Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur knew they had to improve in the Premier League after the 2024/25 campaign. Regression would have led to relegation, with Ange Postecoglou's side labouring to a lowly 17th-place finish.

In the years to come, the Ange era will be remembered fondly, a time of free-flowing, entertaining football that culminated in silverware, ending an interminable wait for a trophy.

But rose-tinted glasses obscure the startling defensive issues that the Londoners were plagued with, and there were many problems that prompted the Australian tactician's dismissal.

Now, Thomas Frank is trying to put Spurs' issues to rights, but it's clear that he needs some help from afar to restore the Londoners' one-time defensive steeliness.

Spurs' plans to improve their defence

Tottenham are ready to spend this winter. ENIC Group are backing the struggling manager, who has said that his side "will definitely be in the market" over the next six weeks.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are two of the most talented centre-halves in Europe, but there's no question Spurs's defensive system isn't working, with errors commonplace and connectivity at a low ebb.

Van de Ven, for example, has only won 47% of his duels in the Premier League this term, as per Sofascore, which simply isn't good enough. Ben Davies and Kevin Danso both leave something to be desired, and an elite defender would go down a treat.

Well, according to Spanish sources, Tottenham are ready to rival Chelsea and Barcelona for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni, who has established himself as one of Europe's standout defenders in recent years. Spurs director Fabio Paratici is said to be driving the Lilywhite bid.

The Italian won't come cheap. In fact, Inter are desperate to hold onto their prized player, pricing him at a lofty £87m.

Why Bastoni would be an upgrade at Spurs

Bastoni, 26, would be a startingly good signing for a Tottenham side lacking several key cogs to slot into the system. A stern and commanding defender, he is also one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the business, capable of a "masterclass" in passing forward, as per reporter Carlo Garganese.

Indeed, this is one of the finest centre-backs in the world, and he has even been hailed as being "as good as Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba" by football pundit Nieve Petruzziello. The left-footed defender is pacy and athletic, and he has been utilised in a hybrid role that sees him darting up the channel, perhaps underscoring a Van de Ven-esque quality that could see him rival the Dutchman for a berth in Frank's set-up.

Sofascore record that he has also averaged 5.2 successful duels and 2.2 tackles per Serie A match this season, combative and aggressive.

In this, he could emulate Romero, perhaps even proving himself to be the best since the Argentine was added to the ranks from Atalanta in 2021.

As you can see from the table above, Bastoni operates with far more mobility and dynamism than Tottenham's skipper, who is among the most monstrous and athletic defenders in the game.

This underscores the kind of player Spurs would add to their mix, not only bringing in an elite goal protector but someone who can create and progress play. There's no question that Frank's system has struggled in the build-up, and Bastoni could help change the narrative.

If Tottenham can add to their ranks a defender who can not only emulate Romero but rival the likes of Arsenal star Saliba for a reputation as the standout defender in the Premier League, it could be the perfect to lift this new era off the ground.

Tottenham plan to spend in January, and it's hard to imagine there's a better use of £87m than snapping up a superstar in Bastoni.

It hasn't been the prettiest campaign for Tottenham Hotspur, and Thomas Frank has work to do if he is to convince the Lilywhite supporters of his capacity to lead this team through a sustained period of success.

The conquering of the Europa League last season might have been used as a springboard, but Tottenham have reverted to type, 11th in the Premier League and lacking the attacking sparkle fans expect. This was painfully clear last weekend, during the 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.

To Dare Is To Do, but Spurs are not being brave enough, and their instability is becoming a big problem. It will be Frank's undoing if he fails to mount a convincing assault against the Premier League's elite, challenging in the Champions League and FA Cup too.

Defensively, issues linger from the Ange Postecoglou era. Tottenham have been blunted in attack too. But it's perhaps the midfield which is epicentral to the lack of control and creativity and craftsmanship.

Spurs' plans to fix their midfield

Tottenham's midfield ranks have left plenty to be desired this season. Frank will feel hard done by given James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have been absent since the summer due to injury, but the decision to persist with Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha isn't providing the desired results.

Palhinha, a loan arrival from Bayern Munich, has added some punch to the centre of the park, but he's not exactly a progressive midfielder on the ball. Bentancur, beside him, struggles to serve as a neat counterpoint, with the Uruguayan's struggles in recent years even leading analyst Raj Chohan to describe him as a “candidate for worst centre-midfielder at a big six club”.

Clearly, Spurs need an upgrade, and they could find one in Leon Goetzka, who fancies trying his hand at something new after a lifetime of football in his German homeland.

That's according to Spanish sources, who claim that Goretzka is seeking a fresh start after being consigned to a reduced part in Vincent Kompany's project.

Tottenham are understood to be among the best-placed teams to complete a deal, with Premier League rivals like Nottingham Forest and West Ham United also ready to submit formal offers this winter.

Last summer, Manchester United's interest led to Bayern relatiation, placing a £34m on the 30-year-old. ENIC Group will hope that figure has since diminished.

Why Leron Goretzka would be perfect for Spurs' midfield

Goretzka has enjoyed a glittering career with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, winning the Champions League and so many Bundesliga titles since joining on a free transfer in 2018 after his contract with Schalke expired.

A powerful and commanding centre-midfielder, Goretzka's prospective success down N17 in the Premier League would come at either Palhinha or Bentancur's expense.

Looking at how he contrasts with ex-teammate Palhinha for example, underscores the kind of upgrade Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici would strike.

He is a midfield powerhouse, and his energy and ferocity have seen him said to be "like a madman" on the field by former teammate Sami Khedira, who then hailed his countryman as a "machine" of a player.

He doesn't churn out the same calibre of defensive actions as someone like Palhinha - who does? - but Goretzka is a more complete and balanced player. He would raise the level of Spurs' wider system, trumping Bentancur in that regard.

Indeed, across 11 Bundesliga starts this season, the experienced midfielder has won 57% of his ground duels. He could actually partner Palhinha in the Spurs centre, striking a much-needed defend-attack balance. Control. It's very important in the Premier League, and Goretzka would instil it.

With an intense work rate and a tenacity that cannot be taught, Goretzka would be a credit to Tottenham's midfield. He would certainly work his way into the starting line-up at the expense of strugglers like Palhinha and Bentancur.

Tottenham need more dynamism in midfield, and Goretzka has the experience and the technical skillset to create a central system that could see Frank's vision realised over the second half of the season and indeed the next few years.

The race for Antoine Semenyo is seriously heating up ahead of the January transfer window, and Tottenham are firmly involved.

Spurs 'aggressively' pursuing Semenyo prior to January

Tottenham have significantly accelerated their pursuit of Semenyo, positioning themselves as the most aggressive suitors right now, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The north London club are also reportedly prepared to obliterate their existing wage structure by offering the 25-year-old a contract that would make him Tottenham's highest-paid player - a dramatic financial commitment reflecting Thomas Frank's desperation for attacking reinforcements.

Semenyo becomes available via a £65 million release clause, starting on January 1, though it's only active during a limited early-window period before dropping to £50 million next summer.

Tottenham's readiness to trigger the higher valuation immediately signals their intent, following a damp run of form that has left them languishing in mid-table.

Frank's side have collected only one victory from their last seven Premier League fixtures, with last Sunday's humiliating 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest exposing severe attacking deficiencies.

The Ghanian would come as a dynamic, versatile forward option that Frank desperately needs, capable of operating across multiple attacking positions while providing the pace and directness currently absent from Tottenham's struggling frontline.

However, Tottenham face formidable competition for his signature.

Man City, Liverpool and Man United are also believed to be contending for Semenyo next month, and City can guarantee both Champions League football and a title challenge.

If the Lilywhites are beaten to the punch for Semenyo, Spurs are being urged to consider another 'magic' forward behind-the-scenes.

Club scouts urging Tottenham to sign Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche

As per TEAMtalk and journalist Dean Jones, Monaco winger Maghnes Akilouche is that man.

Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham have identified Monaco winger Akliouche as a compelling alternative to Semenyo should they fail to secure their top target next month.

Club scouts have recommended the 23-year-old to Tottenham as a January signing, having tracked him extensively, including his goalless Champions League appearance against Spurs earlier this season.

Sources indicate Akliouche remains firmly on Tottenham's transfer shortlist as Frank continues searching for solutions to his glaring left-wing void.

The Monaco star represents a significantly cheaper option than Semenyo, with expectations he would cost approximately £40 million compared to Bournemouth's £65 million release clause.

Akliouche's profile ticks numerous boxes for Frank's struggling attack. TT say he is renowned for possessing "magic skills," and the versatile forward has impressed throughout 2025 with Monaco.

He's attracted parallel interest from PSG too, who are also contemplating a pursuit after being left 'impressed' by Akliouche this year.

This isn't the first time that Spurs have been linked with the player, either.

Before they struck a deal for Xavi Simons, Tottenham were considering a summer move for Akliouche after they missed out on a deal for Eberechi Eze, following Arsenal's infamous hijack.

He can play in the number 10 role, on the left and on the right-hand side - so Frank would have a very versatile attacking option at his disposal.

Frank's side appear to have kept a firm watch on the Frenchman since then, and he could now come back into play this winter.

The most frustrating part is that Tottenham Hotspur are capable of flashes of brilliance. The commanding win over Manchester City, the powerful win on the road against Everton in the Premier League.

But Spurs can no longer calls themselves a team in transition, not with the New Year less than a fortnight away. It is time for Thomas Frank to get the tactics right, and for his players to wipe away the silly mistakes which are hindering progress.

The January transfer window is also drawing close, and while the London club have numerous vacancies that could be filled, there's little question that improvements are needed in front of goal, with Richarlison leaving something to be desired.

Why Spurs need to upgrade on Richarlison

Dominic Solanke is into his second season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he has been plagued by injuries and has only started one Premier League game under Frank's wing.

Richarlison has been the leading man at number nine, but it's clear that he's not good enough to stand in Harry Kane's old spot. Indeed, Richarlison might have scored six times in the Premier League this season, but his goals have come in bursts, toiling away at times and drifitng about at others.

In the words of Gabriel Agbonlahor, he is "one of the worst signings in Premier League history." Injuries have not been kind to the 28-year-old, but he has also struggled to sustain a talismanic role in Tottenham's starting line-up, ebbing and flowing in conjunction with the general form at the club in recent years.

Perhaps a tad harsh, that, but there's no denying that the Lilywhites have failed to receive bang for their buck after signing the Brazilian from Everton for a whopping £50m figure. Tottenham need to sign an upgrade, but the transfer purses aren't bottomless, and funds need to be directed elsewhere.

Luckily, Solanke is returning to fitness, and ENIC Group have already signed a young striker who could become a sensation down N17.

Spurs already have the perfect Richarlison upgrade

It's easier said than done, but Tottenham really need to replace Kane at centre-forward. They need an elite goalscorer, and a leader besides.

Well, ENIC have attempted to complete that big feat with the signing of Mason Melia, who completed his already finalised transfer from Republic of Ireland side St. Patrick's Athletic at the start of January.

Melia, 18, has already racked up the appearances in his homeland, scoring 21 goals and assisting six more across 71 Premier Division fixtures. Hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as a "relentless" striker whose under-the-radar emergence has made him a "hidden gem", Tottenham will begin to see him on the senior stage before the term is out, if he catches the eye for the U21s from the outset.

An athletic and fleet-footed forward who likes to drive through the lines and into space, Melia has spoken of his isolisation of Kane, albeit playing a different brand of attacking football, more direct, less creative.

There is a lot of hype around this young man's name, and it's clear to see why. Melia might be a goalscorer first and foremost, but he's not one-dimensional. Sofascore actually record that he created five big chances across only 29 starts in the league in 2025, complementing his impressive return of 13 goals.

Richarlison is a pesky forward for defenders to deal with, but he is inconsistent and will not make drastic improvements to his game at this stage in his career.

While the step up to the senior stage in the Premier League is a big one, and has seen many hopeful prospects trip over when making the climb, Melia's limber frame and powerful running suggests he has what it takes to succeed.

He wouldn't be the main man from the off, but he has shown a clinical edge and natural athleticism that could see him be the perfect Richarlison replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur have it all to do. There is plenty of season still to cover for Thomas Frank's side, who are in a promising position in the Champions League and meet Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup next month.

Sure, Spurs languish in 11th place in the Premier League as Christmas beckons, but the peculiar nature of this year's table means fourth-place Chelsea lead their London rivals by only six points.

After so much upheaval in recent years, Tottenham always needed a big summer transfer window. But the promising additions are leaving something to be desired.

Spurs lining up Frank's best signing yet

Tottenham added quality to their ranks during the summer. Mohammed Kudus' dribbling is first-class, and Xavi Simons is well regarded as one of Europe's most talented playmakers.

But the Dutchman is only 22, and despite recent green shoots, has yet to find consistency in front of goal and from the heart of creative influence.

Tottenham need a Son-esque talisman, and they could find him in Antoine Semenyo, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Ghana international, 25, has been at the heart of ENIC Group discussions ahead of a potential winter transfer, with many suitors interested in sparking his £65m release clause.

Tottenham had an enquiry rejected by the south coast club during the summer, but Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici will hope that their earlier persistence could help sway the odds in their favour, with Liverpool and Manchester City also keen.

In full, Romano said: "Tottenham are really interested in Semenyo. Tottenham have January interest. This week Manchester United and Manchester City called to understand the situation. Between Monday and Tuesday some calls took place. £65m release clause. These three clubs all called."

Why Semenyo is perfect for Spurs

Semenyo has scored seven goals and supplied three assists in the Premier League this season. He is one of the division's most potent threats.

Tottenham could do a lot worse. Two-footed and destructive on both sides - as well as playing centrally as a focal point - Semenyo would add so much punch to Spurs' frontline. After all, analyst Ben Mattinson has spoken of how he has been "constantly creating problems for Tottenham" when facing them, so why not add him to the ranks?

Considered to be a "world-class" forward by his teammate Justin Kluivert, Semenyo has been racking up the goal contributions, for sure, but he's also established himself as an all-encompassing Premier League attacker, and it is that completeness that sets him apart from his peers.

It is for that reason, in fact, that he could become the best piece of business the Lilywhites have completed for many years, certainly trumping Simons, who is a talented young player but has shown over the past few months that he is inconsistent, raw.

Conversely, Semenyo is firing on all cylinders. For example, look at how the Ghanaian's performance this season ranks against Son's from the 2024/25 campaign with Tottenham. This is a player who would not only add a clinical dimension to Frank's wings, but he would add energy and intensity too.

The wear and tear of so many seasons in the Premier League had pressed against Son last season, but he still impressed, adopting a more creative berth as his snappy athleticism wore away.

Simons has been signed to replace that playmaking prowess, but it's clear that Spurs need more incisiveness in the final third, and Semenyo would provide Frank's team with exactly that, proving with crisp attacking performances that he can become the new talisman.

Because of this, the Bournemouth star might just establish himself not just as a better signing than a raw playmaker like Simons, but actually Tottenham's best addition for quite a few years.

Tottenham's campaign has descended into minor chaos following Sunday's humiliating 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, leaving Thomas Frank fighting to get fans back on side.

The club are also simultaneously planning January recruitment, as confirmed by Frank himself, and the under-fire tactician may be in grave need of it.

The Dane's struggling side have managed just one victory across their last seven Premier League games, tasting six defeats from 16 to languish in mid-table.

Sunday's comprehensive loss at the City Ground represented arguably Frank's worst performance since arriving from Brentford, with his team thoroughly outplayed and managing only one shot on target in 90 minutes.

It is a far cry from where they want to be after winning the Europa League last season, and Spurs' lack of creativity going forward has been a key theme of their campaign at times.

Pressure continues mounting on Frank's shoulders despite the board publicly backing him.

ENIC and the Lewis family injected £100 million of fresh capital into the club in October, signaling their commitment to supporting the manager despite growing frustrations among supporters.

Frank has stated that Tottenham will "definitely" be active when the window opens, hoping for signings as early as possible.

Work apparently began immediately after September's deadline, with recruitment meetings establishing comprehensive target lists across every position.

However, wingers are rumoured to be the primary focus, despite Dominic Solanke's prolonged injury absence and inconsistent contributions from Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel.

Chief among their targets is Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Spurs have aggressively pursued the Ghanaian in recent days.

Now, TEAMtalk have shared just how far they're willing to go to win the race for his signature before Man City, Liverpool and Man United.

Tottenham now prepared to make Semenyo their highest-paid player

Indeed, it is now believed that Tottenham are prepared to shatter their wage structure in a bold attempt to secure the Cherries winger, even making him their highest-paid player.

Sources indicate Spurs have emerged as the "most active" suitor for the 25-year-old in recent days, with Frank viewing him as a potentially transformational addition to his struggling forward line.

Bournemouth have inserted a £65 million release clause into his deal which becomes active on January 1 — available only during a limited early-window period before dropping to £50 million next summer.

However, City remain the frontrunners despite Tottenham's financial firepower.

Pep Guardiola's side have maintained steady dialogue with Semenyo's representatives, with personal terms understood to be 'advanced'.

Liverpool continue monitoring developments closely, with Arne Slot an admirer of Semenyo's high-pressing capabilities. Man United have also made enquiries, but trail the leading trio in negotiations.

Bournemouth prefer retaining their standout performer until next summer when the reduced clause activates, though they accept a big-money exit is inevitable.

The club have already identified FC Basel's Philip Otele as a potential replacement should Semenyo depart, which looks increasingly likely as Spurs and their top-flight rivals up the ante.

Tottenham Hotspur's recruitment hasn't been good enough in recent years. Winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou's management before the summer coated over the many issues that still saw the Australian dismissed in one final flourish of power by Daniel Levy.

Now, Thomas Frank is trying to put the London club to rights, but it's hardly been smooth sailing for the old Brentford, who needs more potency and leadership in attacking circles.

Tottenham have not been slick enough in the final third. That needs to change, and if ENIC Group are serious about lifting Spurs and cementing them at the top of the European ladder, they need a new talisman, someone like Bukayo Saka.

Spurs in talks to sign their own Bukayo Saka

Harry Kane left, and then Heung-min Son did too. Different forwards have since been welcomed down N17, but Tottenham haven't yet recaptured that star power.

The Londoners could do with a figurehead like Saka, who has been front and centre of Arsenal's revival under Mikel Arteta's wing. Saka is an inspiring winger, but he's also hard-working and singular in his style.

Tottenham need a bit of that, and they might just have found their own version in Said El Mala.

According to reports in Germany, Tottenham are ready to do battle with Manchester United for the Koln wonderkid, who has been in fine fettle in the Bundesliga this season. The 19-year-old is valued somewhere in the ballpark of £35m and it's alleged that club-to-club talks have begun.

His power and economical use of such strength has revealed a likeness to Arsenal's star forward, and it's clear that the Lilywhites would be wise to act quickly and win the race.

Why Spurs need to sign Said El Mala

El Mala is enjoying a stunning rise to the top. He has already been called up to the international stage by Germany boss Julien Nagelsmann,

A destructive dribbler, El Mala has a quality when driving the ball forward that cannot be taught. His brilliance is inherent, and at Tottenham, he could become a superstar in the Premier League while concurrently developing into Frank's main man.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 11% for tackles won per 90, emphasising his blend of technical quality, power, and commitment.

A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.

Picture this: you're an up-and-coming winger, beginning to make headway in the German top flight. You are 19 years old, and one year ago, you starred in Germany's third tier. You have since been described as "the most direct winger in Europe" by data analyst Spencer Mossman.

This is El Mala's reality. He is in his infancy as a professional, and yet his performances have caused a storm that is set to lead him to prominence in the Premier League. Tottenham need to take a punt here and sign their own Saka-esque star.

He is not on the Three Lions man's level, not yet. But the pointers suggest he will be, bearing similarities and perhaps even more explosiveness and sharpness in front of goal.

A self-defined "street footballer", El Mala also plays with an intelligence to match his combative nature. In this, he shares traits with Saka, and that has indeed been picked up by FBref's data patterns.

He likes to pepper the goal, does the young Koln star, but he also likes to chip in with defensive contributions and activity in the duel. Having started only six Bundesliga fixtures this term, the teenager has already found a real clinical edge,

Tottenham might look at El Mala's signature and deem the payment required to be sizeable. Perhaps the transfer chiefs would be right. But he's only going to get better, and given that Arsenal's rise and rise would not have come about without Saka's emergence, this is a player worth paying for.

Tottenham Hotspur need stability, and they also need a clear and attractive culture to work its way back into the stadium, lifting the fans and filling within the first-teamers confidence and identity.

With Spurs 11th in the Premier League, one win from their past seven matches, Thomas Frank is feeling the pressure, and failure to see an uptick in form over the coming weeks will send the Danish coach's fragile tenure in a spin.

But projects take time, and Tottenham could yet create something akin to Mauricio Pochettino's nostalgic tenure. The likes of Heung-min Son and Harry Kane were the defining figures of that fruitful era, but Tottenham created a team that purred from head to toe.

Dele Alli is a shining example in that regard, having joined from MK Dons as a teenager in 2015. The prodigy's rise not only elevated his team but also strengthened the connection with the fanbase too. Now, ENIC Group are looking to repeat the trick.

Spurs looking to sign their new Dele Alli

Tottenham are hoping to get busy in the January transfer window. Frank's squad is perforated with holes, and they need patching up. However, away from the more pressing need for impactful additions, Johan Langa and Fabio Paratici are looking to add youth to the ranks too.

Antoine Semenyo is among the Premier League superstars on the London club's radar, and Guglielmo Vicario's woes have prompted scrutiny on Spurs's goalkeeping plans too.

But Tottenham have an eye for an up-and-coming talent, and they've found a target who might become one of the very best in the business in a few years.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have joined a long list of clubs in registering their interest in Leicester City starlet Jeremy Monga. The 16-year-old has already established himself in the Championship club's first team.

While Chelsea, Liverpool and the Manchester giants are all namechecked, it is Tottenham who are singled out as pushing 'very strongly' for the left winger's signature. One year ago, PSG came sniffing around and were informed that Monga, 15 at the time, would cost £15m. That figure is sure to have since ballooned.

Why Jeremy Monga could be the new Dele

Monga is very young, but he has already made his Premier League debut, becoming the second-youngest player in the top flight when entering the fray for soon-to-be relegated Leicester against Newcastle United in April.

Leicester were doomed, but the fact that he featured seven times until the end of the campaign makes a firm comment on his potential, with the physicality and speed to succeed at the highest level.

And yet he's still so young. Monga is way ahead of schedule, settling into a big role at the King Power Stadium this term. In this, he could emulate Spurs's former starboy.

Monga's ability to carry the ball forward apace has already handed him plenty of plaudits. He has been described by journalist Graeme Bailey as being "a generational talent", having made more senior appearances than the likes of Premier League starboys Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha.

He has only scored once in the second tier this term, but what a goal it was. That's a teenager with jaw-dropping technical quality. That's a player who, should he join Tottenham, would fall into the category of Dele-esque.

Dele scored 16 goals across 39 League One fixtures in 2014/15, his final year in the EFL before being plucked up to the big time by Daniel Levy and Tottenham.

The 37-cap England international's personal problems are deeply saddening, but there's no question that he was one of the best young talents in the world back in his heyday, with Pochettino even saying in 2017 that he's "the best young player" in Europe.

More of a central attacking midfielder than Monga, the parallels are still there, with the Foxes starlet boasting all he needs to emulate his older countryman and make an age-belying impact at Spurs.

Though he wouldn't be expected to take a leading role from the off in Frank's system, Monga has what it takes to become the club's finest winger since someone like Son.

He has what it takes to become a young superstar.

Tottenham have held loose talks over signing a 'strong' Man City player amid concerns over one of their most selected players, according to a new report this week.

Tottenham set for active January transfer window

As already confirmed by under-fire boss Thomas Frank, Spurs are set for an active January.

“Of course. We will definitely be in the market. No doubt about that,” Frank said last week.

“We want them as early as possible, like every other time and let’s see if we can have them before the 31st of January."

Co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange, who were newly announced in the dual role earlier this season, are also set for their first transfer window officially working in unison, and it could be a crucial one.

Pressure is mounting on Frank after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, and sections of supporters are convinced that the Dane isn't the right man to take them forward in this new era post-Daniel Levy.

Reports suggest that Tottenham will look to back Frank with a new forward signing next month to alleviate the burden on Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus as their arguable two most important creators.

Dejan Kulusevski isn't expected back any time soon, with Sweden boss Graham Potter predicting a March return for the winger and hopefully in time for their World Cup play-off against Ukraine.

Meanwhile, James Maddison is still undergoing his long-winded rehab from an ACL injury sustained in pre-season, so he could be out until nearer the end of 2025/2026.

Bringing in an alternative winger may well be crucial, with Fabrizio Romano reporting this week that Tottenham are aggressively pursuing Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo after news of his £65 million release clause.

Meanwhile, an attacker might not be the only item on Paratici and Lange's agenda, with 'growing concerns' surrounding goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario following a litany of high-profile errors this season.

That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report that Frank's side are also in the market for a new shot-stopper.

Tottenham hold loose talks to sign Man City keeper James Trafford

As per their information, Tottenham have held exploratory talks over Man City goalkeeper James Trafford as Frank prepares to address worries about Vicario ahead of January.

The 23-year-old has emerged as a priority target for Spurs, who believe the young Englishman represents an ideal foundation for their goalkeeping position moving forward.

Trafford rejoined City in the summer following his impressive Championship campaign with Burnley, yet finds himself trapped behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order at the Etihad.

City are understood to be receptive toward allowing Trafford's exit to facilitate his development, with early conversations surrounding a temporary deal including a mandatory buy clause.

However, Pep Guardiola has already indicated his preference to keep the goalkeeper until the end of the season, though Trafford himself is pushing for regular action elsewhere.

Guardiola lavished praise on Trafford as a 'strong' character with a 'big personality' too, right after Tottenham upset City at Eastlands back in August.

“What happened does not belong just to James," Guardiola said.

"To James what happened with the second goal [against Spurs], he’s a strong man and huge personality."

This comes as Frank weighs up a potential replacement for Vicario, who's been linked with a return to Italy with Inter Milan next year.

Trafford's age and high ceiling make him an attractive proposition for Frank's rebuild.

The England prospect combines senior experience with untapped potential for growth. His stature, shot-stopping credentials and comfortable distribution would also address Vicario's deficiencies.

A structured loan would also give Tottenham financial flexibility, while evaluating whether Trafford can really handle the pressure at a top club challenging for European qualification and silverware.

Tottenham Hotspur may have hoped that they had finally found their next Mauricio Pochettino when they appointed Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou in the summer.

Pochettino spent five years in the dugout in North London, reaching a Champions League final in that time, and none of the club's managers since he left have made it past two years in charge.

The likes of Ange Postecoglou, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and Nuno Espirito Santo all tried and failed to follow in his footsteps, and Frank looks set to be the latest to try and fail.

Why Spurs should sack Thomas Frank

Despite only being four months into the season, ESPN recently reported that there is growing concern among the fanbase about the Dane's future at the club, despite also reporting that Spurs are not set to cut ties with the head coach.

The former Brentford manager's performance this season has left a lot to be desired, as the team's displays in the Premier League, in particular, have been poor.

Frank's style of play has been awkward to watch at times. Spurs struggle to consistently create chances, whilst playing attractive football, with the tactics and systems that he deploys.

As you can see in the table above, only three teams in the Premier League have a lower xG tally than Spurs, whilst their actual position compared to their Expected Position suggests that they have been fortunate to pick up 22 points.

With this in mind, it currently looks unlikely that Frank is set to go on and be the new Pochettino who will enjoy a long spell in North London playing attacking, exciting, football.

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has been linked with Spurs in the past, per TEAMtalk, and they should revive their interest in him by sacking Frank.

Why Spurs should swoop for Iraola

The Europa League champions should fire their current boss to make a move for the Cherries tactician because he has the potential to be their next Pochettino.

Tottenham, as evidenced in the earlier graphic, scored 559 goals in 293 matches for the Argentine manager, which shows that they were a prolific and exciting team to watch.

Given how poor Frank's side have been at creating chances and playing good football this season, appointing a manager who plays attractive and effective football should be a priority for the Lilywhites.

Iraola's Bournemouth side are certainly fun to watch, as evidenced by their 4-4 draw with Manchester United on Monday night, and their statistics in the Premier League back that up.

Since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, the Cherries have generated roughly 13 more xG than Tottenham have under Postecoglou and Frank combined, despite the fact that Spurs spent £65m to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in the summer of 2024.

Tottenham signed the England international in the hope that he would be able to bring the goalscoring prowess he showed for Bournemouth to North London, but he only scored nine Premier League goals last season, per Sofascore.

Instead of looking at the output, as they did with Solanke and may do with their reported interest in Antoine Semenyo, they should look at the manager whose structure created an environment for Solanke and Semenyo to thrive at the top end of the pitch.

Frank, whose side sit in the bottom four for xG, has not created a structure that has allowed a player like Xavi Simons, for example, to thrive, because his team is not set up to consistently create high-quality chances.

Iraola, who was described as "one of the best in the (Premier) league" by Como scout Ben Mattinson and "one of the best in Europe" by one journalist, has proven that he can coach an exciting attacking set-up at Premier League level and that he can develop high-value talents, like Solanke and Semenyo.

Therefore, the Spaniard could be the next Pochettino at Spurs as another manager who plays attacking, fearless, football that could get fans excited, making him a coach who has the potential to be a long-term appointment, rather than a pragmatic short-term hire.