Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race to sign a "ridiculous" midfielder, who has been shining in the Champions League this season.

Spurs keen to strengthen in the engine room

Tottenham have set out to do business in the January transfer window, which commences in just three days' time, and they have set out to strengthen their forward line, given that Brennan Johnson has found game time hard to come by under Thomas Frank.

However, it may also be wise to strengthen in the middle of the park, with Yves Bissouma's contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, and the Mali international has also struggled to force his way into Frank's plans.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Spurs are well-placed to sign Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka, given that the German has fallen down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany, but he is not the only option on the shortlist.

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have now joined the race to sign Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, but there could be competition for the Scot's signature, with Newcastle United and former club Manchester United also named as potential suitors.

Indeed, a return to Old Trafford is now on the cards, given McTominay's fantastic performances since arriving in the Serie A, which have earned him a number of accolades.

It is unclear whether Napoli would be willing to sell the central midfielder, as they are said to value him highly, but the report claims there has been some tension off the pitch, which means a return to the Premier League could be on the cards.

McTominay has taken major strides since joining Napoli

The 29-year-old enjoyed a dream debut campaign in Italy, contributing 12 goals and six assists in the Serie A, which played a major role in Napoli winning the title.

Since then, the former United man has continued to impress, scoring three goals in the Champions League this season, while he has also received praise as a result of his performances for Scotland.

Indeed, Sky Sports producer Andrew Dickson waxed lyrical about the 67-time Scotland international after scoring a remarkable goal against Denmark last month, which helped secure qualification for the World Cup.

As such, it would be exciting if Tottenham were to pursue a move for McTominay, but Napoli are in a strong negotiating position, as he remains under contract until 2028.

The January transfer window will officially be open for business by the time that Tottenham Hotspur play their next match in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank's side claimed a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday in their last game of 2025, thanks to a header from Archie Gray.

It will be interesting to see what the Lilywhites do when the transfer window opens because attacking reinforcements should be a priority, with Antoine Semenyo one name that has already been linked with a move to North London.

Premier League side in talks to sign Antoine Semenyo

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that a Premier League side are in talks with Bournemouth to complete a deal for the Ghana international next month, but it is Manchester City.

The reporter added that Liverpool and Arsenal would only consider moves for the former Bristol City man at the end of the season, which has left City in the driving seat.

This update comes a matter of days after David Ornstein reported that Spurs proposed an attractive wage offer to the Bournemouth superstar, only for the 25-year-old attacker to 'politely' turn down their advances.

This suggests that the Cherries left winger, who has produced nine goals and three assists in the Premier League this season (Sofascore), is not interested in signing for the Lilywhites at this moment in time.

Unfortunately, shortly after that frustrating transfer update, a current Spurs player has shown exactly why the club needed to sign a player like Semenyo to bolster their attack.

Why Spurs need to sign a player like Antoine Semenyo

Despite beating Palace 1-0, Frank's side failed to impress at Selhurst Park on Sunday, as they only created one 'big chance' and 0.84 xG in 90 minutes, per Sofascore.

Randal Kolo Muani was selected to start on the left flank ahead of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, but failed to reward the manager's faith in him with a positive performance.

The £150k-per-week loanee from Paris Saint-Germain, to his credit, did win the first of two flick-ons before Gray's close-range winner, but his general play was largely poor.

Per Sofascore, the France international did not register a single cross or shot on goal and failed in all four of his attempted dribbles, whilst he did not create a single 'big chance' for the side.

Kolo Muani, who lost five of his six ground duels (Sofascore) in the game, was incredibly ineffective on the left wing, as he failed to create anything for the team or for himself from open play.

Unfortunately, as you can see in the table above, Kolo Muani's lack of threat at the top end of the pitch has been a theme throughout his performances in the Premier League this season.

The French flop has been thoroughly outperformed by Spurs target Antoine Semenyo, as the PSG loanee has not delivered a single goal contribution in 11 appearances and nine starts in the top-flight this season.

That is why Tottenham needed to sign the Ghana international, who has now rejected them, and why they need to go out and find an alternative to him in the January transfer window.

Kolo Muani, whose only two goals for Spurs in 17 games came against his parent club, has not offered enough in the final third to justify a continued inclusion in the starting line-up.

The fact that the French flop has started nine of his 11 Premier League appearances, despite failing to provide any goal contributions, illustrates how dire the club's attacking options are at this moment in time.

Therefore, Frank must push the club to bring in a new option on the left wing to replace Kolo Muani before the January transfer window closes.

Tottenham Hotspur will head into 2026 off the back of a victory after they beat Crystal Palace in a tense game at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Sunday.

One goal was all the difference between the two sides in London, as Archie Gray's first-half header proved to be the winning goal for Thomas Frank's men.

The England U21 international scored the first goal of his senior career by nodding the ball into the far corner after Richarlison flicked the ball on in the middle of the six-yard box.

Where Gray ranks among Tottenham's best performers vs Palace

Whilst Gray scored the winning goal in the match and deserves the plaudits for that, he was not the standout performer on the night for the Lilywhites.

It was Kevin Danso, with an imperious central defensive display, who was the team's top performer. Per Sofascore, he won ten duels, seven more than Micky van de Ven, and kept Jean-Philippe Mateta incredibly quiet with his efficient defensive work.

The Austria international may not be the silkiest ball-playing defender, completing 63% of his attempted passes, but his gritty defensive work was needed to keep the clean sheet intact on Sunday.

As you can see in the table above, we have placed Richarlison in the top five performers for Spurs, despite the fact that he was found offside for two goals.

The Brazilian striker assisted the winner from Gray and won nine duels, including six aerial battles, per Sofascore, which shows that he was a useful outlet, despite the poor timing of his runs for the two disallowed goals.

Whilst there were several impressive performers, there were also some Spurs players who were saved by Gray's winning goal, as it possibly saved them from harsher criticism.

The Spurs flop who must finally be dropped

Despite the win, though, Frank must still ruthlessly drop right-back Pedro Porro from the starting XI after another wasteful display against Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Spain international did whip in the corner that was then flicked on by Kolo Muani and Richarlison to find Gray, but that was a rare bright spark in an otherwise dull performance.

Spurs podcaster Seb Martin noted during the game that Porro is "having a disaster of a season", and it is hard to disagree with that assessment when you look at the numbers behind his campaign.

As you can see in the table above, the former Sporting star lost possession a staggering 25 times without creating a single 'big chance' for the team with his attempted crosses.

He also struggled defensively, being dribbled past twice without making a single tackle, and these statistics show that he was a liability to the team in and out of possession.

Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence for Porro. Per Sofascore, the full-back is losing possession 19.1 times per game on average in the Premier League this season, more than the 17.5 times per match he did last term.

The 26-year-old flop's cross accuracy has also dropped from 31% to 19% from last season, per Sofascore, whilst he has also gone from 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game to 2.3 tackles and interceptions per match.

Porro scored two goals and provided six assists in the Premier League last term for the Lilywhites. So far this season, though, the defender has mustered up no goals and one assist by the halfway point of the campaign.

These statistics illustrate how far the Spain international has fallen away from his best in North London, and the disappointing showing against Palace was the latest in a long line, as Seb Martin stated.

With that in mind, Frank must finally ditch the former Manchester City man from the starting line-up for the clash with Brentford on New Year's Day, possibly bringing in Ben Davies at left-back to move Djed Spence over to right-back.

After winning the Europa League last season, Tottenham Hotspur ended a boring narrative and an even more boring wait for silverware.

Ange Postecoglou would then be dismissed, and that was understandable. After all, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, and to say that the Australian coach's side were imbalanced and porous would be an understatement.

Thomas Frank is continuing to right those wrongs, and tying defensive mainstay Micky van de Ven down to a new deal is among his priorities heading into 2026.

But Tottenham are arguably weaker in attack, and Frank needs to bring down N17 some impactful offensive quality next month.

Spurs' plans to strengthen their frontline

While some feel a move to Tottenham would be the best move for Antoine Semenyo in his startling rise to the top, the Bournemouth talisman is headed for Manchester City.

Having lost Heung-min Son to LAFC in August, Tottenham lodged an enquiry about Semenyo's availability. They were turned away. Frank had already welcomed Mohammed Kudus to the ranks, signing the Ghanaian from West Ham for £55m, but more elite quality was needed and still is.

With Pep Guardiola's side honing in on Semenyo, a chance for one of the Etihad side's wingers has ostensibly opened up, with Spurs technical director Johan Lange planning a fresh approach for Savinho.

That's according to TEAMtalk, who claim the 21-year-old could be on the move despite City's hopes of retaining his services. Spurs are said to be working on gauging the player's interest in such a deal, prior to lodging any potential bid.

Savinho joined Man City from fellow City Group club Troyes, paying the French club £31m for his signature. Spurs chiefs held talks with City over a summer transfer for the Brazilian, in excess of £50m, but he was ultimately kept in Manchester.

Why Spurs should sign Savinho

An elite prospect, Savinho could benefit from regular minutes, thus opening the door for the Lilywhites to swoop.

Since joining Man City, Savinho has featured 70 times in all competitions, scoring only five goals but producing 16 assists. Described as “one of the best U21s in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the South American star is a breathtaking asset down the flanks, so dangerous and dynamic from the left and out on the right.

He shares a tactical likeness with Kudus, and he is undoubtedly one of the most exciting ball-carrying prospects in Europe. Though Kudus is an imperfect player, he is exciting and destructive on the ball, unique in his performance and invariably willing to take on opponents.

Adding someone like Savinho to the ranks would reinforce Tottenham's flanks and provide the club with an up-and-comer who might one day take the baton from club legend Son, though it's clear that there are many miles to cover before that potential outcome.

With City closing in on a move for Semenyo, it's clear that Savinho is going to find regular minutes in the Premier League hard to come by, having only started four times since the summer.

Last season, his fleet-footed creativity underlined his quality and potential as a superstar. Sofascore record that he created 11 big chances and racked up eight assists despite only starting 21 times. He completed 57% of his dribbles, and he attempted many.

There is something distinctly Kudus-esque about him, but given his youth and inexperience, it's fair to say that Savinho could become something even more special, and Spurs have to snap him up.

Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to perform in the Premier League this season, but dans will be pleased to know that the Lewis Family have given Thomas Frank their backing, and they are willing to spend in the January transfer window.

How can Tottenham get better this winter? What have we learned in the overtures of the window? There is pressure on the board to deliver after Daniel Levy was relieved of his duties at the end of last season, and there are numerous holes about Frank's squad that need to be plugged.

Talk of a new deal for defender Micky van de Ven is rising, but there remains an emphasis on adding quality to the front of the Spurs ship. With James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke all long-term absentees, expect movement there.

Who Spurs are targeting this January

Antoine Semenyo has rejected Tottenham. Enquiries have been made, proposals have been assembled, but the Bournemouth forward has declined the Lilywhite advances, instead honing in on a mid-season transfer to Manchester City.

The Ghanaian has scored eight goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League this season, and he can play across the frontline. He would have been perfect for Tottenham, but this City-bound switch could yet work in the Lilywhites' favour.

That's because Tottenham spy an opportunity to sign Omar Marmoush from Pep Guardiola's side. According to transfer insider Mark Brus - as relayed by Caught Offside - the 26-year-old is set to be replaced by Semenyo, and he could leave the Etihad Stadium in 2026.

Man City signed Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for about £59m in January 2024, and after a strong start, he has fallen down the pecking order.

There is a real chance for Spurs to snap him up this winter, especially with ENIC getting ready to spend, with the north London side said to be 'pushing to sign' him.

Why Marmoush would be a "superstar" signing

Hailed as a "superstar" of a forward by Manchester City writer Radu Christian, Marmoush entered a sinking ship last season and proceeded to produce clinical performances in the Premier League, showcasing his class with a hat-trick against Newcastle United.

The Egyptian international scored 15 goals and supplied ten assists across 17 Bundesliga fixtures in 2024/25 before flying to England, and content creator Fiago regarded him as "one of the best strikers in the world" at that stage.

He has started only two Premier League games this season. This does not negate his brilliance, nor does it mean he is not among the cream of the division's crop.

There's a strong case to be made that the £295k-per-week talent is even better than Semenyo, and married up with a club who can help foster his talismanic qualities, he might even change that narrative before the current campaign is wrapped up.

After all, Marmoush might be on the fringes, but he still ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, as per FBref, bearing a comparable directness to Cherries star Semenyo.

It's worth remembering that Marmoush arrived in a truly wretched point in Pep Guardiola's Man City tenure, and he provided respite as the Spanish tactician worked toward steadying the ship. Now he has been cut adrift, and Tottenham must hand him a lifeline.

Last season, he proved his prolific and precise worth in the Premier League, maintaining creativity as he roved around the final third.

For a player who was awarded the 2024/25 Goal of the Season and is considered to be one of the most dangerous on the continent, he needs to be playing regular football, be it as a centre-forward, shadow striker or winger.

Tottenham can give him the platform he needs to remind everyone of his quality, and he might just let everyone know that he is a cut above someone like Semenyo.

Tottenham Hotspur wouldn't have been feeling too festive after losing another home game against Liverpool before Christmas, and Thomas Frank knows improvements are needed heading into 2026.

Things have been said about the culture down N17 - or lack thereof. Spurs have recycled a fair few managers in recent years, and Frank's assertion that he needs time to put things to rights is an understandable one.

But improvements are needed all the same, with 2025 a dire year in the Premier League for the north Londoners, picking up only 36 points from as many matches across the annual year, ten wins and 20 defeats.

This needs to change, and in order to do so, ENIC Group are looking to make some changes in the January transfer window.

The changes Spurs want to make in January

Tottenham need to recode their frontline heading into the New Year, with too many forwards flattering to deceive. Among them is Brennan Johnson, who looks likely to inch toward a loan transfer to Crystal Palace in January.

Johnson has fallen to the fringes this year. The Welshman is a potent forward, but his overall game leaves much to be desired, with FBref even recording that he ranks among the bottom 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90 (1.63).

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

Spurs need more dynamism down the wings, and no one can say that the Lewis Family lack ambition as they set their sights on Juventus' prized player.

According to Tutto Juve, Kenan Yildiz is attracting interest from London's heavyweights: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham. The 20-year-old is an elite talent, and though Juve are persistent in their bid to tie him down to a new deal, his £5m-per-year salary demands have opened the door for a switch to the Premier League.

The Old Lady aren't going to let him caper off easily, though, and have already placed a staggering £88m price tag on his head.

Why Kenan Yildiz would be perfect for Spurs

Yildiz is young, but he is also immense. The silky, fleet-footed attacking midfielder has been declared a "generational" Turkish talent by journalist Cetin Cem Yilmaz.

He has scored five goals and supplied four assists in Serie A this season, running roughshod over the division's defences as he blends power and precision with an ability to influence across different positions, dangerous centrally and out wide.

While Yildiz is more effective on the left flank, he is two-footed and versatile. So is Johnson, in fairness, though the Wales superstars lack even a portion of Yildiz's all-encompassing talent, as can be seen through the wingers' respective metrics this season.

It is not accuracy in the final third that has been Tottenham's fatal flaw this year, but creativity and player-to-player synergy. Yildiz's arrival would only lift them to the next level, and every stop must be pulled in the bid to sign him.

Given that Mohammed Kudus has made the right channel his own, Yildiz could do the same on the left, bringing his pace and natural flair in the danger area.

He hasn't stepped into the Premier League, often difficult for up-and-comers from overseas, but Yildiz wins many duels and has a physicality which underpins his technical skill. He would be a success in Johnson's stead.

Tottenham will only go so far under Frank's wing without effective, calculated transfer assistance. Director Johan Lange no doubt has a sprawling list of attacking midfielders to strengthen the squad, but Yildiz might just be the cream of the crop, certainly an upgrade on soon-to-depart Johnson.

Tottenham are preparing for a crucial January window with the club hierarchy reportedly willing to back under-fire manager Thomas Frank with significant spending.

The Sun reports that Spurs could invest up to £150 million next month as they look to address clear weaknesses in both attacking and defensive areas following a disappointing first half of the campaign.

The north London club currently languish 14th in the Premier League after suffering five defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions.

Frank finds himself under mounting pressure after the club's failure to build on the promising foundations laid during his first few months in charge, with supporters increasingly frustrated by the lack of consistency and identity in performances.

Wide attackers have emerged as the primary focus for recruitment chiefs ahead of January, with Spurs desperate to add pace, creativity and goal threat from the flanks to complement their existing options.

Antoine Semenyo was Tottenham's top target for the upcoming window following his impressive performances for Bournemouth this season, with the Ghana international combining explosive pace with impressive output in the final third.

However, landing the 25-year-old has been far from straightforward given strong competition from Man City, who are understood to be in pole position to sign Semenyo and trigger his £65 million release clause.

Spurs now find themselves forced to 'rethink' their entire transfer strategy for January following Semenyo's apparent preference for joining City rather than moving to north London, according to TEAMtalk.

Tottenham make 'fresh explorations' for Man City winger Savinho

The outlet and journalist Dean Jones have a fresh transfer update surrounding the Lilywhites' plans today, detailing their Semenyo alternatives as Frank chases a quality left-winger.

The club recently touched base about Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, but early indications suggest they will not have much chance of signing the highly-rated Turkish winger either as he eyes a new contract in Turin.

Maghnes Akliouche and Yan Diomande have also been identified as ambitious transfer targets, though these moves are more realistically planned for the summer of 2026 rather than next month.

As per Jones, Tottenham have now made 'fresh explorations' around whether Savinho, who was chased during the summer, remains genuinely interested in departing Eastlands despite his recent contract extension.

The 21-year-old impressed during his time in France with Troyes and subsequently at Girona, attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs before ultimately choosing to join Pep Guardiola's squad.

Savinho penned a new deal at City last summer despite indications that he 'fancied' a move to Spurs, but he has struggled significantly to tie down a regular starting role in Guardiola's loaded attacking lineup.

The Brazilian's limited opportunities have raised questions about whether he made the correct decision to extend, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming next year.

This situation could potentially open a door for Tottenham to revive their interest if the player becomes frustrated with his peripheral role.

However, before Spurs attempt to formally test the water with any offers for the 'incredible' City forward, they want to understand precisely how keen he would be on making the switch to north London.

Intermediaries are now expected to uncover what the future holds in the player's mind, with Tottenham looking to bring in a standout attacking talent to bolster Frank's squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have work to do now that Christmas is done and dusted, with Thomas Frank's side languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League just before the season's midpoint.

But this is a new project, and the mistakes of the past have precluded instantaneous success. The Lewis Family recognise this and have given Frank their backing, with investment set to come in 2026.

Spurs have already been knocked back on that front. However, missing out on Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City wouldn't have solved all the Londoners' attacking problems, with the struggles of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke at number nine underscoring the need for a new out-and-out striker.

Spurs seeking Richarlison & Solanke upgrade

Richarlison has been Tottenham's number one pick at centre-forward this season, and though he's scored eight goals across all competitions, the Brazilian continues to ebb and flow.

When he's on his A-game, he's a fun and effective watch, but Richarlison can also flatter to deceive, and do so too consistently.

Solanke, meanwhile, has been absent through injury for most of the campaign, and it would be negligent to heap too much trust in a striker who has yet to prove they can maintain fitness levels for an outfit looking to challenge across multiple fronts.

Spurs might have missed out on Semenyo, but they can now use those put-aside funds to sign a number nine.

Well, Tottenham may look to return to their interest in Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, having been reported to have been preparing a bid for the towering talisman earlier in December.

Mateta has been agitating to leave. The France international's contract talks stalled last month, with a number of clubs across Europe interested in snapping him up.

With the 28-year-old such an in-demand commodity, Tottenham chiefs will need to act quickly and perhaps lodge an opening offer when the winter transfer window swings open in less than a week.

Why Mateta is perfect for Spurs

Crystal Palace have become quite the force in the Premier League over the past few years; and in 2025, the Selhurst Park side have won the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

Mateta's destructive attacking performances have been crucial in achieving this.

The 6 foot 3 powerhouse has had to work get himself up to this coveted level, but he's undoubtedly grown into a superstar, with his strength and style sure to see him overtake the likes of Richarlison and Solanke right from the get-go if welcomed to Frank's Spurs system.

Richarlison has been comparatively prolific this year, but he's been known to drift in and out of purple patches, and Tottenham need someone more reliable.

Solanke, moreover, has scarcely featured, suffering from wretched misfortune on the fitness front since completing an initial £55m move from Bournemouth to the club in 2024.

Mateta is big and strong and fast, with a natural nose for goals that makes him the perfect forward to cement themselves as the spearhead of Frank's system and feed off those around him.

Very different players, but the desire to sign Semenyo underlines Tottenham's desire for more offensive directness, and Semenyo would add that to the ranks, sharper and more consistent than Richarlison. In regard to Solanke, the best ability is availability, is it not?

Mateta is the very epitome of hard graft, having picked himself up from the wayside in the English top flight and become one of the most consistent goalscorers in the division.

Indeed, since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the France international has only been outscored by a select few elite marksmen: Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins.

Truly, this is "one of the best strikers in the Premier League", as has been claimed by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Tottenham must not pass up the opportunity to sign him, thus adding a new first-choice striker to Frank's fold.

Tottenham Hotspur have now launched contact to sign an attacking target ahead of arch-rivals Arsenal, according to reports.

The Lilywhites have it all to do in the January transfer window. Thomas Frank is yet to win over the fans, both thanks to results and thanks to his more pragmatic style at times. The transfer window provides the Dane with the perfect opportunity to turn a corner before it's too late, however.

They need an attacking addition, first and foremost. Although Dominic Solanke is still fighting to make his first appearance under Frank, there's no guarantee that he will be the one to solve Spurs' problems.

The same can be said about Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani, who have scored two goals and eight goals respectively so far this season.

So, the solution could lie in the transfer market and potentially in Germany following recent reports that they're chasing Yan Diomande. The young winger has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far, breaking out and becoming a key target for several sides.

If Spurs are to finally replace Heung-min Son's impact, then signing a winger who's scored seven goals and created another four in all competitions would certainly go a long way.

Add Kenan Yildiz onto that and Frank's attack suddenly looks far more promising. According to TuttoJuve, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham have now made contact to sign Yildiz ahead of Arsenal in 2026.

The North London rivals are reportedly in a tug-of-war to sign the Juventus star, but Tottenham will be hoping that their contact puts them ahead of Arsenal.

Yildiz would ignite Tottenham's frontline

The 20-year-old is reportedly causing Juventus quite the dilemma with his wage demands of over £5m a season. Arsenal and Tottenham, however, would reportedly have no issue paying the versatile winger that asking price.

Given his ability to play as both a winger and a No.10, the 20-year-old could be the player to finally spark Spurs' attack into life, especially next to summer signing Xavi Simons. The Dutchman is beginning to show signs of his best, but his red card against Liverpool was undoubtedly a setback.

The numbers do the talking for Yildiz. Even as Juventus have struggled to rediscover their best form from years of old, he has been an impressive standout.

With nine goal involvements to his name in Serie A this season, the Turkish attacker is more than ready to make his mark elsewhere and has certainly justified a wage rise.

Whether Spurs can fend off interest from Arsenal is the big question. The last thing they need is to watch a key target join their rivals yet again.

David Ornstein has shared a new update on Tottenham's interest in Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window.

Frank warns Spurs players ahead of Palace

Tottenham players had Christmas Day off before Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

Spurs have endured a difficult start under the former Bournemouth boss and are 14th in the Premier League table after a run of five defeats in eight matches in all competitions, and the manager insisted his players must be "grown up" over the festive period.

“This week we actually handle in the same way I would have done with any other week. If it was not Christmas, it was still done the same,” Frank revealed.

“So, we have two days leading to the game, day off, two days. So Tuesday and Wednesday, then off on 25th and then two days. Then it’s perfectly fit the Christmas family schedule, which is very good.

“And I’m a big believer of being a top professional and that’s something I believe the players are and should be. Some need to be guided more than others, but also they are grown-up individuals.

“If I need to hold their hand the whole time, we have a bigger problem in my opinion.”

Spurs are facing an uphill battle to secure a top five spot and Champions League qualification for next season, and have scored the least goals of any 'big six' side this season.

Dominic Solanke has suffered with injury problems while neither of Randal Kolo Muani or Richarlison have made the number nine berth their own, with the club expected to seek attacking reinforcements in January.

Ornstein shared an update on the future of Bournemouth star Semenyo in his Boxing Day report for The Athletic, revealing Man City are in the driver's seat but Spurs did make a considerable offer to the player.

"Tottenham tried again, proposing a highly competitive salary, only for Semenyo to politely decline their advances and that resulted in City and United then emerging as the leading contenders."

The Ghana international's ability to play in multiple attacking positions and both score and create goals with either foot has made him a sought after commodity amongst the top flight's biggest sides.

"He's an extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary player," City boss Pep Guardiola said earlier this season.

"His energy, his confidence, his movement - unbelievable. He doesn't stop running, he attacks space so well, and when he has the ball, you feel something will happen.

"He's improving every game. Players like him make this league special - always hungry, always brave."