Football FanCast

Tottenham are ready to make a significant move to sign one striker with a very good goalscoring record, coming right after Richarlison's devastating injury blow.

Spurs were dealt a real setback recently with manager Thomas Frank confirming Richarlison will be sidelined for up to seven weeks with a hamstring injury, intensifying pressure to sign attacking reinforcements before the January deadline.

The Brazilian sustained the problem during Tottenham's FA Cup third-round defeat to Aston Villa on January 10, lasting just 31 minutes before being replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.

He'll now be out for nearly two months, as confirmed by Frank on Thursday.

The injury represents a major blow to Spurs' attacking options, with Richarlison having scored eight goals and contributed three assists for Tottenham so far this season in all competitions.

The 28-year-old's absence leaves Frank with limited options ahead of Saturday's crucial London derby against West Ham, with Dominic Solanke only just returning from five months out with an ankle problem.

Richarlison's latest setback comes amid a mounting injury crisis at Tottenham, joining teammates Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohamed Kudus, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski on the sidelines.

The north Londoners have won just one of their last seven games and currently sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

The injury has reportedly forced Tottenham's hand in the transfer market, with multiple reports linking them to attackers. Football.London correspondent Alasdair Gold reports that Spurs are one of several European heavyweights closely monitoring FC Porto's striking sensation Samu Aghehowa, who has netted 19 goals this season.

Turkish outlet Haber Sarikirmizi claims Tottenham are also exploring a potential loan move for Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, with the player 'open' to leaving the Etihad this month (via TEAMtalk) in search of regular football.

Aston Villa have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the 26-year-old.

The urgency for attacking additions has intensified given Tottenham's precarious league position and European ambitions. Aghehowa represents exactly the kind of statement signing that could spur both the squad and the fanbase, offering a different profile to the injury-prone Solanke or the struggling Kolo Muani, who has yet to score a Premier League goal.

There are other options too, like £188,000-per-week Juventus striker Jonathan David.

Tottenham ready to move for Juventus striker Jonathan David

According to Sport Boom, Tottenham and Newcastle are set to make 'substantial inquiries' for David this month, though the Serie A club have made clear they have no intention of selling the Canadian international.

The 26-year-old has attracted significant Premier League interest, with four English clubs tracking his progress. Alongside Spurs and Newcastle, both Wolves and West Ham are keeping tabs on developments, though the north London and Tyneside clubs are pushing hardest.

Juventus have adopted an uncompromising position regarding David's availability.

The Turin outfit considers him integral to their future plans and have refused to entertain discussions about a January departure. Club sources suggest they won't even sit down for talks, hoping their firm stance discourages potential buyers.

Tottenham see David as someone who could provide high-quality competition in attack, addressing their recent struggles in front of goal.

For Newcastle, the striker represents something even more significant — they believe acquiring him would prove crucial to their Champions League aspirations.

The Magpies view David as a 'transformative signing' capable of making a major impact on their season, potentially transforming their attacking options at a critical juncture.

From Juventus' perspective, losing David now without securing a replacement of similar quality would damage their season far more than any transfer fee would benefit them, with Transfermarkt valuing the ex-Lille star at around £30 million.

Unless an English club tables an extraordinary proposal, David appears likely to remain at Juventus until at least summer, leaving both Tottenham and Newcastle facing a frustrating wait for their target.

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge couple of weeks ahead of them, with situations on and off the pitch potentially playing a huge role in Thomas Frank’s tenure in North London.

The Dane has multiple key Premier League fixtures against West Ham United and Burnley, with a crucial Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund in between.

However, if the Lilywhites are to have a better chance in any of the aforementioned outings, the hierarchy may look to back the manager in the transfer market.

Frank has been dealt numerous blows in recent days, with multiple first-team players set to miss key matches after various injury setbacks were confirmed this week.

With the window still open, the board have the chance to bolster the ranks in North London, which has seen numerous players appearing on their shortlist.

Spurs consider bid to sign young English talent

In the last couple of days, Spurs have been just one of multiple Premier League clubs touted with a move to land Monaco’s attacking sensation Maghnes Akliouche.

It’s not the first time Frank’s men have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, after previously trying to sign the 23-year-old during the summer transfer window.

However, he’s once again appeared on their radar this month, with a deal in the region of £43m being touted by various sources over the last couple of days.

He’s not the only young prospect currently in their sights, with Middlesbrough sensation Hayden Hackney another player hugely admired behind the scenes in North London.

According to TEAMtalk, the Lilywhites are exploring a move to land the central midfielder, who is also currently being linked with a transfer to Manchester United.

The report also states that the Championship club don’t want to lose their star man this window, but could be forced to cash in if a bid of £30m was presented.

Why Hackney is a bigger English talent than Gallagher

Despite the need for new additions this January, Spurs have already added Conor Gallagher to their ranks, with the Englishman joining the club from Spanish side Atlético Madrid.

Such a move set the hierarchy back a whopping £34m, after Frank’s men hijacked Aston Villa’s proposed transfer to land the 25-year-old on loan with an option to buy.

The deal will no doubt improve the options at the Dane’s disposal, after Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for around three months after sustaining a hamstring injury.

However, some fans don’t appear fully convinced by the big-money transfer, which could open the door to added investment in such an area before the window slams shut.

Added depth and quality is also craved at the heart of the current squad, which could see the hierarchy pursue a late move for Hackney in the coming weeks.

At just 23, the midfielder has bags of time to develop in the years ahead, potentially becoming a bigger talent than Gallagher and a more important option than the new addition.

However, despite his tender age, the Middlesbrough star has already managed to outperform the £34m addition in multiple key areas, which no doubt showcases his incredible ability with and without the ball.

Hackney, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by Statman Dave, has completed more progressive passes and key passes per 90, subsequently showcasing his incredible ball-playing ability.

The ball-winning ability of Joao Palhinha at the heart of the side has highlighted the need for a ball-player to help complement the Bayern Munich loanee.

The Middlesbrough star’s superb passing ability is further highlighted by his tally of 5.4 passes into the final third and 1.6 passes into the final third per 90.

Such numbers would no doubt help the club create more chances in attacking areas, subsequently solving another issue Frank wants to address this January.

Out of possession, Hackney has also been very impressive, as seen by his tally of 49% tackles won and 5.8 ball recoveries made - with both figures higher than those of Gallagher.

His dominance over the big-money addition is further demonstrated in his higher take-on success rate and higher tally of progressive carries made through the midfield third.

The £30m fee quoted would be another statement of intent from the hierarchy, but it’s a deal that would no doubt hand the side the needed ball-playing option they have lacked.

His stats from the current campaign certainly highlight his dominance over Gallagher in numerous key areas, with the youngster undoubtedly a bigger talent than his compatriot at present.

Tottenham are wrapping up deals quickly in the January transfer window, with another new signing set to join Conor Gallagher imminently.

Spurs active in January transfer window amid injury crisis

Gallagher joined the Lilywhites this week in a £35m deal from Atletico Madrid, with a strong end to the Premier League campaign likely to cement his place in England's World Cup squad.

Thomas Frank has been forced to deal countless injuries throughout the season, and the former Chelsea midfielder is extremely durable - he has never missed a game through injury in his professional career.

Frank reaffirmed the club will not rush into short-term solutions this month despite Richarlison becoming the latest man on the treatment table.

“Richy unfortunately has got a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to seven weeks,” the manager said ahead of Saturday’s visit of West Ham.

“Hey, it is what it is. We are in the market, as I said many times, to see if we can improve the squad, but it needs to be something that will improve the squad short and long term. It needs to be that decision.

“It can’t only be for the next four months. We need to think bigger picture as well, but of course, we know that we are a few offensive players down.”

Sources have confirmed the Lewis family are planning a big summer, and Spurs are set to wrap up a signing for the future in the coming days.

Santos already spending Souza money with star set to join Spurs

Indeed, reports in recent days revealed Spurs have agreed a £13m deal to sign Santos defender Souza, who was pulled from his side's squad ahead of their first match of the season last weekend.

Fans had become concerned by the length of time which has passed since the fee was agreed however, even prompting memories of past failed deals for Brazilian players such as Willian and Leandro Damião.

But the Brazilian press, via Sport Witness, now claim Santos are so certain a deal is done they are already setting about spending the money, using the funds to pay off their debts in an effort to avoid sanctions from FIFA.

The iconic Serie A outfit have been battling relegation and financial problems in recent years, and Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has confirmed Tottenham's transfer fee will be a big help.

“The effort is always to balance the debts. We already paid R$ 130m in transfer bans in 2024, and others were avoided through agreements. Arouca didn’t even agree to talk to Santos, who even sent a representative to Portugal.

“It’s worth remembering that this [João Basso] debt, like all the others (debts) pending at FIFA, is not from our administration, but from previous administrations.”

South American football expert Tim Vickery has already given Spurs fans insight into what to expect from their new left-back, who has already impressed in senior football at just 19 years of age.

"Terrific business, I like it very much," Vickery told talkSPORT. "He's a good left-back, physically strong, skilful, good footballer, can defend can attack."

Tottenham supporters have been handed a transfer update by reliable journalist Alasdair Gold amid links to an "exciting" forward.

Tottenham prioritise new forward after Souza and Gallagher deals

Spurs have already bolstered Thomas Frank's struggling squad with the signings of midfielder Conor Gallagher and left-back Souza, completing deals worth a combined £47 million as the club attempt to revive their disappointing campaign.

The marquee arrival came on Wednesday when Gallagher completed his £34 million move from Atletico Madrid, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract until 2031.

The England international's transfer represents a significant statement of intent from Spurs, who beat Aston Villa to secure his signature after the Midlands side could only offer a loan deal.

Gallagher's return to London comes just 18 months after leaving Chelsea for Spain in a £38 million deal. However, limited opportunities at the Wanda Metropolitano this season prompted the 25-year-old to seek pastures new, with Spurs ramping up their interest after Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for the majority of the season with a hamstring injury.

Frank expressed his delight at landing the energetic midfielder, praising Gallagher's leadership qualities and work rate.

Spurs have also finalised a £13 million deal for Souza, with the 19-year-old Brazilian completing formalities this week.

The teenager caught the eye despite Santos' difficult 2025 campaign, making 29 appearances and ranking in the division's top 10 percent for successful take-ons and carries into the penalty area.

Souza will provide much-needed depth and competition for Destiny Udogie, who has struggled for consistency under Frank. The youngster has also agreed a five-year contract and demonstrated his commitment by forgoing his 25 percent share of economic rights, allowing Santos to receive the full transfer fee.

Both signings reflect Tottenham's determination to back Frank despite intense pressure on the Dane, with the club currently languishing in mid-table following a turbulent season.

Spurs by no means done there, either, with reports suggesting they're prioritising a new forward this month as well.

Many names have been linked in the past week, including the likes of Yan Diomande, Christos Tzolis, Oscar Bobb, Savinho and Omar Marmoush, but Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche is also still reportedly on their radar.

The France international, who was actually superb against Spurs in the Champions League earlier this season, was targeted last summer and the idea of a January deal is still being floated.

Taking to YouTube, Gold shared an update on the prospect of what would be, in his words, a 'surprise' move for Akliouche this month.

"I understand that Monaco are looking at potential replacements for him in case they do lose him either this month or the summer," Gold said.

"From what I understand, he was an alternate option to Xavi Simons in the summer, so it maybe would be a bit of a surprise if they were to then turn to another option when they've signed Xavi.

"But we'll see, we'll see."

Gold then goes on to say that it could be unlikely unless Spurs view him as a right-sided player to fill in for the injured Mohammed Kudus and departed Brennan Johnson.

The journalist talks up Akliouche as an 'exciting' player too, but once Frank has all of his injured attackers back and ready to go, there could be far too many forwards to choose from.

The 23-year-old has predominantly featured on the right this season as opposed to centrally, so if Spurs decide they really do need another option for that side, Akliouche may be the answer.

The Monaco academy product has scored three goals and assisted five others in 23 total appearances this season, and hit double digits for assists last term with 12 in all competitions.

Tottenham have been "making enquiries" to bring in a new Sporting Director after Fabio Paratici left the club this week, and Alasdair Gold has shared a surprising name as a possible candidate.

Spurs making changes on and off the pitch

The Lilywhites are making changes on and off the pitch this month as they look to arrest their current slump under manager Thomas Frank.

The former Brentford boss will be boosted by the arrival of Conor Gallagher, who arrives in a £35m deal from Atletico Madrid.

“I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club.

“I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the Club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch."

Frank has also made an addition to his coaching staff, with former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga, who ironically spent most of his time in England as a player with Everton, joining as First Team Assistant Coach following a horror stint as Ajax manager.

In the boardroom, Co-Sporting Director Paratici has left the club by mutual consent due to a desire to spend more time with his family in Italy, while Carlos Raphael Moersen has joined from the City Football Group as the new Director of Football Operations, a freshly created role.

Johan Lange remains in his role as the other Co-Sporting Director.

Spurs could turn to Edu to replace Paratici

Speaking on his personal YouTube channel, Gold has revealed that Spurs have been "making enquiries" over possible replacements for Paratici behind the scenes, and one possibilty is former Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar.

The Brazilian, who is now in charge of transfers at Nottingham Forest, started as the Gunners' Technical Director before becoming their first ever Sporting Director, and was responsible for several of Arsenal's most expensive signings like Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.

"From what I understand Spurs have been making some enquiries about a replacement for Paratici," Gold said, claiming the role is too broad for just Lange to manage even with the addition of Moersen, following the exits of both Daniel Levy and Paratici.

The reporter named Paul Mitchell as a possible candidate, before stating: "The other one I wonder, might not be someone they turn but you never know.

"I don't think it would be very popular, but I wonder would they look at Edu. Because don't forget (Vinai) Venkatesham and Edu worked as a partnership at that lot down the road, and they started to put them back to where they are now."

While it wouldn't be very popular with the fans in N17 initially, there is no doubting Edu's work alongside the now Spurs CEO played a huge role in restoring Arsenal to their current status as Premier League title favourites, so perhaps he could pull off a similar feat back in North London again.

Tottenham Hotspur are now exploring a move for a "super" midfielder, as they remain keen on improving their options in the engine room, despite the signing of Conor Gallagher.

Spurs looking to sign another midfielder after Gallagher

Tottenham have officially completed the signing of Gallagher, with the central midfielder arriving from Atletico Madrid, and he has now made it clear just how happy he is to have made the move to north London.

The former Chelsea man has a wealth of experience in the Premier League, making 136 appearances across spells with the Blues, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, while he also has 22 England caps to his name.

Thomas Frank will no doubt be hoping Gallagher can help his side to kick on between now and May, having struggled in the first half of the season, with Spurs taking just 27 points from their opening 21 matches.

However, it appears as though ENIC may not be done there, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing Tottenham are now exploring a move for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, as they remain keen on making more additions to the squad before the end of the month.

The Championship club are reluctant to part ways with Hackney mid-way through the season, and they have set a £30m asking price, amid interest from Manchester United, with Michael Carrick said to be an admirer.

Fulham and Everton have also been linked with moves for the midfielder, and Boro are aware they will have to cash-in during the summer, should they fail to win promotion to the Premier League.

"Super" Hackney could be ready for Premier League move

Middlesbrough are faring well in their quest to return to the top flight, currently sitting in second place, and the 23-year-old has been one of their most important players, amassing three goals and six assists in 26 Championship outings.

The Redcar-born midfielder has captained the side since the end of November, showcasing his leadership abilities, and he has received plaudits from Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder, who once said: "We were playing against two very good central midfielders. I’ve watched Hayden Hackney from afar, seeing his career flourish.

"There’s no better teacher for him than Michael, and he’ll enjoy the way Middlesbrough play. He’s a super player, and Morris is a good player in there too."

The Boro star is now very experienced at Championship level, picking up 14 goals and 15 assists in 141 matches, and he may be ready to test himself in the Premier League.

Bringing in a new midfielder shouldn't be a priority for Tottenham, given the recent signing of Gallagher, but Hackney could be an exciting long-term addition to Frank's squad.

Tottenham officially confirmed the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid in a £34m deal, with the 25-year-old penning a five-and-a-half-year contract running until 2031.

The north Londoners moved swiftly to secure Gallagher's signature after Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for the majority of the season with a hamstring injury (Sky Sports).

Spurs hijacked Aston Villa's pursuit of the midfielder, with Villa having wanted an initial loan with an option to buy, while Atletico prioritised a permanent sale (Football Today).

Gallagher flew into London on Tuesday to undergo his medical before the deal was announced on Wednesday evening. The midfielder also expressed his sheer delight at the move, despite his Chelsea connections.

Manager Thomas Frank hailed the signing, describing Gallagher as "a top midfielder" who brings "huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team" (Tottenham Hotspur).

The former Chelsea star made 136 Premier League appearances across spells with West Brom, Crystal Palace and the Blues before his £38m move to Atletico in August 2024.

Gallagher had become a rotational player at Atletico this season, making just 4 La Liga starts despite 50 appearances during his first campaign in Spain.

His return to England dramatically boosts his chances of earning a spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup, which is less than five months away.

With Gallagher now done and dusted, you'd think attention would turn towards solving their glaring need for a new forward, and there have been links to many.

However, TEAMtalk journalist Dean Jones has actually reported that Spurs may not be done bolstering their midfield this year.

Tottenham set sights on 'dream' signing Adam Wharton

Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham are still eyeing an ambitious move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, in a move that would deal a significant blow to Man United's summer plans.

Spurs have made initial enquiries into signing the 22-year-old England international, who has emerged as a "dream" target.

The club are now determining whether pursuing Wharton is a realistic proposition given the fierce competition expected for his signature.

TT suggest that Tottenham are willing to spare no expesce on both transfer fees and wages if they decide to press ahead with the deal.

The move would directly impact United, who have identified Wharton alongside Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson as their three priority midfield targets for revamping their engine room later this year.

The major question facing Tottenham chiefs is whether they can actually win the race for Wharton's services, particularly with multiple elite clubs circling. Liverpool and Real Madrid have been credited with interest, making any potential deal highly competitive.

Wharton has impressed since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most promising young midfielders.

His ability to dictate tempo from deep positions aligns perfectly with what Frank wants to build at Tottenham following the signing of more box-to-box midfielder Gallagher.

Should Thomas Frank fail to present tactical and cultural improvements before the end of the 2025/26 campaign, it seems a given that he will be dismissed from his managerial post at Tottenham Hotspur.

Familiar territory for the Spurs faithful, cold and familiar territory. Frank is bound to feel hard done by following some of the circumstances at N17.

But then there's no question that his reign hasn't been good enough so far, with Spurs 14th in the Premier League and reliant on winning the Champions League to make it a season of silverware.

With ENIC Group active in the January transfer market, Frank has a chance to turn things around, but that doesn't mean a success plan hasn't been put into place.

The managers lined up to replace Thomas Frank

Tottenham's winter transfer plans are being conducted in line with Frank's needs to bring this struggling Spurs side out of their shell. However, the Lewis family are prepared to be adaptable.

Football Insider believe an interim manager could be appointed if the Danish coach is dismissed in the coming weeks or months, but Spanish sources suggest Xabi Alonso is already in the running after recently parting with Real Madrid.

However, there appears to be a preference for Premier League experience, and TEAMtalk believe Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is among the leading candidates for the role.

Iraola, 44, has done fine work on the south coast with the Cherries, shaping them into a secure attacking unit. But he perhaps wants to level up after several successful seasons, especially when you consider that his contract at the Vitality Stadium expires at the end of the current campaign.

Why Andoni Iraola would be a Frank upgrade

Tottenham's home form has left a lot to be desired for quite some time now, and with Frank's lot hosting imperilled West Ham United on Saturday, anything other than an assured victory could prove a tipping point.

Especially since Iraola's Bournemouth beat Spurs with a last-gasp winner last time out in the Premier League. There was a game which the north Londoners could not afford to lose, but they lost all the same, keeping them mired in the bottom half of the standings.

He's instilled the perfect philosophy for a club like Tottenham, and he's been hailed as the "best coach in the Premier League" by journalist James Horncastle besides, an expert man-manager who gets the most out of his attackers. Look at Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo more recently than that.

Moreover, there's a romanticism attached to a potential Spurs bid, with the club potentially repeating their one-time move for Mauricio Pochettino, who wound his way to north London after an excellent start to his career in English management with south coast side Southampton.

Those were the halcyon days. Tottenham failed to win a trophy under the Argentinian, but they were feared as one of the slickest and most stylish English outfits of their time, possession-based and with a focus on pressure and precision.

Both Pochettino and Iraola could be said to have overachieved on England's southern beaches, and given the career that Poch has gone on to have, leading a number of top European teams, ENIC Group might repeat the trick with Iraola.

For sure, the Cherries are imperfect, having snapped a long winless run with a win over Tottenham last time out, but the fact remains that they have punched above their weight class over the past few years, staying afloat even after selling numerous key players from defence last summer.

Even now, they produce impressive creative numbers, far above those of Frank's Tottenham.

This speaks of understanding and receptiveness from the squad, a willingness to put the vision into practice. Sadly, this has not been the case for the Lilywhites this year, and it's becoming clearer and clearer that change is needed.

To Dare Is To Do. Tottenham don't look like they dare to do much at the moment, tentative and afraid and lost in a system that is not working.

But Iraola, with his progressive and attractive brand of football, could be the right man to turn the tide over the coming years.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is dividing the fanbase amid a poor run of form, with a large portion of supporters calling for the Dane to be dismissed.

Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend by Aston Villa, and even though the north Londoners got revenge off the field by hijacking their deal for Conor Gallagher, there's now zero chance of any domestic silverware this term.

Their 2-1 loss to Unai Emery's side was a hammer blow for Frank, who watched his side mount an attempted second-half fight back after going 2-0 down in the first period.

Wilson Odobert's strike just after half-time wasn't enough for the Lilywhites to claw back any result from the third round tie, with all focus now on qualifying for Europe and a respectful run in the Champions League.

It is now far more likely than not Spurs will go trophyless this term after the club were initially expected to kick on from their Europa League triumph under Ange Postecoglou last May.

Frank's side are also a lowly 14th in the Premier League table, having won just three of their last 14 matches across all competitions, so the pressure is well and truly on Spurs' boss to arrest this very concerning slide.

If he can't, then the Lewis family, Vinai Venkatesham and co-sporting director Johan Lange will be making contingency plans behind-the-scenes at the very least — which is normal for any side vastly underperforming.

Exit-bound co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, believe it or not, never wanted Frank in the first place (The Athletic), with the Italian also recently proposing they hire ex-Juventus boss Igor Tudor as an interim boss for the remainder of 2025/2026 (Paul O'Keefe).

This temporary appointment almost certainly wouldn't have gone down well with Spurs fans, but luckily for them, a fresh report from TEAMtalk this week indicates Tudor is nowhere near their thinking.

According to TT's information, Spurs have three potential candidates in mind to replace Frank if he's sacked, and one of them is ex-fan favourite boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Mauricio Pochettino open to taking Tottenham job after World Cup

The Argentine, who guided the club to an unprecedented Champions League final in 2019 with virtually zero financial backing, not to mention a quartet of top four finishes, remains high in Spurs' thinking.

As per TEAMtalk, it is believed that the 'high profile' Pochettino is very much open to replacing Frank at Tottenham, and is 'receptive' to a return, but only after the USA's crunch World Cup campaign on home soil this summer.

A reunion with the 53-year-old would rectify one of ex-chairman Daniel Levy's most controversial decisions in sacking the ex-PSG boss, and it would be a potentially popular choice despite his decision to briefly manage rivals Chelsea.

The tactician's proven Premier League experience, not to mention close ties with Spurs, is undoubtedly a serious pull when it comes to re-appointing Pochettino at the helm.

He's also gained invaluable experience since his surprise N17 exit, including a Ligue 1 title triumph at PSG in 2022, and a decent World Cup run with the USA later this year will only add to his appeal.

Chelsea's owners, in a joint statement back in 2023, hailed Pochettino as a 'world-class coach' with an 'outstanding track record', and it is very hard to argue.

"We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea," they said, via ESPN.

"Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record. We are all looking forward to having him on board."

An "incredible" manager has now emerged as a contender for the Tottenham Hotspur job, amid a fresh update on Thomas Frank's future at N17.

Frank under pressure with results not improving

Tottenham suffered yet another setback at the weekend, being dumped out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage by Aston Villa, and having also struggled in the Premier League, Frank is now under considerable pressure.

Former scout Mick Brown has suggested the Dane may not be able to last too much longer, saying: “I think at some stage, something has got to give because it’s all feeling a bit toxic at Tottenham at the moment, and that’s not what anybody wants.

"Unfortunately for them, although you can see why they did it, I think they made the wrong decision and they might now have to back track on that decision."

With Frank taking just 27 points from 21 Premier League matches, the Lilywhites have now started looking at potential replacements, and it was recently revealed that positive talks have been held with recently-sacked Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.

However, the Spaniard is not the only option on the shortlist, according to a report from Football Insider, which states Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as a contender to replace the Tottenham boss, should he lose his job in the next few weeks.

With Glasner's contract not due to expire until the summer, however, Spurs may have to appoint an interim manager for the remainder of the season, as it is unlikely Palace will be prepared to part ways with the Austrian before then.

The report also drops a new update on Frank's future, revealing the 52-year-old is now on very thin ice, and could lose his job if his side lost at home against West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.

Glasner could be "incredible" Frank replacement

Speaking earlier this season, former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O'Neil, who recently joined Strasbourg, lavished the Palace manager with praise, describing the job he's done at Selhurst Park as "incredible."

Of course, the Salzburg-born tactician led the Eagles to glory in the FA Cup last season, while also winning the Community Shield, the Austrian Second League with LASK, and the Europa League during his time with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Having lifted four trophies, Glasner clearly knows what it takes to win, whereas it has been a torrid first half of the season for Frank.

As such, while it is frustrating Tottenham may have to wait until the season, Glasner has proven he could be a fantastic replacement for Frank.