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Tottenham transfer news as Omar Marmoush boost emerges

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Tottenham transfer news as £26m Omar Marmoush boost emerges and deal hits stumbling block - Daily Express
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Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a potential boost in their hopes of signing Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush before the end of the window. Spurs are one of the clubs to be linked with an interest in the player.

The Egyptian has struggled for regular game time for City this season, although he was back in the line-up for the Premier League clash against Wolves following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations. He was on the scoresheet in the side’s 2-0 win at the weekend.

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The January arrival of Antoine Semenyo has added more competition to the squad and raised questions over Marmoush’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

Spurs, Aston Villa and Turkish side Fenerbahce have all been linked with an interest over the last few weeks. But Turkish publication Sabah has reported that the player himself would rather stay in the Premier League.

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With Villa closing in on a move for former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, it could give Spurs a chance to take the lead in the race. Fenerbahce are, however, said to be continuing their interest and are looking at a potential €30m (£26m) deal.

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Amid the search for a new striker following injuries to both Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, there is also talk about potential exits at the other end of the pitch.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Milan News), Milan sporting director Igli Tare has been in contact with Spurs over a potential January move for Radu Dragusin. The 23-year-old has made just two substitute appearances for the club since returning from a cruciate ligament tear in December.

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The report says that Milan are keen to sort a loan deal with an option to buy in the summer included. But Spurs instead want to include an obligation to buy in any loan deal.

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It’s said that Tottenham want the obligation to be tied to certain conditions that will not be difficult to trigger. However, Milan want the option to make a decision in the summer at the end of a loan deal.

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If the two clubs can come to some sort of compromise is still to be seen. West Ham United are among the other clubs to be linked with an interest in the central defender before the end of the transfer window.

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Omar Marmoush to Tottenham latest and Man City star's stance on exit

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Omar Marmoush to Tottenham latest and Man City star's stance with £26m offer 'incoming' - Daily Express
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Omar Marmoush would prefer to stay in the Premier League if he were to leave Manchester City in the January transfer window, according to reports. The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium since Antoine Semenyo's arrival.

Pep Guardiola bolstered his attack for the second half of the season with the £64million signing of Semenyo. The Ghana international has hit the ground running for the Citizens, scoring three goals in his first four games across all competitions.

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It has left doubts over Marmoush's future at the club, although he scored on his return to the starting XI in Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolves. The forward has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce since the window opened, and reports in Turkey have provided an update on their interest.

Sabah have reported that Fenerbahce are locked in negotiations with City and are willing to offer €30m (£26m) to bring Spurs-linked Marmoush to the Super Lig. The report also states, however, that Marmoush would prefer to remain in the Premier League with Tottenham and Aston Villa keen, though a loan exit is preferred by the player.

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With Villa close to finalising a move for Tammy Abraham, that could give Spurs the advantage to sign the forward this month, though Fenerbache's desire to strike a deal poses a serious threat.

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Spurs and Villa are both in the market for new blood in their attack before the January transfer window shuts. Thomas Frank's men have already brought in Conor Gallagher this month, but Richarlison's injury means Dominic Solanke is their only centre-forward.

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After letting Donyell Malen leave Villa Park for Roma, Unai Emery is closing in on adding a new striker to his squad in the shape of Tammy Abraham. However, the deal for the Besiktas centre-forward to return to the club isn't over the line just yet.

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Tottenham transfer news as deal in danger, £30m target books medical

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Tottenham transfer news: Agreed deal on verge of collapse, £30m star has medical booked - Daily Express
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Tottenham Hotspur suffered a huge transfer blow on Sunday after Liverpool informed them they would sanction a deal for Andy Robertson. It emerged late last week that talks had been opened between both clubs as Thomas Frank sought to add some much-needed experience to his squad.

Robertson has started only four Premier League matches this season, having lost his place to Milos Kerkez and his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. However, it now appears the Scotland international will remain at Anfield at least until the end of the season.

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But with just a week to go until the window closes, and Frank still under pressure following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Burnley, Tottenham continue to be the subject of transfer news and gossip.

Spurs have already splurged on Conor Gallagher and Souza in January, but look set to miss out on a deal for Brazilian forward Rayan. A report from Brazil claimed last summer that talks with Vasco da Gama over a deal for the forward had taken place, with links persisting into January.

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However, it is now being reported by multiple outlets that Rayan has agreed personal terms with Bournemouth ahead of a proposed £30m transfer. The teenager is set to undergo a medical today.

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Tottenham remain open to selling striker Alejo Veliz to Bahia – but the deal could collapse today. The forward, who Spurs accepted a £7.4m bid for, is currently on loan at Rosario Central, and Thomas Frank’s side did have a recall clause this month.

But it is now claimed that the clause is no longer valid, as Veliz has played 1,430 minutes so far this season. As a result, Spurs will need the 22-year-old and Rosario Central’s approval to terminate his loan deal.

But Bahia, according to journalist German García Grova, took matters into their own hands and made a formal offer to Rosario Central to terminate the loan agreement immediately. However, and this is the important part, the offer they have made expires today, meaning all parties face a race against time to get a deal completed.

Spurs, meanwhile, have already conceded 31 goals this season, more than most top-half teams, so it is little surprise to hear they have joined the race to sign AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.

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According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Spurs, Chelsea and Bournemouth are thought to be keen, as well as Bayern Munich, on signing the 26-year-old. The report claims that the Serie A side, as of the middle of January, value the Belgium international at £60m.

Any deal involving Svilar is unlikely to take place until the summer, and the report also claims that current Spurs No.1 Guglielmo Vicario is 'of interest' to various Serie A clubs, which he could join in the summer following a difficult season.

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Andy Robertson set for awkward Tottenham meeting after angry comments

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Andy Robertson set for awkward Tottenham meeting after 'shocking' comments - Daily Express
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Andy Robertson could be heading for an uncomfortable reunion with Richarlison should the Liverpool defender seal his switch to Tottenham. The Reds left-back is in discussions with Spurs after becoming increasingly frustrated with his limited first-team chances under Arne Slot.

He potentially made his farewell Liverpool appearance after entering as a substitute during Saturday's 3-2 loss at Bournemouth. Robertson has engaged in several heated exchanges with Richarlison throughout the years, dating back to their Merseyside derby clashes during the Brazilian's time at Everton. Following one particular derby in October 2020, Robertson criticised both Richarlison and Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for their tackles on Thiago and Virgil van Dijk, respectively. Pickford escaped punishment for his challenge on Van Dijk, which left the Dutch centre-back sidelined with injury early in the match. Richarlison wasn't as fortunate, receiving his marching orders for a reckless tackle on Thiago, who avoided serious harm as the encounter finished 2-2.

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Robertson condemned Richarlison's tackle while discussing the officials' failure to penalise Pickford. He said: "The lads, when they came in at half-time, said it was a shocking challenge, so that's two they've done us with today.

"For me, it was the same as Richarlison's. The whistle had already gone and he went flying in. It's a red card. I can't comment on if Pickford's meant it or not. I think he's an honest lad and I don't think he would have.

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"But it doesn't look good for Virg and I hope he comes back quickly. Losing a player like him is always tough, but from an incident like that, it makes it a wee bit tougher."

Robertson did acknowledge such incidents were an inevitable part of derby matches. He added: "Look, that's part of football, unfortunately. It's part of derbies, it's part of life. We'll all deal with it, we'll all support Virg for however long he's out for."

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Struggling Tottenham are at risk of being dragged into a relegation scrap. The club had reportedly been planning to pursue Robertson in the summer but have accelerated their interest.

When questioned about potentially losing one of his most seasoned players following Saturday's last-gasp defeat to Bournemouth, Slot said simply: "I think I need all of my players."

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Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Van Dijk is hopeful Robertson remains at the club and added: "Robbo is a very important member of our team, and I want him to stay. But whatever happens, let's see.

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"Do I expect him to be here on Wednesday [for the Qarabag game in the Champions League]? That's not on me, is it? Let's speak about [my best memories of him] when [a move] happens."

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Liverpool pull plug on Andy Robertson move to Tottenham after Arne Slot comments

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Liverpool pull the plug on Andy Robertson's £5m Tottenham transfer after Arne Slot comment - Daily Express
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Liverpool have called off Andy Robertson's potential transfer to Tottenham. The left-back had been on the verge of a £5million January transfer window move to north London as his Anfield contract nears its end. Despite initial struggles from £40m summer signing Milos Kerkez, the Hungarian international's form has improved, leaving Robertson out of the team.

However, according to The Times, Liverpool have ceased all negotiations and will not entertain the idea of letting him go midway through the season. The Premier League heavyweights have informed Tottenham that they've been unable to secure a suitable replacement for the 31-year-old. This decision was made less than a day after Robertson was brought on as a substitute during Saturday's match against Bournemouth. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his desire for the Scottish international to remain at the club beyond the January transfer window.

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He stated: "I think I need all of my players. I thought, let's bring Robbo in at half-time to make sure Milos [Kerkez] stays available for the rest of the season, because there are a lot of games to be played with the players that are available. I have to manage that, as well, because the last thing we need right now is another injury."

Robertson had been seeking consistent playing time ahead of the World Cup and looks set to end nine-and-a-half glittering years at Liverpool for a new challenge in the Premier League. Robertson – who has been linked with boyhood club Celtic – has lifted two Premier League titles and the Champions League as well as the FA Cup and the League Cup with the Reds.

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Vice-captain Robertson was also told by skipper Virgil van Dijk to remain on Merseyside. Van Dijk said: "He's my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let's see."

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On the possibility of Robertson leaving before the window shuts, Slot told journalists: "What do you think my answer is going to be? Have I ever said anything about transfers in front of these microphones.

"My answer is always the same and it's quite boring to always give the same answer - we don't talk about transfers in public."

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Liverpool had opened talks with Robertson recently about the prospect of signing a new contract. The veteran defender said this month: "We’ll see what happens. We’ve had chats now which will remain private. I've spoken to them and we’ll see what happens. Would I like to stay? Yes, but it’s a difficult question to ask. I’ve got five months left and we need to see the option to stay or if there’s options to go and things like that.

"I’ll sit down with my family and decide. After a stressful summer, I’m just trying to enjoy being a part of it, and being a Liverpool player. I wanted to qualify for the World Cup and thankfully we’ve managed to do that. I need to see what myself and my family wants moving forward."

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Virgil van Dijk sends clear message to Andy Robertson over Tottenham transfer

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Virgil van Dijk sends clear message to Andy Robertson over Tottenham transfer - Daily Express
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his desire for Andy Robertson to remain at the club amid ongoing discussions about a potential move to Tottenham before the January window closes. Robertson had been in talks with Liverpool over a new contract when Spurs unexpectedly showed interest earlier this week, leading to ongoing negotiations between the two clubs. Liverpool acknowledges the significant contributions of their vice-captain over the past eight-and-a-half years and it is understood that the Scotland captain is keen to secure regular first-team football ahead of his country's first World Cup appearance since 1998 later this year.

Club captain Van Dijk revealed he has discussed the situation with his deputy and hopes the long-serving left-back will stay on Merseyside for the rest of the season at least. "Of course I speak to him," said Van Dijk. "I speak to him every day, he's my vice-captain. Robbo is a very important member of our team and I want him to stay but whatever happens, let's see.

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"Do I expect him to be here on Wednesday [for the Qarabag game]? That's not on me, is it? Let's speak about [my best memories of him] when [a move] happens."

Van Dijk's comments came after Liverpool's 13-match unbeaten run was halted by a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth, with Amine Adli scoring the decisive goal after the Reds had equalised Evanilson and Alex Jimenez's goals through a header from the skipper and a strike from Dominik Szoboszlai.

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The defeat could be a significant blow to their hopes of securing a spot in next season's Champions League, and Van Dijk concedes that fatigue was a factor following a 3-0 Champions League victory over Marseille earlier in the week. The central defender commented: "What can explain tiredness? What do you think?

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"Last season we did not have many injuries. Look at the last line in the last minutes of the game, that says quite a lot. Tiredness, yeah. Listen, they created chances because we were very open at times. If you then don't make the right decision in possession, you can get counter-attacked.

"I don't start to worry personally [about the top-four race] But the matter of fact is about what we do in the week. We are trying to find consistency and we still don't have it, that is something we need to focus on.

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"We played Bournemouth who are very intense. When we only have myself and Wata (Wataru Endo) as the last two, if we lose the ball then there is a lot of space. We are having a difficult season in terms of ups and downs but now we have an opportunity on Wednesday to qualify for the top eight of the Champions League. That is our target but today is tough to take.

"It was tough. I'm disappointed. The first goal, I take full responsibility for that even though it was a very difficult ball to judge. In the second half, we tried to do that. The second goal, we can all speak and say we should have kicked the ball out, we should have done this.

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"But to concede like that puts ourselves in We find ourselves in a position where we must work harder than ever. It was good that we scored before half-time but we fought so hard in the second half but did not create very big chances. We came in promising positions and eventually scored an equaliser but the throw-in in the end, it is difficult to take.

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"First half, up until the first goal, I don't think there was anything wrong in my feeling. The 1-0 and 2-0 in a very short space of time was a big blow, you have to fight back and be very strong mentally. The goal before half time helped, it gave us a big push. Second half we were obviously pushing a lot.

"We could not create open, big clear-cut chances, they created bigger chances because we were wide open at times trying to score our goal, that is the situation. The thing is, that is part and parcel. In the good times, these things happen as well, the other side of it.

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"I am just as involved as everyone else. Today as well, unfortunately. I will always take that responsibility. Today is difficult because you lose, in a difficult season already. We have to turn that feeling around as quickly as possible to get the job done on Wednesday. That is the life.

"Last Wednesday we had a lot of praise, team and personal, and everything was all good. Today, the flip side, all the other things will be mentioned because it's the life we live. We have to take responsibility and I will definitely take responsibility."

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Ex-Tottenham star backs Harry Redknapp to replace Frank

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Ex-Tottenham star backs Harry Redknapp to replace Thomas Frank on one condition - Daily Express
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Time is running out for Thomas Frank to rescue the situation at Tottenham, following yet another disappointing Premier League outcome. A late Cristian Romero goal secured a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor against Burnley, but it did little to appease the travelling faithful.

The away supporters made their feelings abundantly clear with a wave of boos and chants of "We want Frank out", leaving no doubt about their stance on the manager's position. As pressure mounts on the board and ownership regarding the appointment of the head coach, the window to salvage matters is rapidly closing.

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With that in mind, former Tottenham player Jamie O'Hara has shared his view on the crisis, advocating for the bold move of bringing back Harry Redknapp, but only as a caretaker boss until the end of the season. Speaking on talkSPORT, he commented: "Look, Harry's been out of the game for a while, but he still watches football.

"He's got an affiliation to the football club, a love there. The fans loved him. I would take Harry Redknapp, I would. For an interim manager until the end of the season.

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"Give him some backroom staff, people that can coach, take the sessions for him, he manages the team. He's been my manager, Harry Redknapp. He'll get his arm around you, he'll give you some confidence and he'll say, 'Go and play and express yourselves.'

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"And I think that's what the players need. I don't know if Thomas Frank has just got these players with the handbrake on. I think Harry Redknapp would take the handbrake off these players and say, 'Go and enjoy your football.'"

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Appointing the 78-year-old would represent a gamble, even temporarily, considering he's been away from the sport for almost a decade. Redknapp's most recent managerial stint came in 2017, when he took charge of Birmingham City for several months to steer them clear of relegation danger in the Championship.

His departure that September marked his retirement from management after 34 years in the dugout, with his tenure at Tottenham standing out as one of the pinnacle moments of his career. Given the transformation the Premier League has undergone since then, and how competitive the division has become, such an appointment could be viewed as a considerable gamble.

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Whilst such speculation circulates amongst Tottenham supporters and pundits, Frank has urged his squad to "keep going" amid their current difficulties. Speaking to the media following the stalemate with Burnley, he said: "First and foremost, I want to thank them [the fans] for travelling and supporting the team throughout the game, which they do.

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"I'm sure they can recognise and acknowledge especially the first half, and the improvement we've done there, and could and should have put it out of sight. But also acknowledge the will-power and character of the team that keeps running, keep fighting, to the end.

"We just need to keep going. We do so many things right. But there's no doubt, that when it's not dropping so easy for us, the consistent performances we've done, which I think I said that many times, they actually are in an OK level.

"But apparently because of where we are now, we need to do more, to make sure we get the wins over the line. Especially in the Premier League. And one of the bits is to play every third or fourth day, to perform, that demands a lot of mentality.

"We have a few injuries, that doesn't help, but that's part of it. Never any complaints from me, that's reality. But that's where we need to be strong enough as a team to keep performing every third or fourth day."

At present, the boss remains at the helm, though it remains uncertain whether this represents a temporary reprieve given Tottenham's challenging fixture schedule ahead. Eintracht Frankfurt await in the Champions League during the week, which could provide some relief with a top-eight finish in the competition, although falling short would mean an additional two matches added to an already packed calendar.

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Then there are fixtures against Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle, all ahead of the crucial North London Derby versus Arsenal. These could prove to be the sort of matches where Frank excels, considering how he orchestrated victories over those sides during his tenure at Brentford.

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Thomas Frank reacts as Tottenham fans demand sack after Burnley draw

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Thomas Frank reacts as furious Tottenham fans demand sack after Burnley draw - Daily Express
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Tottenham supporters were left seething once more at Thomas Frank after their team scraped a draw against struggling Burnley, thanks to a late header from Cristian Romero. The away fans didn't hold back their anger towards Frank as he exited the pitch, with chants predicting his imminent dismissal echoing around the stadium.

Despite the hostility, Frank stood firm, expressing gratitude to the fans: "First and foremost I want to thank them (the fans) for travelling and supporting the team. I am sure they can recognise the willpower and character of the team to fight to the end. You can't say we didn't do everything to win. We just need to keep improving. The only way it can be is calm heads, carry on and keep doing what we think is the right thing. I think the message to the fans, as I said the whole time, is that we're working very hard on making sure everything is going in the right direction, and that we’ll keep doing that.

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"I'm sure they can recognise and acknowledge, especially the first half, and they proved we've done that. We could, should have been out of sight. But also they acknowledge the willpower and character of the team that keep running, keep fighting to the end. We just need to keep going."

Spurs initially took the lead through Micky van de Ven, but Axel Tuanzebe levelled the score just before the break, and Lyle Foster put Burnley in front in the second half. It was Romero's goal that salvaged a point for Spurs.

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Frank reflected on the match, saying: "It was a game we dominated and created chances. We should have scored a second one and then we are out of sight. We can never, ever, ever concede that goal just before half-time.

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"Then we concede another bad goal. We should never be that open. Then we had a strong end with strong character with a lot of offensive subs to get the equaliser. We had three or four very big chances and scored one of them.

"This is a game where we created a lot, and did more than enough to win the game. We just didn't defend well enough in two situations." The late equaliser from Romero proved a crushing setback for Burnley manager Scott Parker, whose side remain seven points adrift of safety.

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"Disappointed with conceding so late," Parker said. "It was a big improvement from us today and I thought our reaction was superb. "But we need to turn draws into wins. We have improved and we stood up and faced up today ... but got hit by a hammer blow."

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Four managers Spurs can appoint immediately if Thomas Frank axed

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Four managers Tottenham can appoint immediately if Thomas Frank axed after Burnley draw - Daily Express
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Thomas Frank is in increasing danger after a draw away at relegation-battling Burnley continued Tottenham's dire run of form in the Premier League. Despite beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek, Spurs have won just one of their last eight league games and two of their last 14. Cristian Romero rescued a late draw for Tottenham with a 90th-minute equaliser. But the away team had initially taken the lead through Micky van de Ven at Turf Moor before goals from Axel Tuanzebe and Lyle Foster turned the game in Burnley's favour. Romero was pictured shaking his head at full-time after another league match without a win. Spurs' recent run leaves Danish coach Frank in trouble despite his side's form in Europe, which gives them a chance of a top-eight finish. So who could the 14th-placed north Londoners appoint to immediately replace Frank if he loses his job in the near future? Express Sport takes a look…

Xabi Alonso

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Surely the dream candidate, Alonso would take a bit of convincing given it appears a return to Liverpool is possible in the coming months with Arne Slot’s future uncertain. The Spaniard only left Real Madrid eight days ago but departed with a 70 per cent win percentage, with his axe owing largely to political problems.

The man who brought Leverkusen their first ever Bundesliga title, in an unbeaten campaign too, would still be a huge coup for Spurs despite how things soured at the Bernabeu. Could a intensely detailed tactician who is seen as a 'project' manager be enticed by the project of overhauling a sorry Spurs side?

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There's plenty of talent already available at the club and they have the pull and finances to recruit more players who would suit Alonso. But still the shadow of Liverpool looms large.

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Ange Postecoglou

It would be a massively surprising appointment to go back, but the Greek coach is available after being sacked by Nottingham Forest in October after just 39 days in charge.

Spurs axed Postecoglou a mere fortnight after winning the Europa League final but they lost 22 of their 38 Premier League matches last season and finished 17th. That makes a return unlikely. Yet the Australian later promised fans "season three is better than season two" and never got to prove that.

Could the 59-year-old return to turn things around? Crucially, he'd make Spurs more fun to watch again. But they would also risk losing plenty more league matches given his high-risk style of play.

Enzo Maresca

Spurs have had a few former Chelsea managers previously, so why not Maresca? The Italian is being tipped for the Manchester City position should Pep Guardiola leave this summer after doing a very respectable job at Stamford Bridge.

Like Alonso, Maresca only left his last job earlier this month and the reasons behind his departure were largely political. Whether Spurs can tempt Maresca to give up on the idea of potentially coaching City later this year remains to be seen.

But the 45-year-old is without doubt one of the best coaches available right now. The issue though is that he will want plenty of power given what went wrong at Chelsea, so that could prove a sticking point with the Spurs hierarchy.

Thiago Motta

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Motta has been without a job since last March when he was sacked by Juventus but before that he did brilliantly at Bologna, taking them to the Champions League, and also avoided relegation with Spezia against the odds. He remains a coach of great promise.

The former Italy midfielder employs a progressive style of play that would enamour him with Spurs fans given their Frank frustrations. The Juve job perhaps came too early but right now Tottenham's expectations are low and it is a project that might suit Motta, allowing him punch above his weight once more.

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Tottenham player ratings vs Dortmund as Xavi Simons and three 8/10s save Frank

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Tottenham player ratings vs Dortmund: Xavi Simons and three 8/10s save Thomas Frank - Daily Express
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Tottenham alleviated some pressure on under-fire manager Thomas Frank by putting 10-man Borussia Dortmund to the sword 2-0 thanks to a brilliant first-half performance. Spurs rise into the Champions League's top eight after securing just their second win in their last nine games across all competitions. Captain Cristian Romero put the home team in front 14 minutes in and before the half-hour mark, Daniel Svensson was controversially sent off for a foul on Wilson Odobert.

The Europa League winners took advantage to double their lead in the first half through a fortuitous Dominic Solanke goal. Dortmund were the top scorers in the Champions League before this week but Spurs saw out a welcome clean sheet at a rain-soaked Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to secure a much-needed victory. The result takes some pressure off Frank who was facing the sack if his side lost this match. Express Sport rates and slates the Spurs players...

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Tottenham player ratings vs Dortmund

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

A couple of shaky moments in the first 20 minutes but kept a clean sheet after saving well from Nico Schlotterbeck in stoppage time.

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Pedro Porro - 7

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Helped thwart a dangerous Karim Adeyemi counter-attack at 0-0 and played a nice one-two with Wilson Odobert for the second goal. Was influential going forward and had more touches than anyone else on the pitch. Wasted a late counter-attack he might have scored from though.

Cristian Romero - 8

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The captain stepped up to help deliver a vital win. A good finish for his first Champions League goal in over five years and defended well. A real threat from set-pieces.

Kevin Danso - 7

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Really strong in the air on his return to the team. Has now kept two clean sheets in his last three starts.

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Destiny Udogie - 7

A bit more reserved offensively than Porro on the other side but defended well throughout to protect the clean sheet.

Archie Gray - 7

Near perfect with his passing and good on the other side of the ball too. Important to Spurs' dominating the game but booked for unnecessarily losing his cool with Julian Ryerson late on.

Lucas Bergvall - 7

A solid showing, one foul in a dangerous area on the edge of the Spurs box aside, before being forced off with a knock. Yet another injury concern for Spurs.

Wilson Odobert - 8

A great performance down the right and comes away with two assists - the first a product of refusing to give up and the second a brilliant one-two and cross into Solanke.

Xavi Simons - 9

Ran the show in the first half, impressing on the ball and off it. Pulled off some beautiful passes and crosses while running relentlessly. Should have had an assist from a terrific through ball to Randal Kolo Muani or from a late counter-attack that Pedro Porro spurned. Some wayward shots the only criticism.

Djed Spence - 8

Really dangerous in the attack for what was a rare left-wing outing. Kept Yan Couto really busy while also putting in the hard yards defensively.

Dominic Solanke - 7

A fortunate finish but on the scoreline all the same - his first of the season. Otherwise on the periphery but his goal gave Spurs crucial breathing room. Rewarded his manager's decision to axe Mathys Tel from the squad for him.

Substitutes

Jun'ai Byfield (Bergvall 62) - 6

A first-team debut for the 17-year-old academy talent.

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Randal Kolo Muani (Solanke 70) - 6

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