brim with injured stars but at least Thomas Frank will have those squad members back who were ineligible to take part in the 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night which helped the north London outfit finish fourth in the Champions League table and leap into the last 16.

However in the Premier League, Tottenham sit 14th in the table and begin a tough run of fixtures first against Pep Guardiola's side, before travelling to Manchester United and then home games against Newcastle and Arsenal.

After finding that a 3-4-3 formation gets more out of his players, Frank is likely to go with that again as City come to town.

The Dane will be hoping that Micky van de Ven is fit enough to come in on the left side of the back three after saying he was training on Thursday and Friday but he will also be wary of losing the Dutchman for a sustained period of time if he comes back in half-fit against Guardiola's attackers.

Kevin Danso was also limping heavily throughout the win in Frankfurt after an awkward fall following a first half collision with his own captain Cristian Romero. It remains to be seen whether whatever that was has settled down or got worse in the days since.

If Frank is light on options then Joao Palhinha could play in the defensive trio again after impressing in Germany, while Radu Dragusin will be hoping for his first start in a year. There is also 17-year-old Jun'ai Byfield, although that's a big first start to be handed to someone so young, while there is also the option to play Destiny Udogie again as a left-sided centre-back and hand a debut to Souza, albeit the Brazilian needs a lot of fitness work after his season ended six weeks ago.

In the midfield Frank can now call upon Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma to come in. Archie Gray was excellent in midweek and could be called upon in the centre of the pitch or in other positions if anyone needs a rest, with Frank light on full-backs in particular. Pape Matar Sarr also completed his first full game in a while and has been a pest to City in the past.

Mathys Tel is a fresh option in the attacking slots while Dominic Solanke is likely to come back into the starting line-up after his late cameo and goal in Germany. Randal Kolo Muani's improved display might earn him a start behind the England international and if so that would Wilson Odobert coming out as Xavi Simons is just too important to Spurs' creativity.

With all of that in mind, here's the team we reckon Frank might select:

Tottenham transfer news: Man Utd battle as star explains brutal rejection

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Tottenham have been linked with Aleksandar Stankovic as they compete with Manchester United, while Lucas Paqueta has turned down interest from Spurs and Chelsea to join Flamengo

Tottenham Hotspur and their top-flight counterparts have just days remaining to complete eleventh-hour transfer business in the January window as clubs rush to bolster their squads.

The deadline arrives at 7pm on Monday with the frenzied pursuit of new signings gathering pace over the weekend. Spurs have already been notably busy during the window, with both incomings and outgoings.

So far, they have completed deals for midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and full-back Souza from Santos. One of the primary targets for Spurs in the closing stages will be trying to land offensive additions.

For Thomas Frank, his attention will be on the weekend's Premier League encounter against Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs host Pep Guardiola's outfit in the 4.30pm fixture on Sunday.

Yet, even while the game takes place, movement is anticipated to persist behind the scenes concerning possible transfers. With all that in mind, below is a look at some of the latest transfer rumours involving Spurs.

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Paqueta snubbed Spurs

Lucas Paqueta has revealed he turned down approaches from Tottenham and Chelsea before returning to Flamengo in his homeland Brazil. Paqueta completed his move to Flamengo from West Ham United on Thursday for £35.8million, becoming the most expensive player ever purchased by a Brazilian club.

Speaking to Flamengo TV, he revealed: "Tottenham called, Chelsea called, and the funny thing is that Tata (his agent) called all excited and said: 'Chelsea's calling, they're gonna make an offer.'

"I replied: 'Okay, but what about Flamengo?' He said: 'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yeah, I don't want to know about that. I want to hear about Flamengo,' and that's how it all turned out."

Man Utd battle

Tottenham and Manchester United are said to be tracking Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic.

Journalist Matteo Moretto has suggested that Spurs and the Red Devils have recently watched the player in action.

However, it's understood that Stankovic's former side Inter Milan are monitoring his development and possess an option to re-sign him in July 2026 for €23m (£19m) or in July 2027 for €25m (£21m).

The 20-year-old is capable of operating as a defensive midfielder or a centre-back. The Serbian has netted seven times in 35 outings so far this campaign.

Thomas Frank makes clear Randal Kolo Muani exit stance and Dominic Solanke claim

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The Tottenham Hotspur boss has been speaking about two of his attacking players and what they can achieve this season and summer

Thomas Frank is confident that Dominic Solanke will fire himself into the England mix and Thomas Tuchel's thoughts in time for the World Cup and has made it clear that Randal Kolo Muani will stay at Tottenham.

The 28-year-old has returned to action after five months spent struggling with a persistent ankle problem and looks to be back in the groove with goals in back-to-back Champions League games. It was the former Bournemouth striker's composed finish in Frankfurt in midweek that sent Spurs into the last 16 of the competition.

As Tottenham prepare to take on Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday with Tuchel no doubt keen to watch the various England internationals on display, Frank believes Solanke, who has three international appearances to his name, should be in his thoughts.

"Of course it’s for Thomas Tuchel and his staff to take that decision in the end. I think that Dom, 100 per cent fit, sharp and performing, should be in the mix," said the Dane. "I don't know how many strikers, clear number nines, England want to bring, but he definitely should be in that mix. All his qualities are there to be selected for that."

Frank maintains he has not set Solanke a goal target for the remainder of the season but believes the forward probably has himself.

"I never do that. I think they do it themselves. I just analyse and try to improve the process every week in terms of training, getting in the right areas, video clips, things like that," said the Spurs boss. "Most strikers, the guys that score the most goals, are inside the 18-yard box scoring from small slide passes, crosses and cut backs and he is very good in those situations."

Tottenham's other goal in the 2-0 win on Wednesday night in Germany was scored by Kolo Muani, who has been linked with a move to Juventus and his loan from PSG to north London ripped up before the window closes. The Frenchman has excelled in the Champions League this season with three goals and two assists in seven matches but is yet to record a single goal involvement in 15 Premier League appearances.

With his injury-ravaged Spurs squad in mind, Frank made it very clear what the future held for the 27-year-old France international when asked if he wanted to keep him.

"Yes. Next question!" said the Dane, who hopes that the clever backheeled goal in Frankfurt against his former employers will kick on Kolo Muani's time at Tottenham.

"I really hope this goal and the performance can give him some confidence to build from. His qualities and abilities, I always liked them. I think he gives us a different dimension. The first action inside the second minute against Frankfurt, where he is bursting through on the left-hand side… that one-v-one ability and pace is frightening.

"His goal is well taken, being in the right position inside the six-yard box on a ball headed back in the mix. Also his ability to go in behind. Hopefully, we’re getting closer and closer.

"Sometimes you need the rhythm. He came with basically no pre-season, got injured, broke his jawbone and then he got a little bit up to pace, we are not being free-floating, all that. Hopefully now we are on the right end of things and he can be better."

One man who can create the chances for both Solanke and Kolo Muani to fire home is Xavi Simons and Frank believes the Dutchman is beginning to adapt to life in N17.

"I think Xavi has been on a positive [trajectory] for a while, but there is no doubt that the pace and the physicality in the Premier League is higher than all the other clubs across Europe," said the Dane. "So, there is a bit of adaptation for him and Kolo, and then again, he has played Champions League two years in a row at Leipzig and in the Bundesliga, it is still something different. I think he is progressing and looking more and more dangerous."

On whether the new 3-4-3 formation has helped the 22-year-old playmaker, Frank added: "Maybe. There are definitely a lot of our players that look to come in the right positions in this formation. So, it is all about that. How can we get them in their best positions for them to perform in the best possible way."

Tottenham host City on Sunday in a game that caused problems for Frank's predecessor Ange Postecoglou two seasons ago when he could not understand why the Spurs fans wanted their own team to lose the encounter to ensure local rivals Arsenal did not win the Premier League title.

Frank does not believe there is likely to be any such conflict of interests for the home supporters this time around.

"First and foremost, I think the fans, for example, the 3,000 that travelled to Frankfurt gave amazing support throughout the game and it was fantastic to be able to go down there at the end and see the happy faces," he said. "I think the fans at home to Dortmund were amazing.

"When we are together and united as a group, players and fans, magic things can happen. So I think it's all about that. I understand there's a long history in the club, so I understand that. That I can't and will not question, we understand that. My focus and the players' focus is we do everything we can to beat City."

Tottenham face a tough run of fixtures now with the City match followed by a trip to Manchester United and then two home games against Newcastle and Arsenal. Frank says he and his players will not be fearful of what lies ahead.

"Of course there’s no fear. There’s never any fear no matter who we play," he said. "There should be and always is respect for the threats that different opponents have. But we’re going in, playing at home, first and foremost against City on Sunday and we are excited and looking forward to it with big belief that we can get a result.

"Football is a strange thing. Sometimes you can play teams where you can say you should be superior to and for whatever reason you're struggling and then you're facing teams that on paper look stronger and it suits you. I believe if we go into every game, we can win it. I believe if we go on Sunday and play against City and win it. That’s the big focus also with the following games."

Tottenham denied dream deadline day transfer after 'direct talks' opened

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Tottenham have just a few days to complete any final transfer business for Thomas Frank with deadline day looming and one move appears firmly off the table

Any hope of a late move for Liverpool star Curtis Jones appears to have ended, as the Reds shut the door on an exit for the homegrown midfielder. Spurs are reported to have approached the Anfield club over the switch earlier in January.

Liverpool have turned down a proposal of a loan from Inter Milan sent on Friday. The Premier League champions have no plans to allow him to leave temporarily if he does not sign a new deal on Merseyside.

Inter were exploring the possibility as they gear up for a possible move for Davide Frattesi to Nottingham Forest. Nevertheless, our sister title, the Liverpool Echo, understands that Liverpool have no intention of sanctioning any departures from Slot's squad this month.

Jones has recorded 29 appearances across all competitions this term, providing one assist. The 25-year-old has proven his versatility this term and has been tasked with moving from central midfield to step in as a right-back on occasion.

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Thomas Frank has not ruled out Tottenham making a loan signing to bolster their squad before the transfer deadline, but it appears it will not be for Jones. The north London side may target greater depth with injuries to Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Richarlison, Pedro Porro and Ben Davies.

The north London club have signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid for £34.6milion and 19-year-old left-back Souza from Santos for £13m so far. Frank has appreciated Spurs' ambition and won't be upset should they not get another deal over the line.

"I said it, the club worked relentlessly to try to do the best they can to improve the squad, especially Johan, Fabio and Vinai and of course all the people behind them," Frank said.

"I mean it, we can't be too obsessed with short-term fix that's not helping on the long term, because if we don't do that, all the hard work we put in now can be limited for the future. And that's not that we (don’t) want badly short-term success as well.

"I can promise that the Lewis family is super committed to this project. They want to do everything, and I would go against my rule, hopefully only once, that there's no doubt it's clear that the club wants to sign Semenyo. They did everything.

"I think that's a clear signal that the Lewis family is very committed. That's a big signing with finances and all that. So it's aligned with that.

"That's the quality players we are looking for to improve the squad. And if we can't find that, then it's definitely better to take the right decision. It's not the same that we're just getting quality players going forward, because we all know it's not that easy.

"And I'm sure if we're not, for whatever reason, able to get another player in, or players in this window, then for the summer, it's a big summer ahead, and I'm sure we'll see big improvements there."