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Every word Thomas Frank said on transfers, Solanke injury, Romero, Van de Ven and Xavi

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Here is every single word the Tottenham Hotspur head coach said after the 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday night in the Premier League

Thomas Frank was a proud man at his press conference after Tottenham fought back from two goals down to grab a point with a 2-2 draw against Premier League title-chasers Manchester City on Sunday.

A makeshift Spurs team, with midfielders Joao Palhinha and Archie Gray at centre-back and right-back respectively and defender Radu Dragusin making his first start in a year, found themselves a goal down just 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 struck a low shot that took a little touch off Dragusin's toe and arrowed into the far corner.

City netted a second just before the break after Dragusin struck an aimless clearance upfield straight to Rodri. The midfielder played the ball quickly to Bernardo Silva and he poked the ball to winter signing Antoine Semenyo to curl a shot past Guglielmo Vicario.

The hosts did grab a goal back eight minutes into the second half. Xavi Simons hit a lovely 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 and said that Solanke got a touch and credited him with goal.

There was no doubt though about a spectacular second goal for Solanke as he flung a flying heel 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 of the encounter but neither could take them and Spurs took a much-needed point to make it a run of just three defeats in 10 games.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those asking Frank the questions after the game. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Two questions on Dominic Solanke, firstly what did you make of his goals and secondly he said he rolled his ankle, is he ok and is it the same one as before?

That I don't know. The last bit I don't know. But he clearly also struggled to run. So he knew, he struggled to run fitness-wise. We knew before the game again it would be a big push to play 90. He's not there fitness-wise where he should be, because he's been out for so long. And we've been, in a way, a little bit forced to play him.

And I think it's pretty evident that he's relatively important for us. Four goals in four games, with him being on his 70-80% of fitness and top sharpness. But imagine City playing without Haaland for six months. So I think we've been quite hard-hit with injuries. Yeah, in general, but Dom was excellent.

What did you make of his two goals, the first maybe a bit controversial and the second one spectacular?

Yeah, first one, I think there's clear contact from him on it. We want, in general, a higher threshold. I understand it's in the grey area. I think if the Liverpool goal, Ekitike, was in my opinion still, two clear hands in the back of Romeo. So I think it's no grey areas.

Very happy it finally dropped to us, which I think was more than fair. And the second one was something we, of course, trained yesterday, so it went well.

Why did Cristian Romero come off at half-time?

Illness. So we are assessing him. Hopefully he's fine.

Has he been ill before this game, in Frankfurt?

Yeah, he struggled for the Frankfurt game as well and pushed through that with a fantastic captain's performance. And struggled a little bit, but we hope it's nothing.

It felt like the team showed some balls tonight?

Yeah, agree. I think I'm extremely happy that we finally got a point out of a big second half. And it felt like a big point, of course. Because we're playing against the best team in the Premier League in the last seven years, eight years. They're playing to compete for the title.

And I said it before, this team's ability to respond to setbacks and show resilience, I think we are growing it bit by bit. And I think, and now it's game 11 since Nottingham Forest, where I think we are showing more consistency. We are more competitive. It's just going in the right direction.

Not all the results have gone with us. But, for example, I think it's been some good, top performances and mentality against Bournemouth, West Ham and Villa. But we just didn't get at least a point or something out of it. So now we get the point as well. On top of a good performance against Dortmund. More good than bad against Burnley. I know it looks bad because we only get a point. But a game we could and should easily have won with the chances we created. And a big performance against Frankfurt.

So now we are building some of that. And we are, by the way, building it with, I don't know, players dropping left, right and centre to injury. So we're ending a game without three normal centre-backs, two normal full-backs.

We play Archie and Joao in the back four. Dragusin played his first game in 12 months. And Jun'ai is coming on as the right midfielder. I think that shows everything about the team and what they are building. The players, very proud of the players.

The transfer window is open for one more day, will you be active? We are active, no doubt about that. If something happens, let’s see. (Romero) I hope is minor nothing. Micky we hope is back for Man United and Djed is hopefully not too long.

Why can you not play like that for 90 minutes?

I wish I could (clicks fingers) do it like that. Then it would be easy. It’s not. I need to look at the game back. I think we did still some okay things in the first half and just made two mistakes. They punished the first one so hard after 12 minutes which makes things more difficult to come into a football game but what I liked of the second half is we were even more aggressive in the high pressure and finally the 50/50s landed a little bit more for us. It felt like everything landed for them in the first half.

Mid pressure was good so not too much through us and then we played more behind them and hurt them more in that way. How united the fans and the players were second half. That’s what we need to build. The fans helped us massively and pushed us towards a big point and they were fantastic against Dortmund so can we do that more and more consistently together we can create some magic.

Some people might argue that we only see Spurs play front-footed football when they are chasing a game?

I think it’s fair to say that we tried to be front footed in the first half as well but we just didn’t land in all the high pressure situations. We didn’t win them and we were playing against City who are pretty good at keeping the ball. But I think we showed a lot of intention in the first half but just didn’t land on it.

Was that Xavi Simons' best performance in a Spurs shirt?

I think Xavi was exceptional today. He's a very good footballer. But he's probably an even bigger winner and fighter. So the way he fights with the team is exceptional. And how he's part of driving the team forward I think is very impressive.

Do you think that for players like Xavi, it takes a lot of time to get used to the physicality and get up to speed?

Yeah, I think it's fair to say that the Premier League is the best league in the world. It's also the most physical, not only in the duels, but physical in the pace of the game. It's so quick. And to adapt to that takes a little bit of time. And then I think some players, for whatever reason, just adapt a little bit quicker. For whatever reason, if they're coming into a team that's in flow, they may adapt a little bit quicker. There can be a lot of things. And it's humans we're dealing with. The most important thing is their intentions and their work ethic and all that. And then it'll be step by step. And I think Xavi has taken some big steps, especially in recent weeks.

Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke updates after Tottenham injury fears in Man City draw

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After Tottenham Hotspur held Manchester City to a stunning draw at home, Thomas Frank offered an injury update on club captain Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed club captain Cristian Romero was withdrawn at half time because he was battling with illness.

The Argentine was hauled off after the first half and replaced by Pape Matar Sarr in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City. Later on in the contest, Spurs fans were also left nervous by the sight of Dominic Solanke limping off the pitch before full-time, so soon after scoring a brilliant second half brace against Pep Guardiola's side.

However, the ex-Chelsea forward eased any worries by stating he is feeling fine and does not expect to miss any football. With cold water poured over any concerns about the former Bournemouth forward, Spurs fans' attention turned to their skipper.

In his post-match interview, Frank said Romero was feeling under the weather before and during the match. The Dane said: "It was illness. He struggled through the Frankfurt game as well but pushed through that. Struggled a bit tonight but we'll see how he is."

Solanke also carried out his own post match interview, which would have been a welcome sight for Spurs fans. The Englishman said: "Yeah I'll be good, just rolled my ankle a little bit, but I'll be fine."

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Frank will be hugely relieved by Romero and Solanke's conditions. He came into the contest with 11 first team players injured.

He was missing forwards James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison, as well as midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, and defenders Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence.

Spurs' injury crisis meant they had to fill their bench with five academy players who are yet to make their senior debut for the club. However, Frank's side were still able to come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with the Cityzens.

After the first half, Tottenham fans were fearing a hammering when Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo both found the net in the opening 45 minutes. But Solanke breathed life into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with his unusual first goal, before tearing the roof off with his 'Scorpion Kick' equaliser.

However, it does mean Tottenham have gone six Premier League matches without a victory. They have not won domestically since December 28, when they overcame Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park.

Spurs finished fourth in the Champions League group phase but are languishing in 14th place. They are 12 points away from fourth placed Manchester United, who overcame Fulham 3-2 in the earlier kick off this afternoon.

With the injury list and their league position in mind, Frank suggested his side may be active on transfer deadline day. When asked if he expects any transfer business, he said: "We are active no doubt about that.

"If something happens let's see. Some of them we hopefully have Cuti is minor, Micky we hope is back for Man United and Djed we hope won't be too long."

Thomas Frank on Dominic Solanke injury, Romero and Xavi

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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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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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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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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 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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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.