Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur are struggling. The latest misadventure under Thomas Frank's wing has only further alienated a desperate fanbase, who voiced their frustrations when Spurs trudged off against Burnley at the weekend with a salvaged point.

Cristan Romero and Micky van de Ven have come up clutch numerous times this year, but it hasn't been enough to prevent a narrative around Tottenham's lowly position in the Premier League, swallowed into a relegation tussle for a second successive year.

Context tells you that while Spurs finished 17th last year, they were never truly in danger of the drop, so wide was the gap between them and the bottom three. Now, it's clear that the north Londoners need to start getting points on the board. West Ham United are 18th but have won twice on the bounce, and that eight-point gap could be slimmed in the coming weeks.

There is not one problem but numerous cruxes for Frank to overcome, but it's clear that Tottenham need more from their frontline, and this is something that needs fixing before the January window shuts in less than a week.

Spurs leading race for Premier League forward

Tottenham need to refresh their attacking ranks - fast. Dominic Solanke has returned from injury and brings with him a strong focal presence. Against Burnley, though, he looked rusty.

Richarlison is out injured, and Randal Kolo Muani has struggled since joining the Lilywhites from Paris Saint-Germain on loan last summer.

While creative problems form central parts of the club's struggles, the strikers need to be offering more, bringing energy and passion and dynamism.

According to Caught Offside, ENIC Group have identified Manchester City star Omar Marmoush as the man to provide an upgrade at number nine.

Alongside Aston Villa, Spurs are leading the race for the Egyptian striker, who has played second fiddle to Erling Haaland this season.

He's only been in Pep Guardiola's squad for one year, but Marmoush will not have envisaged such a sideshow role, and the aforementioned report claims that he is interested in moving somewhere else.

Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are contesting for the 26-year-old's signature, with the latter preparing a €30m (£26m) offer, but the player's preference is to remain in the Premier League.

Why Marmoush would finish Kolo Muani at Spurs

Would it be unfair to say that Kolo Muani looks disinterested in a Tottenham shirt? It wouldn't be unfair to say there have been moments that the Frenchman could have worked harder, chased down a loose ball, taken more time before striking at goal.

It hardly seems likely that he will ply his trade in Tottenham colours next season, thus opening a space for Marmoush to shift into. The Egyptian, after all, was hailed as "one of the best strikers in the world" by content creator and German football expert Fiago.

With Juventus thought to have made contact with PSG regarding a potential loan for Kolo Muani, who impressed in Italy across the second half of last season, the right cogs could fall into place for Spurs to sign an exciting upgrade.

Like Kolo Muani, Marmoush's athleticism lends itself to different positional roles. In this, he would provide a perfect counterpoint to Solanke, who is more fixed as a powerful focal presence.

It could be said that the Man City man shares properties with Kolo Muani, and that he's already proved himself capable of more in the Premier League. Last season, he posted seven goals from 14 starts in the Premier League, missing only three big chances and creating eight chances for his teammates.

That's the kind of breadth that Spurs are lacking from their attacking players. For sure, Kolo Muani has failed to offer that, and his struggles down N17 have been exacerbated by a perceived lack of commitment.

Marmoush, a "superstar", according to Manchester City writer Radu Christian, has the flair to match the tenacity. He is the real deal and worth pursuing, especially when considering Aston Villa have a vested interest themselves, and his signature would only make Unai Emery's side stronger as they look to disrupt the big six hegemony.

Several things need to happen if Marmoush is to play for Tottenham this time next week, but if shown a glimmer of hope, ENIC must pounce. They have to.

It is fair to say that a section of Tottenham Hotspur supporters are not pleased with the direction of travel under new head coach Thomas Frank this season.

Football.london reported that some fans were chanting "sideways and backwards, everywhere we go!" during the 2-2 draw with Burnley last time out. It was also claimed that some supporters used some less than pleasant language to describe the manager's style of play.

Style versus substance is a debate that continues to rage on throughout football fanbases across the globe, but Spurs have neither at the moment.

They are 14th in the Premier League table after 23 matches, ten points off fourth place, and their style of play, clearly, is not going down well with supporters.

The statistics in the table above illustrate how dull Spurs have been to watch at times under Frank, as they are a midtable team, at best, offensively, with a big chunk of their goals coming from set-pieces.

Title-winning manager is a contender to replace Frank

The Lilywhites are, though, reportedly looking at a manager whose style of play would be way better than what the fans have had to sit through this season.

According to a report from Spain, former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez is a strong contender for the Tottenham Hotspur job if it becomes available.

The outlet claims that the board appreciate the Spaniard's coaching pedigree and believe that he has a style of play that would provide them with more control of the ball in matches.

It adds that his experience in Europe and his presence as a leader, having also been a world-class player, are also factors in their interest in him.

The report adds that there are doubts over Frank's long-term future at the club due to the disappointing results and the lack of a clear identity on the pitch, with Xavi identified as a possible replacement for him if they decide to make a change.

Why Spurs must sack Frank to appoint Xavi

Spurs must sack Frank immediately to swoop for Xavi as their next head coach because he is a proven European level manager who has shown that he can mix substance with style.

The Spanish tactician won six trophies in two seasons with Al-Sadd SC before winning two trophies in three seasons with Barcelona, per Transfermarkt, which included winning LaLiga in the 2022/23 campaign.

When the former central midfielder guided the Spanish giants to the league title, the style of football was as exciting as the results were, as his team dominated games and scored tons of goals.

As you can see in the table above, Xavi's team were brilliant at scoring goals from open play and creating high-quality chances on a regular basis, constantly threatening the opposition's goal, without relying on set-pieces.

This shows that he knows how to set up a team to dominate and win games with the ball on the floor in open play, rather than relying on low-quality percentage football from set-pieces and crosses.

The quote from Xavi in the post above came years before he won a league title with Barcelona, and his words held weight in the end as he went on to coach a team to win a league title with the style that he set out to play.

This is why the Spanish boss, who was hailed as a "world-class" manager by journalist Maynard Manyowa, would arrive in North London as a big upgrade on Frank, who has not won a single major trophy in his managerial career, as he has a demonstrable style of play and has achieved success at a huge European club.

Therefore, the board should already be making moves to part ways with Frank so that they can appoint Xavi as their next manager, in an attempt to merge style with substance.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a boost, with one of their transfer targets keen to remain in the Premier League rather than move abroad this month.

It has been a troubling season for Spurs, one in which Thomas Frank has been under immense pressure for his side's consistently poor performances. Richarlison, who is currently injured, is the club's top scorer with eight goals. Dominic Solanke is the club's only other senior, out-and-out number nine and the England international has just recently started to come back from a long spell on the sidelines following ankle surgery.

Elsewhere on the pitch, Tottenham's goals have come predominantly from defensive players, with centre-back partners Micky Van De Ven and Cristian Romero netting seven and six respectively across all competitions. The Lilywhites have won just two of their previous 14 Premier League fixtures and unsurprisingly, have looked to the market for reinforcements.

Midfielder Conor Gallagher was signed earlier this month from Atletico Madrid, as was young left-back Souza, bought from Santos. It appears that Tottenham remain focused on bolstering their attack to some degree ahead of the transfer deadline on the 2nd February.

Marmoush wants to remain in England with Spurs keen

According to reports in Turkey, as per The Express, Omar Marmoush is being pursued by Super Lig giants Fenerbahce. The Egypt international, however, would prefer to remain in the Premier League, with Tottenham holding a "keen" interest in the forward who joined City in the 2025 winter transfer window.

Following his team's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, in which Marmoush opened the scoring, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his forward, saying, as per the BBC: "Last season when he arrived he was unbelievable for two or three months. Without him it would have been impossible to achieve qualification for the Champions League or reach the FA Cup final.

"He is a special player, not old, not young, but has margin to improve and a sense of goal [with] dynamic energy in his runs, which is really good. I see him more as a striker than a proper winger but he is a guy for transition actions. I am so happy for him."

Despite Guardiola's glowing words, the game against Wolves was just the third time this season that Marmoush has started a Premier League game. Rumours about Marmoush's future have circulated this season, particularly after his side's acquisition of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, who is comfortable in any position across the forward line.

Spurs have held an interest in Marmoush for some time and remain keen on the forward, their attack in desperate need of some dynamism. Reportedly, Marmoush would want a loan move, rather than a permanent transfer, and specifically within the Premier League, which could allow Spurs to boost their ranks at minimal cost.

Tottenham Hotspur have received a response after making an approach to sign a new forward, who has been praised by Son Heung-min.

Spurs eyeing new forward after Johnson departure

Tottenham have been relatively busy in the transfer market, bringing in Conor Gallagher and Souza, but they may not be done there, having identified potential targets in a number of different positions.

With Mathys Tel now pushing hard for an exit, after being omitted from the Champions League squad, Spurs have set out to sign a new centre-forward, and there are a number of exciting options.

Signing another central midfielder remains on the agenda, despite the addition of Conor Gallagher, with the Lilywhites tabling an offer for Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, and they are willing to make a £30m offer for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.

Tottenham are clearly willing to back Thomas Frank in the transfer market, despite the manager's poor start to life in north London, with his side sitting 14th in the Premier League following the 2-2 draw against Burnley at the weekend.

Work is being done to strengthen the squad in several areas, but bringing in a new forward may be of key significance, following Brennan Johnson's departure, and Tottenham have submitted an enquiry over a deal for Paris Saint-Germain star Lee Kang-in.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states PSG have told Spurs the South Korean will not be allowed to leave this month, although the forward may assess his options at the end of the season, which suggests a deal could be possible this summer.

There are a number of alternative options on the shortlist, however, with Kenan Yildiz, Rodrygo, Ademola Lookman, Savinho, Christos Tzolis and Maghnes Akliouche also named as potential targets.

"Incredible" Lee Kang-in could flourish at Spurs

The Incheon-born attacker has often featured as a substitute this season, given the number of attacking options Luis Enrique has available, which means he has contributed just two goals and three assists in 21 matches in all competitions.

However, the 24-year-old was more impressive last term, chipping in with 12 goal involvements in 30 Ligue 1 matches, en-route to PSG lifting the title, and he has received praise from Son in the past.

The Tottenham legend said: "Kang-in Lee’s talent is incredible. I believe he could grow even further. We have to help him not to get too much pressure."

The South Korea international clearly has the talent to flourish with more consistent game time, and considering he is extremely versatile, capable of playing in attacking midfield, on both wings and even at centre-forward, he could be an exciting signing for Spurs this summer.

Since Tottenham Hotspur sold club legend Harry Kane to Bayern Munich for a fee of £86.45m in the summer of 2023, the Lilywhites have been on the hunt for their next prolific marksman.

Kane scored at least 17 goals in all nine of his full Premier League seasons with Spurs after coming up through the academy system.

Unfortunately, though, Tottenham's top scoring striker in the 2023/24 campaign was Richarlison with 11 league goals and their most prolific number nine last season was Dominic Solanke with nine top-flight strikes.

This shows that the board have failed to replace Kane in the last two and a half years, which is why they are still in the market to bring in another centre-forward to bolster Thomas Frank's squad.

Spurs in talks to sign Serie A striker

In fact, the Lilywhites are reportedly looking at a new attacker who could arrive in North London as the club's best number nine since Kane moved to Bayern almost three years ago.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Juventus centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic in the upcoming summer transfer window.

His contract with the Italian giants is due to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, which has created a big race to land his services on a free transfer later this year.

The report claims that Premier League sides Spurs and Chelsea have both refused to back away from discussions, as they both remain in ongoing talks with his representatives.

It adds that AC Milan are also keen on keeping him in the Serie A beyond the summer, but Vlahovic is open to a move to England and would be excited by a Premier League switch.

Why Vlahovic would be Tottenham's best striker since Kane

As aforementioned, no Spurs striker has scored more than 11 league goals for the club since Kane joined Bayern, which means that it is not a particularly high bar to become the club's best number nine since the England captain.

Vlahovic, though, is a player who has the quality to take on the mantle, and still would even if the bar was high, because he has been a lethal goalscorer for many years in Italy.

The Serbian star, once hailed as an "absolute monster" in this regard by Italian football expert Carlo Garganese, has only scored six goals so far this season, per Sofascore, but that is because he has been out with an injury since November, which means that he has not had enough time on the pitch to hit double figures quite yet.

However, the 25-year-old marksman scored 14 or more goals in each of his last five full seasons in all competitions for Fiorentina and Juventus combined, and still has time to reach that tally in the second half of the campaign if he can get fit and firing again.

Vlahovic, as shown in the table above, has proven himself to be a prolific scorer in Italy when fit and available to play consistent minutes, which means that Spurs would not be signing a one-season wonder.

Tottenham splashed £65m to sign Solanke from Bournemouth after he scored 21 goals in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, but that was the first season in his career that he had scored more than seven goals in a season outside of the Championship, per Sofascore.

It should not have been a total surprise, though, to see the English striker only score nine Premier League goals in his first season with the Lilywhites, as his prolific form for the Cherries in the previous campaign was an outlier compared to the rest of his career.

Vlahovic, though, has a strong record of scoring plenty of goals year-in-year-out in Italy and Spurs would not just be signing him after one impressive season in front of goal, which shows that they would be bringing in a proven goalscorer, something they have not had since Kane.

At the age of 25, the Juventus marksman would also arrive in North London with plenty of time left ahead of him to be the club's main number nine for many, many, years. He would not be a short-term fix, but rather the eventual successor to Kane up front for Spurs.

That is why the Lilywhites have to push hard to win the race to sign him ahead of Chelsea and Milan on a free transfer in the summer, as he could solve a problem they have been desperate to solve since Kane left the club.

Last week, the surprise news emerged that Tottenham Hotspur were pushing ahead with plans to sign experienced left-back Andrew Robertson.

It would appear as though Spurs' aim this January is to fill the squad with more experience. While Conor Gallagher is no ageing veteran, he's been around for a while now and will no doubt bring a greater set of technical and mental attributes to the dressing room.

Robertson, however, would be very different. He's won the lot at Liverpool and presents himself as a potential future captain at Spurs if he does make the move from Anfield.

That said, as the Lilywhites look to bolster Thomas Frank's squad, another Premier League player is on their radar.

Spurs keeping an eye on Premier League striker

With the arrival of teenage left-back Souza and indeed Gallagher, Spurs have been one of the busiest sides in the winter transfer window to date.

They aren't done there either, with Robertson on their radar and plans to bolster their forward line.

In recent weeks, Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen has been on their radar but he is the subject of interest from a number of clubs, most notably Leeds, who made their first bid a few days ago.

Strand Larsen is not the only Premier League centre-forward in their crosshairs with reports suggesting they are keen on landing wantaway Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The Frenchman has made his desire known that he would like to leave Selhurst Park as soon as possible, with Aston Villa also keen on him before they wrapped up a deal for Tammy Abraham.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are 'interested' in signing Mateta but whether they can get a deal over the line depends on a plethora of factors.

The report notes that Newcastle United are also looking at Mateta, while Spurs' move way well come down to whether Juventus decide to recall fellow Frenchman, Randal Kolo Muani, from his loan spell early.

Previous reports have suggested that the Eagles striker is valued at around £40m this winter by Oliver Glasner and Co.

Why Mateta could be Frank's new Ivan Toney

While the Danish manager has struggled significantly at Spurs, the job he performed across London with Brentford was remarkable. He took them from the Championship and more than established them as Premier League regulars.

During his time with the Bees, he had two men to thank more than others for their rise up the top-flight table. Now at Manchester United, Bryan Mbeumo was a key asset, while Ivan Toney also brought the firepower.

Frank's tenure with Brentford ended with Toney as his leading scorer. Mbeumo came close but the England international came up with the goods on a far more regular basis. He's now out in Saudi Arabia and pushing for a place at this summer's World Cup.

Since moving to Tottenham, the head coach has not had a Toney-like figure to rely on. Dominic Solanke may well have scored against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek, but he has spent almost the entirety of the ongoing campaign out injured.

Richarlison and the aforementioned Kolo Muani have not been able to come up with the goods in his absence.

Thus, if Spurs could seal a deal for Mateta, it would surely end their hunt for goals. The Frenchman does have a tendency to be wasteful. Only Erling Haaland (20) has missed more big chances than Mateta (17) in the English top-flight this term, but he's a Premier League-proven striker, a plug-and-play option who would surely deliver in north London.

Things started slowly for the 28-year-old at Selhurst Park but he's come good now, scoring 36 goals across his last two full seasons.

In 2025/26, he's been solid again, finding the back of the net on ten occasions in all competitions, with eight of those coming across 22 league outings.

Sure, he's not banging them in at an almighty rate but just anyone who can score regular goals would be handy for Spurs right now.

Like Toney, he's thrived at a smaller club in the top-flight and from a stylistic point of view, they share similarities. A nuisance in the final third, they can both hold the ball up expertly, bringing teammates into play and ensuring that their team can get up the pitch without losing possession. It gives Spurs the option to go more route one if they prefer.

Some may well argue that Solanke does a similar job and a different profile is needed but his injury record is becoming more and more problematic.

Therefore, Mateta could be the difference as Frank strives to save his job in north London. Perhaps the French attacker could be the man to lead his team to greater heights, just as Toney did at Brentford.

When in a hole, Spurs can always rely on two players to dig them out of it: centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Make no mistake about it, Tottenham Hotspur's result against Burnley on Saturday, a 2-2 draw, was a terrible one and it means that Thomas Frank's position as manager is now under even greater scrutiny.

That said, amid an injury crisis, it was pleasing from a Lilywhite's point of view that their two most consistent players rose to the occasion again.

Romero is often the pantomime villain but you cannot deny that the Argentine isn't a warrior. He also chips in with some mightily important goals. His last-minute headed winner at Turf Moor did, at least, rescue a point for the visitors but it may be too little too late as far as Frank's future is concerned.

There are, at least, efforts being made off the pitch to improve the squad. Conor Gallagher has arrived and he may not be the only landmark addition as we approach the final week of the window.

The state of play on Spurs' transfers

The arrival of Gallagher will no doubt bolster the midfield but as 2026 gathers momentum, Spurs have other irons in the fire, most notably Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.

He has reportedly been made Tottenham's dream target but is unlikely to move this winter, meaning they will have to wait until the summer window to make their move.

Wharton isn't the only Premier League talent who could be heading in the direction of north London with Liverpool's Andy Robertson in their crosshairs.

Reports a few days ago revealed that Spurs were interested and were pushing to agree a deal before the deadline on Monday 2nd February.

While Arne Slot is reluctant to lose the left-back midway through the season, every player has his price and it would represent an opportunity for Liverpool to recoup funds on a player they are set to lose on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.

According to the Daily Mail, talks are in full flow between all parties with Spurs and Liverpool currently discussing the terms of what could be a £5m package.

It's stated that an outcome will be reached 'in the next few days' over the Scotland international's future at Anfield.

It notes that after the arrival of Gallagher, the Lilywhites are keen to add further experience to the playing squad.

Why Robertson would be a good signing for Spurs

Aged 31 and in the twilight of his career, this might be a signing that, on paper, looks like a strange one.

After all, Spurs have recently signed 19-year-old Souza from Brazil, while they also have Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence who can play in that position.

However, after leaving his homeland, Souza will need a period of time to adapt. Meanwhile, Spence isn't a natural left back and Udogie has spent large periods of this season out injured. Another option in the form of Ben Davies has recently undergone ankle surgery too.

As a result, fast-tracking a move for Robertson certainly makes a lot of sense. The Scot is one of the most decorated full-backs in English football and has won the whole gamut of silverware during his time at Anfield.

A two-time Premier League winner and a Champions League winner, he would bring experience to Frank’s squad that simply isn't there at the moment.

Sure, he's ageing and getting on a bit, but there is no substitute for his experience and he could be game-changing as the club aims to finally get rid of their ‘Spursy’ tag line.

There is nothing Spursy about Robertson. He's a consistent performer and would bring a huge amount of leadership not just to the backline but to the entire squad.

The current captain of his country, the Liverpool full-back would bring vital leadership qualities to the side and could realistically be Spurs’ next skipper in waiting.

Romero is a warrior of a defender at the back for Spurs but it would not be a surprise if the Argentine took his leave before too long. After all, Real Madrid have been linked with the centre-back for a while now and could finally make a move in the summer.

His defending has improved, he's scoring goals and with leadership in abundance, it's easy to see why Real would be interested in bringing him to the Spanish capital this year.

As a result, bringing in Robertson makes greater sense. This is a young squad, one lacking in players who are captain material.

You could pinpoint players like Van de Ven and Gallagher as potential options but that aside, there are not many candidates. In the current Spurs squad, there are only two players - Davies and Joao Palhinha - who are over the age of 30, meaning that Robertson would immediately walk into the team as one of the most experienced heads in the dressing room.

Of course, a £5m move for a player in his 30s is hardly the most awe-inspiring transfer for Spurs to make but given their current predicament, it would be a game-changing one.

Tottenham may even have a future captain lying in wait here.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has been a man under huge pressure over recent weeks, with Saturday’s draw at Burnley undoubtedly cranking up the pressure on his shoulders.

The Dane is currently on a run of one Premier League win in the last five matches, with the Lilywhites firmly languishing in the bottom half of the table.

The 52-year-old was brought into the club with the task of leading them back up the table, after only managing to finish 17th under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou.

However, the 2-2 draw at relegation-threatened Burnley could prove to be his final game in charge of the Lilywhites, with the supporters voicing their discontent at the final whistle.

As a result, numerous managers have been touted with the role in recent weeks, which could lead to the hierarchy appointing one of a number of options in the near future.

European boss now wants the Spurs manager job

Since Frank has become a man under pressure at Spurs, a whole host of managers have been touted with the job, including current Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

The Austrian has been hugely admired behind the scenes in North London over recent years, but no move has ever been made for his services - but that could change.

He announced last week that he would be departing the Eagles at the end of the season, which could make a potential move across the capital somewhat viable.

However, he’s not the only option currently in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with former Barcelona manager Xavi another boss who is rated highly in North London.

According to Football Insider, the Spaniard would be keen on a move to take the reins of the Lilywhites in the coming months, should Frank be handed his marching orders.

The report states that the 45-year-old is looking to get back into management, after being without a job since leaving the LaLiga giants back in the summer of 2024.

It also confirms that the board are impressed by his CV in his managerial career, which could help his case to fill the role, should the Dane be relieved from his duties.

Why Xavi would be Pochettino 2.0 for Spurs

Over the last couple of weeks, former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has once again been touted with a move to return to the club and lead them forward.

The Argentine previously spent five and a half years in the role, subsequently leading them to their first-ever Champions League final back in the 2018/19 campaign.

The 53-year-old has previously fuelled speculation over a return to manage the Lilywhites, after stating that he knows he will return to North London at some point in his career.

However, despite rumours over a possible fairytale return to the club, any move would have to wait until the summer, with Pochettino set to lead the USA national team at the 2026 World Cup.

Given the recent slump in form over recent weeks, it remains to be seen how long the hierarchy given Frank to turn the situation around - but no doubt a change is likely.

They could opt to wait until the summer for a permanent appointment, or look to make an immediate change - which could see Xavi make his mark in the Premier League.

Such a move could allow the Lilywhites to find their next version of Pochettino, with the Spaniard able to take the club to the next level - just as the Argentine did.

Whilst he’s never managed in England’s top-flight before, his stats elsewhere make for excellent reading, which could aid the club in their ambitions of rising up the table in the near future.

Xavi, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by former teammate Andrés Iniesta, achieved a 70% win record for Barca, winning 71 of his 102 matches in charge of the club.

He also achieved a staggering 2.3 points per game record, conceding just 87 times in the process - highlighting his ability to create a well-drilled and defensive outfit - something which the Lilywhites have greatly lacked under Frank.

Xavi also managed to win the LaLiga title back in the 2022/23 campaign, potentially making him the perfect man to instil a winning mentality into the Spurs squad.

It remains unclear how long Frank will be given to turn things around, but it’s evident that the 52-year-old is on borrowed time given his recent form in the Premier League.

However, there’s no denying that other options are being lined up by the board, with the former Barca boss potentially the perfect boss to fill the void in North London.

Many will be demanding the return of Pochettino should the Dane depart, but a fresh start with a new manager could be exactly what the club needs to take them to the next level.

A Tottenham Hotspur star is now pushing harder than ever for a January exit, and his agents are actively working on a move elsewhere.

Frank under major pressure ahead of Borussia Dortmund clash

Thomas Frank is set to take charge of tonight's Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, but the manager is under major pressure, having been booed off by his own fans after the defeat against West Ham United last time out.

Tonight's match could be make or break for the Spurs boss, but the Dane has confirmed he will be very light on options tonight, saying: "We have 11 [outfield] players available and we maybe have three players that need to push massively to get through 90 minutes physically.

"So that’s why we need everyone to support us from minute one. All of us, especially the team, especially the players. Especially if it’s not going too well. We need them to support us, because if we do get that support everything can happen."

With the Lilywhites losing five of their last eight matches in all competitions, there is now growing unrest within the squad, and Micky van de Ven is refusing to sign a new deal while Frank remains in the dugout.

Van de Ven is not the only player who is frustrated, with Fabrizio Romano revealing another first-team star is no longer happy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Mathys Tel is now pushing harder than ever to leave Tottenham, with his entourage actively working on a move elsewhere before the end of the January transfer window.

Despite omitting him from the Champions League squad, Frank is said to be a fan of Tel, and Spurs are determined to keep hold of the £55k-a-week forward, so it remains to be seen whether a move transpires.

Tel right to be angered by latest snub

The decision to make space in the squad for Dominic Solanke makes sense, and Tottenham should be excited by the Englishman's return, given that he contributed a combined 24 goals and assists in all competitions during his debut campaign in north London.

However, Tel's frustration is understandable, given that he has been a regular starter in the Premier League in recent weeks, starting the last three games and scoring in the 3-2 defeat against AFC Bournemouth.

The growing discontent among the squad is likely to be a major concern for the Spurs hierarchy, and if Frank's side lose against Dortmund tonight, they may have no choice but to sack the manager, who has won just 11 of his first 32 games in charge.

Tottenham Hotspur are now making moves to sign a "phenomenal" Champions League player, who is attracting widespread interest from within the Premier League.

Spurs keen on new defender amid Van De Ven uncertainty

Micky van de Ven has been one of Tottenham's most important players this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions, but the centre-back's future in north London is now in doubt, as he is refusing to sign a new contract while Thomas Frank is at the club.

That is according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who said: "He has been one of the few players to show spells of consistency and decent form this season, but Tottenham face losing him if their season is not salvaged as he has been unconvinced by the project."

It remains to be seen how much longer Frank is able to last in the Spurs dugout, with his side in torrid form, winning just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, and the 2-1 defeat against a struggling West Ham United side last time out was a particular low point.

The Lilywhites will no doubt be hoping Van de Ven has a change of heart, should a top manager be brought in to replace the Dane, but amid the uncertainty surrounding the Dutchman's future, new centre-backs are being identified as targets.

Last week, it was revealed Tottenham are now in the race for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, and there has now been a development in their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

According to a report from Tutto Juve (via Sport Witness), Spurs are now making moves to sign Kalulu, who is being targeted for the summer transfer window, rather than January.

Aston Villa and Manchester United have also set their sights on the Juventus star who has been described as a 'big player'. He could cost €30m (£26m), although there are doubts over whether the Italian club will even be willing to sanction a departure.

The north Londoners are set to battle Villa for the Frenchman's signature, however, having been particularly attracted by his versatility, with the defender able to play at both centre-back and right-back.

Kalulu could be "phenomenal" signing for Spurs

Lauded as "phenomenal" by scout Jacek Kulig, the one-time France international has been a key player for Juventus this season, making 28 appearances in all competitions, displaying his quality on the front foot by contributing one goal and four assists.

With Pedro Porro receiving criticism due to his defending, it would make sense to bring in a more defensive right-back this summer, and the Lyon-born ace has played a part in Juventus keeping four clean sheets in their last seven Serie A games, particularly impressing against Sassuolo.

Kalulu, who has made six Champions League appearances this season, could be a solid signing for Tottenham, but their number one priority should be to secure Van de Ven's future, given how important the Netherlands international has been this season.