Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur’s issues under Thomas Frank have been there for all to see, with the recent run of poor form cranking up pressure on the Dane in North London.

The 52-year-old has overseen a run of games which includes just three wins and four losses across all competitions, including the FA Cup, as seen during the weekend.

The Lilywhites crashed out at the first hurdle against fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, subsequently ending yet another chance of claiming a trophy in 2025/26.

Recent results have seen the club slide down England’s top-flight once again, currently sitting in a measly 14th place - just three places better off than last campaign.

However, despite the recent slump in recent weeks, Frank could be handed a chance to save his job, especially should the hierarchy decide to back him in the transfer market.

Spurs want move for English sensation this January

Over the last couple of days, links have started to gain momentum over a potential deal to land Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, but any deal would likely be an expensive one.

The English youngster has become one of the country's hottest prospects over the last few months, as seen by his run of call-ups to Thomas Tuchel’s side.

However, as a result, his price tag has only increased further, with the Eagles set to demand at least £80m, with Manchester United also in the race for the 21-year-old’s signature.

He’s not the Englishman being eyed up by the Lilywhites in this window, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher once again a player on the hierarchy’s radar.

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are now exploring a move for the 25-year-old this month, which could even be a loan deal, with an option to buy in the summer.

Various sources have confirmed that the former Chelsea star could be sold by Diego Simeone if the right offer arrives, which has led to the £26m fee being mooted.

However, TEAMtalk also suggest that Aston Villa are firmly in the race to land the midfielder, which may have forced Frank and Co to leap into action in the pursuit of his signature.

Why Gallagher would be a Lo Celso repeat for Spurs

Signing midfielders from Spain hasn’t been alien to Spurs in recent years, as seen with the £27m permanent deal to land Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis back in 2020.

The Argentine was seen as the man to replace Cristian Eriksen after his transfer to Inter Milan and provide competition for Dele, but it’s safe to say the move didn’t go as planned for both parties.

He racked up 108 appearances for the Lilywhites over a five-year period, which included loan spells to Villarreal after falling down the pecking order in North London.

Lo Celso was unable to provide the goods, like Dele did in the Premier League, with the Englishman often being the club’s shining lights in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

The attacking midfielder, who joined from MK Dons for just £5m in 2015, racked up 269 first-team appearances in the capital, subsequently scoring 67 times and laying on 59 appearances for his teammates.

As for the Argentine, he could only notch 10 goals and eight assists during his own time with the Lilywhites, which also led to numerous debates about his best position.

He would often feature in a number ten role, or even occasionally dropping slightly deeper as a number eight in an attempt to get the best out of his skillset in North London.

However, a deal for Gallagher could also present a similar predicament for Frank, with the manager needing to alter his midfield trio, should any move for the Atlético star be completed.

In 2025/26, the Dane has often operated with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur as two deep-lying options, with the likes of Xavi Simons featuring in a number ten position.

The aforementioned duo have often come under fire for their lack of creativity at the heart of the side, which could aid the manager in making a shift to a more progressive system.

Gallagher’s potential arrival could see Frank operate with a more box-to-box option, a role which the Englishman thrives in, as seen by his tally of eight goals in such a role on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021/22.

However, in the present day, he’s been just as impressive in such a role in LaLiga, with his underlying stats showcasing his quality at both ends of the pitch.

The 25-year-old has thrived in possession this campaign, as seen by his tallies of 92% passes completed, with 4.1 of his efforts per 90 going into the final third.

Such numbers would finally hand the Spurs squad the ball-playing option they’ve lacked at the heart of the side, which in turn could make them a more attacking threat.

However, out of possession is where the former Chelsea star has made a name for himself, as seen by his remarkable tally of 3.4 tackles won per 90 in 2025/26.

His tenacious playstyle with and without the ball has led to huge praise in recent times, with journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke dubbing the former Chelsea star as a “Poch-era Dele Alli”.

Such praise is a huge compliment to the Atletico star, especially considering the levels produced by his compatriot during his time in North London under Mauricio Pochettino.

Very few players have struggled to reach the same level in North London since, as seen with Lo Celso, with the Argentine another victim of the club’s struggles in recent seasons.

However, a move for Gallagher could put an end to such a streak, but it’s crucial that Frank adapts his current plans with the Lilywhites if he’s to get the best out of the £26m.

He’s constantly showcased in his career that he’s at his best when given the license to make an impact at both ends of the pitch, something which is currently lacking at the heart of the first-team.

If the midfielder does make the move to the Lilywhites during the current window without a guaranteed box-to-box role, it would be a surprise to no one if he emulated Lo Celso in failing to impress at Spurs.

For Tottenham Hotspur they will have been hoping for a seamless January. Thomas Frank would steer his side out of trouble, they'd go injury free and perhaps even sign a few players.

Well, it's been a nightmare start to 2026 for the Lilywhites. Frank's side are out of the FA Cup and have now only won one of their last seven games in all competitions.

The timing of Brennan Johnson's departure to Crystal Palace could not have been much worse either. While the Dane has defended the club's decision to cash in on the winger, they could have done with him now with Mohammed Kudus ruled out until April with a quad injury.

What that does mean, however, is that there is likely to be some excitement in the transfer window as Spurs hunt for replacements.

How the winter window is shaping up for Spurs

With Johnson gone and Kudus on the treatment table, a replacement is desired. They are reportedly keen on RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande but with an asking price soaring to around £100m, that one feels unlikely.

West Ham's Jarrod Bowen is another on their radar but his asking price, even if the Irons get relegated, would be a sizeable one.

As a result, the recruitment chiefs at Spurs may have to source cheaper alternatives. As it happens, their first move of the year is set to be a bargain addition to Frank's squad.

The name on the lips of supporters in recent days has been Brazilian full-back Souza. Last week it was revealed that Spurs had agreed a deal to sign the teenager from Santos in his homeland for a fee of around £13m.

Well, the move has now entered its final stages with reporter Ben Jacobs taking to social media late on Sunday night to reveal that the player is now heading to north London.

Jacobs said: "Souza will fly to England on Monday to complete his €15m move to Spurs. Five-year contract agreed."

While this isn't a move that will set the world alight initially, Spurs have been here before when it comes to making top-quality additions on the cheap. Dele Alli remains the best example.

In the last few years Tottenham have made impressive efforts to build for the future. While the managerial merry-go-round may hamper things behind the scenes, on the field there are a number of top drawer young talents making a name for themselves.

In the middle of the park Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall look like they could become Premier League mainstays. Both 19 years of age, they are two of the finest teen talents to don the Spurs jersey since they headed to their new stadium.

Elsewhere, you have some impressive talent brewing in the academy with Luca Williams-Barnett earning rave reviews. He even earned his first-team debut at the age of just 16 a few months ago.

Those players, and indeed Souza, are all hoping to follow Dele's path to success. Souza, in particular, feels like the one who could best replicate those accomplishments.

Back in 2015, a young Dele moved from MK Dons to Spurs in a deal worth just £5m. At the time he was just 18-year-old and having arrived in January, was sent back on loan to the EFL side to further his development.

It's safe to say he didn't look back, playing 269 times in Spurs colours, famously scoring as many as 22 goals in all competitions throughout the 2016/17 campaign.

Signed for a very modest fee, Dele wasted no time becoming one of the best young players in the country. That was until it all fell away. We know how things ended there, it's a sad tale.

Yet, at his peak, the attacking midfielder was one of the most exciting players in English football. Considering Spurs only parted company with £5m, it feels like MK Dons were made to look rather foolish.

Well, given his potential, Souza could be set to make his price tag look like a bargain, just as Dele did.

Just 19 years of age, the Brazilian sensation is a similar age to Dele when he first moved to Spurs, only he doesn't have any experience of English football just yet. What he does have, though, is quality in abundance.

Speaking about the Brazilian gem, South American football expert Tim Vickery said last week on talkSPORT: "It's terrific business. I like him very much. He's a good left-back. Physically strong, skilful, a good footballer. He can defend, he can attack.

"He's come through his first season which has been really difficult because Santos were fighting against relegation and it's a tough ask at Santos, because you've got all of that history and tradition of Pele but it's a club that represents a relatively small city in Brazil. They're really up against it but you've got all the demands, so it's a tough support base to play in front of and he's done really, really well."

So, like Dele once upon a time, it would appear that Souza is already ready to make an impact at first-team level.

To thrive in the Premier League, you need an abundance of qualities, notably physical strength. To play as a full-back or wing-back in England, you also need to be tactically astute, a player who can rampage forward and progress play.

Souza may be different in position to the former MK Dons star, but they share a likeminded ability to want to get the ball forward as quickly as possible. Also both signed for bargain fees and ready to take the Premier League by storm, there are plenty of reasons for Spurs to be excited about this one.

They have acquired several young talents since a wide-eyed Dele made his move 11 years ago but Souza looks like one of the finest since. After all, as the aforementioned Vickery put it, "he's on Ancelotti's radar as a left-back for Brazil" and you don't get earmarked for the Selecao at that age without being a mighty fine player.

Thomas Frank is a man under pressure at Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have won just one of their last seven games and they are now out of the FA Cup.

Let's be honest, it's looking like another trophyless season for the Lilywhites. The odds of them winning the Champions League are pretty non-existent.

Combine that plight with their wretched injury record this term and it only makes things worse. Frank has been without record signing Dominic Solanke for essentially the whole campaign while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain long-term absentees.

Summer signing Mohammed Kudus has now joined them on the treatment table and as Spurs enter the January window, they will need to source a replacement for the stricken Ghanaian.

Spurs submit bid to sign Kudus replacement

Kudus was forced off in the first half of Spurs' clash with Sunderland and sadly that is the last we'll see of him for a few months.

Suffering an injury to his quad, Frank confirmed that we won't see the former West Ham United man until after the end of the March international break. Considering that break falls right at the end of the month, he won't be back in action until April.

Considering the north Londoners had only just sold Brennan Johnson, the timing couldn't really be much worse.

That said, the recruitment team at Spurs have sprung into action and according to reports in Spain, have made their move to sign a replacement.

Indeed, one source suggests that with Spurs looking for an 'immediate boost in quality', they have identified Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz as a 'top target'.

Spurs have such a big interest in the player that they have already submitted a bid to the tune of €60m (£52m) to prise him away from the Spanish capital.

The Lilywhites are said to be confident that by offering him a 'leading role' in the team, it will entice him into leaving the Bernabeu for north London.

Why Diaz would be a cracking replacement for Kudus

It's a long time now since Diaz was on the books of Manchester City. Spanish-born but now a Moroccan international, the 26-year-old featured on 15 occasions for the Citizens, scoring twice.

He left Manchester behind and now finds himself playing for the greatest club side in the land, Real Madrid. You're not a bad player if you're earning regular game time for Xabi Alonso's charges.

Diaz may have only scored once across 18 matches this term but that does not paint the full picture of his qualities. After all, he has only actually started three times in LaLiga throughout 2025/26.

Last season, the winger scored six times and supplied eight assists. Sure, they're not jaw-dropping numbers but it's a fairer reflection of what he can offer. Consider that he only actually started 23 times across all competitions and that set of statistics are certainly more impressive.

So, why is he the perfect replacement for the injured Kudus? Well, like the Ghana star, he's not just a winger but he's an attacking midfielder too. Right-footed, he is slightly different to Kudus, but they're both equal parts creative and capable of finding the net.

A closer look at their numbers from 2024/25 helps substantiate that claim.

Evidently, Kudus is a trickier dribbler of the ball and far more likely to take on an opponent. Yet, Diaz looks like more of a complete package.

From limited minutes, he actually scored more goals per 90 minutes than Kudus last term and was a better chance creator, supplying his teammates with more key passes and progressive passes.

Hailed as an "astonishing" talent by Italian football expert Mina Rzouki during a loan spell with Milan, she also stated that Diaz "breaks the lines insanely well and his work in tight spaces." That sounds rather like Kudus, doesn't it?

What Spurs need at the moment is someone capable of creating goalscoring opportunities. Maddison, Kulusevski and Kudus are all out so Diaz ticks a lot of boxes for Frank and Co.

This would certainly be an astute signing from the recruitment chiefs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur are now racing Liverpool and a whole host of other Premier League clubs for the signature of a former Real Madrid player.

Spurs eyeing new signings amid Frank uncertainty

After a difficult Premier League campaign thus far, the FA Cup may have been a welcome distraction for Thomas Frank, but his side were knocked out at the third round stage, falling to a 2-1 home defeat against Aston Villa.

Journalist Martin Lipton has since suggested the writing could be on the wall for the Tottenham boss, saying: "Thomas Frank’s lifeline at Tottenham is getting shorter and shorter. You can’t see it lasting too much longer.

"This is a club that feels dysfunctional, feels lost. It doesn’t look as though the Dane will be sacked this week, but in truth, it looks and feels like nothing more than a matter of time."

With Spurs winning just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, it remains to be seen how much longer Frank can last in the job, but the blame can't be solely placed at the manager's door, and with the north Londoners 14th in the table, some new recruits may be needed.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are now racing Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Brighton and Crystal Palace for the signature of Como defender Jacobo Ramon, but former club Real Madrid have a major say on his future.

The Spanish club have the option to buy Ramon back for a fee of just €8m (£7m), which means they could choose to re-sign the centre-back before selling him on for a higher fee in the future.

At the moment, the 21-year-old's value is estimated to be €18m (£16m), but a deal could end up being considerably more expensive, amid widespread interest.

"Complete" Ramon has shades of Van Dijk

Scout Jacek Kulig has taken to X to praise the youngster, describing him as a "complete" and "dominant" defender, while also likening him to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

Since arriving at Como, the Spaniard has established himself as a key player, scoring two goals in 16 Serie A appearances this season, and he has showcased his strong defensive attributes on a regular basis over the course of the past year.

As such, there are clear signs the Como star could soon be ready to make the step-up to a top club, and he could be a fantastic long-term addition to the Tottenham squad.

Pressure is mounting on Thomas Frank after another dismal loss, with Tottenham now reportedly moving for a Real Madrid star who could potentially help to rescue his job.

Tottenham crash out of FA Cup as pressure mounts on Frank

Frank edges ever closer to the sack after Tottenham crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

The loss represents the latest disaster in what has become a nightmare reign for the Danish manager, with Spurs now winning just three of their past 14 matches across all competitions.

Villa dominated the opening period at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, taking control through Emiliano Buendia's 22nd-minute strike. The Argentine fired into the roof of the net after John McGinn and Donyell Malen carved through Tottenham's defence with quick passing.

Morgan Rogers doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time, bending his finish into the corner after Buendia turned provider.

Tottenham supporters greeted the half-time whistle with loud boos while Villa fans taunted Frank with chants of "sacked in the morning" and mocked him as "an Arsenal fan" following his infamous cup blunder earlier in the week.

For context, the beleaguered boss had embarrassed himself before Wednesday's Bournemouth defeat when he drank from a cup bearing the Arsenal logo.

Spurs showed improvement after the break when Wilson Odobert reduced the deficit in the 54th minute. Randal Kolo Muani won possession in midfield before feeding the winger, who drilled low into the far corner from 12 yards.

Xavi Simons also struck the post as momentum briefly shifted, while Kolo Muani forced a save from Marco Bizot.

However, Villa held firm despite sustained late pressure to secure their spot in the fourth round. The visitors have now beaten Tottenham twice this season and knocked them out of the cup for the second consecutive year.

The final whistle sparked ugly scenes as both sets of players became embroiled in a mass confrontation on the pitch. Rogers and Ollie Watkins clashed with Joao Palhinha, with substitutes, coaching staff and stewards all dragged into the altercation before order was restored.

Frank now sits 14th in the Premier League with his position appearing untenable. His side face relegation-threatened West Ham at home next weekend in what could prove a make-or-break fixture for his future in north London.

As the Lilywhites boss fields complaints from the fanbase, off the pitch, Spurs are reportedly working to strengthen his severely weakened squad.

They've just sealed a deal for Santos left-back Souza after their second bid was accepted earlier this week, but Frank quite simply needs attacking options.

Brennan Johnson departed for Palace in a £35 million deal, while Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain out through injury — leaving Frank with precious few attackers to choose from.

Tottenham make £52m bid for Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz

According to reports from Spain, Tottenham have now tabled a £52 million bid for Real Madrid attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz as Frank desperately seeks reinforcements following their FA Cup exit.

The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the standout performers at the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco. His impressive displays in the tournament have caught the attention of several top European clubs, with Spurs now making their move.

Frank and co view the Spanish-born playmaker as the 'perfect fit' to revitalise his struggling attack, with the north Londoners apparently moving in with an offer.

Diaz has found opportunities limited at the Bernabeu despite his technical quality and versatility across the front line, but his ability to operate as a number 10 or wide forward makes him an attractive proposition for the north London club.

Real Madrid are now weighing up the substantial offer. The £52m fee represents significant value for a player who has struggled for regular minutes this season, though his recent international form has dramatically increased his market value.

“He can be the best player in the world," said Morocco coach Walid Regragui after their 2-0 AFCON quarter-final win over Cameroon.

“Of course, today he is the X factor of my team.

“I want to say congratulations to him because now he understands what it means to have Moroccan blood: to run, to fight and to give what you have.”

Tottenham believe they can offer Diaz the consistent playing time and prominent role he craves. The club are also said to be confident the promise of being a key figure in their rebuild could tempt him to swap Madrid for London.

Thomas Frank is fighting to save his job at Tottenham amid a very poor run of form, and he could be about to lose another player after Brennan Johnson.

Spurs languish 14th in the Premier League table with just one win in their last six matches, prompting fierce criticism from supporters and unrest within the squad.

Frank has won only 11 of his first 31 games in charge since replacing Ange Postecoglou last summer, with just four victories coming in the last 17 matches across all competitions.

They've also just been knocked out of the FA Cup third round after a 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa, with a spirited second-half fight back not enough as Unai Emery's side clung on for the win.

Adding fuel to the fire, Frank has faced intense scrutiny after images emerged of him holding a cup with an Arsenal badge before the Bournemouth clash, further inflaming tensions with an already frustrated fanbase.

Supporters chanted "boring, boring Tottenham" during last week's goalless draw with Brentford, while players were booed off following the 1-1 stalemate against Sunderland.

The atmosphere turned toxic at the Vitality Stadium as travelling fans exchanged words with players after Antoine Semenyo's 95th-minute winner condemned Spurs to another damaging defeat.

According to Football Insider, while Tottenham's hierarchy are not rushing into a knee-jerk reaction, the manager needs to deliver positive results immediately or face the sack.

The pressure has been compounded by a mounting injury crisis. Mohammed Kudus faces at least two months on the sidelines with a quad injury, while Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski are all unavailable.

Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have been away at the Africa Cup of Nations too, leaving Frank with a threadbare squad.

Club captain Cristian Romero added to the turmoil by appearing to criticise the hierarchy on social media following the Bournemouth defeat. Media sources also revealed unrest among the squad after Brennan Johnson was allowed to join Crystal Palace, with players questioning the direction of the club.

Despite the mounting pressure, Spurs chiefs remain prepared to give Frank more time. However, more poor results could prove the final straw.

In more positive news, the club completed their £13m signing of Santos left-back Souza this week, providing defensive reinforcement as Frank battles to turn around Tottenham's dismal campaign.

Radu Dragusin asks Tottenham to leave after Roma 'agreement'

Supporters were perhaps expecting a month of incomings rather than outgoings, but after their controversial sale of Johnson to Palace, defender Radu Dragusin could follow the Welshman.

The centre-back has spent the last year out with an ACL injury, only just returning to the squad, but Roma have been attempting to poach Dragusin away from N17 and back to Serie A.

Now, Fabrizio Romano confirms that Dragusin has asked Tottenham if he can go to Roma this month, with the defender already reaching an 'agreement'.

“Roma continue to work on Radu Dragusin, because Roma have had concrete contacts with Tottenham," Romano told his YouTube channel in Italian.

"The relationship is very good.

“The player has already said yes to Roma. Dragusin is ready to go to Roma. I was telling you in December to keep an eye on Roma and Fiorentina.

“Roma have arrived. Roma have arrived strongly. Roma have arrived with direct contact with Tottenham, with an agreement already made with the player.

“Dragusin has let Tottenham know that he would welcome a move to Roma, the opportunity to return to Italy after a long time out due to injury.”

The 23-year-old only joined Spurs from Genoa in a deal worth £27 million around two years ago, but now finds himself behind Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Kevin Danso in the pecking order.

Gian Piero Gasperini is now offering him a return to prominence in Italy, and an opportunity he is keen to grasp with both hands.

It would be a strange year if Tottenham Hotspur made their way through an uneventful campaign. Though, while a lot has been going on down N17 this year, few of the Spurs faithful would say it's been enjoyable.

After that last-gasp defeat at Bournemouth last time out, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has tumbled into deeper waters after replacing title-winning manager Ange Postecoglou last summer. That's been exacerbated by the unfortunate Arsenal-branded cup incident at the Vitality Stadium.

There's plenty of time to bounce back, but Spurs need to use the January transfer window effectively if they wish to stop the rot and turn things around.

Already, ENIC family have moved to add an upcoming talent to the ranks following the £35m sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.

Spurs set up January signings

Confirmed: Tottenham have an agreement sealed with Brazilian club Santos for the transfer of 19-year-old left-back Souza. Formalities stand between the Londoners and their new prospect, who will provide cover for the injury-prone Destiny Udogie.

That's one chunk of the left side sorted, then, but after the sale of club legend Heung-min Son last year (and now the departure of Johnson), landing a left winger is also a priority.

And, in keeping with the Lilywhites' push to sign up-and-comers, Said Suleiman has been added to the shortlist, according to transfer insider Rudy Galetti.

Bundesliga clubs Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are thought to have the lead, both also locked in talks with Suleiman's Slovak employers, AS Trenčín.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest Nigerian talents in the world.

Why Spurs are pushing to sign Suleiman

Suleiman, a three-cap Nigeria U20 international, is an electric left winger with mighty strength and a natural sharpness in front of goal. Across all competitions this season, he has scored three goals and supplied four assists.

Said to have produced "one of the best ball-carrying/dribbling numbers in world football last year" by analyst Marcus Bring, you can see why Tottenham - and top German clubs - are invested.

His prolific potential suggests he could replace Johnson down that left flank, and strong underlying aspects further strengthen his chances.

Also described as "one of the best wingers playing outside Europe's top five leagues" by journalist Bence Bocsak, there's no question that Suleiman has what it takes to be a star in the Premier League, and Spurs' record of promoting and developing talented youngsters may well swing the odds in their favour, albeit with Leverkusen and Leipzig both skilled in that department themselves.

He's raw, but there's a lot of potential there. Were Suleiman to sign this winter, it's possible he wouldn't become an instant hit, but rather, spend some time learning the craft, perhaps popping out on loan for the latter half of the campaign, or across the 2026/27 season.

While the gap between the Slovakian top flight and the English Premier League is a gaping chasm, Suleiman's start to life on the outer rim of Europe's football scene can only be viewed through a positive lens, and his ability to be combative and win many duels each game would help build a strong partnership with Souza behind him.

The Brazilian, also 19, is "very versatile", and he "defends well and attacks well", as per South American football expert Tim Vickery. Moreover, he has enjoyed a taste of elite quality ahead of him in the shape of Neymar Jr., his teammate throughout 2025.

Suleiman is hardly on a level with one of the great wingers of this generation, but his fleet footwork and blistering speed would be traits well-worn by the Brazilian record scorer, and in this, Souza might feel he has something to work with over the coming years down N17.

This could be a duo for the ages down the line, both athletic and powerful and creative on the ball. Though fans rightly demand progress in the short-term, aligning with planning for the future, these can only be seen as promising moves for a club determined to build a project of lasting success.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £13m deal for their first signing of the January transfer window and the player is now set to fly to London having been pulled out of his club's fixture this weekend.

Frank targeting FA Cup success as Spurs plan new signings

Thomas Frank has promised to go “full strength” when Tottenham host Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round and knows a long run in the competition can save their season.

“Full strength. Yeah, all in. Because we want to win it, both the game and the tournament if possible, but it’s one game at a time. We’re facing a very good Villa team. We know that, but we’ll go all in to try to win.

“I’m very, very aware that a cup run will be fantastic. The FA Cup is the biggest cup and most historic cup tournament, not only in the UK and England, but also in the world.

“So we will do everything we can to win that game tomorrow and then progress to the next round and to install belief. That’s the only thing we’re thinking about.”

And while the former Brentford boss is trying to change the fan sentiment following boos from the away end at Bournemouth, the club are dong everything they can to help him, targeting a couple of new signings this month.

First, they are eyeing a replacement for the departed Brennan Johnson, with names like Omar Marmoush and Kevin Schade mentioned as potential options.

Spurs also want to strengthen in defence, and have now agreed a deal for Santos defender Souza.

Souza pulled from Santos squad with defender travelling to join Spurs

Indeed, according to reliable Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, via Sport Witness, the left-back has been pulled from Santos' squad for their opening match of the season against Novorizontino on Saturday.

His agents requested the club withdraw him from the game to avoid an injury which would scupper the deal, and he's now 'set to fly and complete his move to Tottenham'.

While the deal isn't 100 per cent complete yet, the report states there 'shouldn’t be an issue' as the Lilywhites close in on their first signing of the winter window,

Tottenham Hotspur have a number of players heading towards the exit door as Thomas Frank faces a small overhaul of his squad in the January transfer window.

Tottenham players who could leave in January

Tottenham sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace in one of the biggest early moves of the transfer window as Frank and Johan Lange look to rescue a season which is in serious danger of petering out before winter is over.

The Lilywhites have been linked with a move for Manchester City's Omar Marmoush as a possible replacement for the Wales star, and an another attacker is likely needed this month, especially if Mathys Tel follows amid links to Galatasaray.

There could also be an overhaul in defence however, with doubts surrounding the futures of both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, who has long been linked with a move to one of La Liga's big clubs and added fuel to the fire when he appeared to blast the club's hierarchy on social media following the defeat to Bournemouth.

"At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't - as has been happening for several years now.

"They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies." - via Cristian Romero's Instagram

They aren't the only defenders with question marks surrounding their futures either, and a report from Italy has revealed talks for Radu Dragusin to leave North London have advanced this week.

Dragusin exit advancing with agent in Roma talks

Indeed, according to Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Dragusin's move to Roma has "gained momentum in recent hours" and his agent has held talks with the Serie A outfit.

Managed by former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini, the Italian side would prefer a straight loan move, which is currently holding the deal up as Spurs would prefer a permanent sale.

The likely solution is a temporary deal with some form of manadatory purchase option, meaning Dragusin has likely played his last game in Tottenham colours.

Shifting the Romania international's wages off the books will provide space for Lange to bring a new face in this month, and given the centre-back has only played once in the Premier League this season, totalling just five minutes of playing time, he won't be a big loss to Frank's squad depth.

The January window is already a week old, and Tottenham Hotspur need to get moving, with the Lilywhites in danger of ending the month weaker than they started it.

Having already sold last season's top scorer, Brennan Johnson, to Crystal Palace on a £35m deal, the north London side have since lost starting right-winger, Mohammed Kudus, to injury, disrupting an attacking unit that has already been without Dominic Solanke for much of the campaign.

There remains an exciting core of young talent at N17, namely Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, although that trio no doubt needs to be built around, with the club still finding their footing in the post-Harry Kane and Son Heung-min era.

A squad in need of reinforcement could get just that if recent reports are to be believed, however, with Thomas Frank's side potentially closing in on a first deal of the window for another rising star.

£13m sensation now wants to join Spurs after bid

With Frank and co currently residing in 14th in the Premier League table, it's fair to say that additions are a necessity this month, with the loss of Johnson only heightening the need to strengthen at the top end of the pitch.

That search has reportedly led ENIC to look at Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, Jorgen Strand Larsen, with the £40m-rated Norwegian believed to be up for sale, after scoring just one league goal all season.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Spurs also appear keen to bolster the backline, with competition needed at left-back, with journalist Fabrizio Romano providing the latest on their pursuit of Santos teenager, Souza.

As per Romano, the Lilywhites have agreed the structure of a €15m (£13m) deal for the teenage full-back, after previously seeing an £8m offer rebuffed by the Brazilian outfit.

The transfer insider notes that personal terms with the player have already been agreed and that Spurs are now actually "closing in on a deal" to sign the player.

The player himself, meanwhile, is said to be 'keen' to make the move, if the two parties can reach an agreement.

Why Souza could be Spurs' next Bergvall

There remains real excitement surrounding the likes of Gray and Simons, although these weren't exactly unknown quantities prior to their moves in 2024 and 2025, respectively, a fact reflected in their £40m and £52m price tags.

In Souza, Spurs could well be repeating the success of landing the aforementioned Bergvall instead, with the Swedish star arriving as a teenage talent from Djurgarden for a minimal fee of just £8.5m.

That relative bargain deal looks like a particularly astute one, even with the 19-year-old having yet to nail down a regular starting role to date, with the midfield sensation already earning comparisons to the likes of Luka Modric in north London.

That deal for the Scandinavian talent saw Spurs fend off rival interest from the likes of Manchester United, with the same seemingly set to be true with Souza, with the Brazilian also courting attention from the likes of Newcastle United and Chelsea's BlueCo owners.

A player for the long-term, like Bergvall, the left-back could also make an immediate impact in English football if handed the chance, having been described as an "absolute gem" of a player by scout Antonio Mango.

"Energetic, aggressive and tenacious", in the view of Mango, the promising defender has already made 38 made senior appearances for his current side, racking up five goal involvements in that time.

For comparison, Bergvall had only made 59 total senior appearances back in Sweden, before making his move last summer, with Spurs' relative gamble having seemingly paid off.

As already stated, the six-cap Swede isn't a genuine first-choice talent just yet, but he's shown more than glimpses to date, registering ten goals and assists in total at N17, from 69 outings.

The beauty of such a relatively low-cost deal is that Spurs can afford him the time to develop and progress without the scrutiny of a lofty price tag, with that likely to be a similar story if Souza is to join Frank's ranks this month.

While at the top end of the pitch, in particular, the north Londoners might be in need of more ready-made solutions to slot in and strengthen the side, there is no harm in also looking to the future with another exciting, Bergvall-esque deal too.