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Tottenham appear to be clearing the decks ahead of a busy January transfer window.

Thomas Frank has somewhat steadied the ship with a win over Crystal Palace and Thursday’s 0-0 draw against his former side, Brentford.

Archie Gray is the latest young star to make a real name for himself in North London this season, but there are plenty in reserve waiting for a similar chance.

Luka Vuskovic is one of those shining, currently on loan at Hamburg, and it looks as though another defender will get a chance to prove himself in Germany, too.

Kota Takai to seal Tottenham exit

Kota Takai is yet to get his chance in a Tottenham shirt, and he’ll have to wait until next season for that opportunity now.

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Signed from Kawasaki Frontale in Japan last summer, the 21-year-old is now set to spend the second half of the campaign with Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Florian Plettenberg has reported that Takai will join the Germans on loan until June, and is already training with the squad on Friday afternoon.

Mönchengladbach are currently in Turkey on a warm-weather training camp, with the Tottenham defender already involved.

Where has Kota Takai been?

After signing in the summer of 2025, injuries have hit the Japanese defender hard.

Takai has missed 16 games through a foot injury, which also stopped him from making a mark in the Carabao Cup against the likes of Doncaster.

Takai was on the bench at Selhurst Park as Spurs beat Crystal Palace 1-0 over Christmas, but he missed out at Brentford, presumably to jet away for this loan move.

The 21-year-old is a full Japan international with four caps, with a loan move to Germany likely taken to solidify his chances of a World Cup 2026 spot with the Blue Samurai.

With over 80 appearances and two senior trophies in his home country, there is great hope for this young defender, who will just want to prove himself after months of uncertainty with injury.

Let’s hope he can do just that, with Vuskovic the perfect example.

Tottenham are set to accept a loan deal with Oxford United for Jamie Donley in the winter transfer window.

Donley has returned to Spurs from Stoke City after joining the Championship outfit in the summer on a season-long loan.

Will Lankshear is at the Kassam Stadium and could now be joined by the Northern Ireland international.

The Potters didn’t give the 20-year-old attacker many opportunities, and it makes sense for the North London outfit to further his development elsewhere.

Jamie Donley to reunite with Will Lankshear away from Tottenham

Donley and Lankshear will hope to revive their prolific partnership at Oxford, according to Lilywhite Rose.

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The Tottenham insider reports on 2 January that the Northern Irishman is on his way back to the Championship.

With Gary Rowett’s team fighting relegation, the attacking-midfielder will hope to contribute to Oxford’s success this season.

Lankshear has had a decent stint at the U’s so far, scoring six goals and providing one assist in 24 league appearances.

Brennan Johnson also seems close to joining Crystal Palace, with fans expecting reinforcements up front in January.

It will be interesting to see how the squad will shape up in the coming weeks as the North London outfit look to turn the tide in the Premier League.

Spurs have major transfer dilemma after what’s happened with Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank’s future at Tottenham is uncertain, as the Danish manager has failed to impress many fans recently.

It leaves Spurs with a significant dilemma in the transfer window if the former Brentford boss is eventually let go.

It wouldn’t make sense for the North London outfit to cater to Frank’s style of play if he doesn’t have a future in N17.

Tottenham should look to strengthen their squad in the coming weeks, but whether that will be for the Danish manager remains to be seen.

The goalkeeping situation at Tottenham is a complete mess under Thomas Frank.

Guglielmo Vicario has been criticised for making a series of high-profile mistakes, and fans have had enough of his inability to play out from the back.

As a result, Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has been linked with a move to Tottenham, but the deal can only progress if the Seagulls find a replacement first.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is an alternative option for Tottenham after falling out of favour at Barcelona.

Vicario could even leave Spurs in January, with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford emerging as a leading candidate to replace him.

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Tottenham favourites to sign Man City’s James Trafford

Trafford played a starring role in Burnley’s 2024-25 promotion season, starting 45 matches in the Championship as the Clarets conceded a record-breaking total of just 15 goals.

Having progressed through their academy as a youngster, he returned to Man City in the summer for £27million plus add-ons.

Trafford started the first three games of the season, including in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Man City, but was quickly dropped after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival.

He has since played just four times across the Carabao Cup and Champions League, and a move to another Premier League club is now on the cards.

One bookmaker has slashed the odds for Tottenham to sign him, as they are the favourites at 5/1, with Newcastle second favourites at 9/2.

Another bookmaker has Spurs and Newcastle both at 9/2, and there is a lot of uncertainty as to what his next move may be.

Trafford was linked with Spurs in December 2024, but with the odds at 2/7 for Trafford to remain at Man City, Pep Guardiola’s quotes also don’t make for good reading.

What Pep Guardiola has said about Trafford isn’t great news for Tottenham fans

The goalkeeper will undoubtedly be frustrated by his start to the season, although Guardiola has insisted that he still has a vital role to play in Manchester.

On 16 December, he said: “Trafford stays in January. He’s staying with us this season, absolutely.”

Man City have a clear stance on their number two goalkeeper, and it would seem unlikely that they would let him go just six months after signing him.

However, a big fee could tempt them to part ways with the 23-year-old, and if there’s any top club that is in desperate need of a modern goalkeeper, it’s Tottenham.

Tottenham have recalled Damola Ajayi from his loan spell with League One side Doncaster Rovers, with two fellow London clubs now eyeing a deal.

Spurs decided to loan Ajayi out in the summer with hopes of the youngster developing in the senior game.

The winger has internal admirers in N17, but unfortunately, the move to Doncaster hasn’t panned out the way most thought it would.

Ajayi faced Tottenham in the Carabao Cup when Thomas Frank‘s side beat Doncaster 3-0 back in September, but since then has been unable to cement himself as a regular starter.

The latest news regarding his return to Tottenham has alerted two London clubs.

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Bromley and AFC Wimbledon interested in Damola Ajayi

Luckily for the Lilywhites, Ajayi is a talented forward, and they will have no issue in finding another club for him to develop with.

Frank has rarely used his youth players to his advantage since arriving, and another loan move seems obvious in January.

According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay on X, following Ajayi‘s return to Tottenham, both AFC Wimbledon and Bromley have now shown interest in taking the 20-year-old on loan in January.

Spurs will now have to decide which of the two clubs suits the wide man best.

Why Bromley may be the best destination for Ajayi

Ajayi had success with Doncaster in cup competitions, but against lesser sides, with his best performance coming versus Chesterfield in the EFL Trophy.

The right-winger scored a goal and set one up in a 5-1 win over the League Two side, which may be telling in what club Spurs should let him go to.

Wimbledon are currently mid table in League One, the same division where Ajayi couldn’t start for Doncaster, who are in the relegation zone.

Bromley however, are in League Two, with the southeast London side seemingly a far better option for the Lilywhites to consider when deciding Ajayi’s next move.

January will be important for Spurs concerning incomings, but they also need to look after their youngsters too.

Tottenham have already swooped to bring Mason Melia to North London this winter.

Spurs have had a knack for improving young players and giving them first-team chances, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall thriving for the Tottenham first team right now.

Luca Williams-Barnett is arguably Tottenham’s brightest talent, but he is set to be joined by a new talent in the shape of the Irish striker.

Melia agreed a Tottenham move back in February as he continued to showcase his talents with St Pat’s Athletic of the Irish Premier Division.

The Lilywhites have now welcomed Melia to Hotspur Way in a move that is bound to excite those associated with the North London club.

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Who is Mason Melia?

Tottenham have been waiting to welcome Melia on 1 January, and there is good reason for that after multiple positive campaigns in Ireland.

The 18-year-old netted 13 goals and provided three assists across 35 league appearances throughout 2025, proving why he caught the eye in N17.

That has added to his running tally of 23 goals in 95 appearances, a stellar record in terms of goals and minutes for a teenager.

The forward has already made the step up to the Ireland Under-21s side and has scored two in his five showings so far.

This level of output is what made Spurs swoop for Melia, with his move to North London now finalised after months of waiting.

Melia has finally confirmed Tottenham move

The N17 outfit have had to wait 11 months, but now finally have their hands on the Irishman ready for the second half of the season.

The teen agreed to join Spurs in a “record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player”, which is reportedly worth an initial £1.6million.

This could be an eye raiser for Thomas Frank after his side’s struggles in front of goal since he took over as head coach in the summer.

Melia is far from the finished article, but at 18, he can thrive for the Lilywhites and potentially make a first-team sizable splash in the coming months and years.

The Danish head coach should consider Melia moving forward, with his invaluable amount of senior minutes at 18 proving how good he could be.

Tottenham could make Enzo Maresca their next manager after his surprise Chelsea exit.

Maresca struggled in his early days at Chelsea, but was able to turn things around as he lifted the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League last campaign.

Chelsea secured a 2-0 win over Tottenham earlier in the season, with Thomas Frank’s side representing a much more inconsistent outfit than the Blues.

Frank has come under pressure at Tottenham, but it is the Italian who has lost his job in a largely confusing situation at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca will now be on the hunt for a new role, with a switch across the capital to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium potentially in the pipeline.

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Jamie O’Hara wants Enzo Maresca at Tottenham

Frank could soon depart Tottenham and leave the Lilywhites in need of yet another new head coach for the third time in as many years.

The Dane replaced Ange Postecoglou at the end of last season, as the Australian was sacked despite winning the Europa League.

Things haven’t worked out to this point for the ex-Brentford man, but he has outlasted yet another Premier League boss in N17.

Maresca had raised frustration among the Chelsea hierarchy, but it was still a surprise to see him depart with the Blues sitting fifth in the table.

That has raised eyebrows across the division, with the Italian already linked to Manchester City as a potential summer replacement for Pep Guardiola.

Despite this, former Spurs midfielder has called for his old side to swoop for Maresca and bring him to North London while speaking on talkSPORT.

He said: “Yes, I would have him [Maresca at Tottenham]. I think if we could get Enzo Maresca, I would go and get him right now. I think he’s a good manager.“

Could Maresca swap Chelsea for Spurs?

The ex-Leicester City boss has certainly increased his reputation in the Premier League with a largely positive spell at Stamford Bridge.

Qualifying for the Champions League and two trophies hasn’t been enough to save him and his exit was inevitable after recent reports.

The question now is whether Maresca could move to Tottenham if Frank were to be shown the door in the coming weeks or months.

That could all depend on the future of Guardiola and whether he wants to leave Man City or remain for another season.

The Lilywhites will have to keep their ear close to the ground if they are to wait on the 45-year-old after his explosive Blues exit.

Archie Gray has been called out after Tottenham’s 0-0 draw with Brentford on Thursday.

Thomas Frank was hoping to bring in Tottenham’s New Year with a victory, but his side were held at the G-Tech Community Stadium.

Frank started Gray as a number 10, in the absence of Lucas Bergvall, but the former Leeds United star did not impress.

He thought he had earned a penalty in the second-half, but there was not enough contact according to the referee and the VAR.

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What did Hackett say about Tottenham star Gray?

Keith Hackett believes that it was an act of simulation from the Spurs ace, who was attempting to fool the officials.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, the former FIFA-listed official said: “Archie Gray and his fall to the ground is unconvincing, and he is attempting to win a penalty kick by simulation.

“Match officials have made the correct call.”

Gray still has a lot to learn at Tottenham

Gray is one of the most promising youngsters in the game, but he still has plenty to learn to become a regular star.

Play acting in the box will not help his game, and referees may question whether he has dived if he is genuinely fouled in the area now.

There was minimal contact, and he made a meal out of it, which will not bode well for his reputation with officials in the future.

He needs to focus on grabbing goals and assists for Spurs, rather than trying to win penalties by tricking the referee.

His performances have been wildly inconsistent, and Frank needs him to step up and prove that he deserves a place in the team.

He was not helped against the Bees, as he is not a number 10, so he had a difficult job to do on the night, as he is used to playing in central midfield, defence or at right-back.

When everyone is fit, he may not get into the side, with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur in brilliant form, so he needs to make a good impression when he does get a chance.

Cristian Romero has come under fire after Tottenham drew away to Brentford on Thursday.

Spurs could only draw with Brentford in their first outing of 2026 as pressure continues to build surrounding Thomas Frank.

A goalless draw was arguably fair in the end as Tottenham failed to match their 2-0 win against Brentford from earlier in the campaign.

The January window is now open at Tottenham, and changes are needed after a dull affair at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Lilywhites could count themselves lucky in the end after Romero so nearly let his side down once again.

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Cristian Romero controversy assessed vs Brentford

Romero was sent off against Liverpool for a moment of madness that was totally unnecessary at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A trip to face the Bees was his first since that day against the Premier League champions, and he so nearly replicated his previous failings.

The Argentina international could have seen red against Keith Andrews’ side for a last-man challenge on Igor Thiago in the second half.

Referee Andy Madley didn’t even award a foul on the night, but that was controversial on its own without the prospect of a red card.

Former Manchester City Women’s star Steph Houghton agreed with the end decision in Hounslow, but was far from impressed by Romero’s challenge, regardless.

She said: “I do think he’s lucky, but I don’t think it was enough to be a red card. At this moment in time, he’s trying to clear the ball, and it’s very clumsy.

“I think this is a trait of Cristian Romero that we’ve seen over the last few seasons, that when he gets into this position, he’s very clumsy with his tackles, and yes, he misses the ball and fouls Thiago, but I don’t think there was a denial of a goalscoring opportunity as obvious as most people think.“

Thomas Frank must have words with Romero at Tottenham

The Danish head coach is coming under increased scrutiny in North London and seriously needs results and performances to improve.

Frank won’t be helped by his best players doing so poorly, especially one like Romero, who continues to get himself involved in such poor moments.

He could only rack up a ground duel win rate of 44 per cent at the Gtech while also committing four fouls, which is far from good enough.

The Argentine has somehow avoided a red card in both games against Brentford this season, with both challenges coming against Thiago.

A conversation needs to be had down Hotspur Way between the head coach and the skipper to understand why these sorts of things continue to happen.

Romero has been sent off five times in North London and that arguably could have been six against the Bees, represting a sizable risk for for Frank’s side.

If they don’t sit down for that sort of chat, the Lilywhites could be set for even more frustration moving forward this campaign.

Tottenham drew 0-0 against Brentford on Thursday in a tight affair.

Thomas Frank was hoping to kickstart Tottenham’s New Year against his former employers at the G-Tech Community Stadium.

Frank has been under pressure lately at Tottenham, with some questioning his future in North London after a poor run of form.

However, he could not build on the win against Crystal Palace, as his side were held by Keith Andrews’ team.

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Joao Palhinha superb in Tottenham draw

Joao Palhinha returned to the Tottenham team after being benched against Crystal Palace last time out, and he made sure Frank knew what he offered.

The Portuguese midfielder created one chance for his teammates, and played five passes into the final third as he tried to make the difference in attack, per Sofascore.

Defensively, Palhinha showed why he is a reliable presence for Spurs, with three tackles, a clearance, two recoveries and an interception.

In terms of duels, he won the most in the contest, with seven overall, five on the ground and two in the air.

It was an impressive performance from the 30-year-old as he sent a warning to Frank about leaving him out in future.

Mohammed Kudus underwhelms in Tottenham draw

Mohammed Kudus was signed by Tottenham in the summer, but he has not had the start to his career in North London that he would have wanted.

The Ghanaian has notched two goals and five assists, which is a solid return, but he has been found lacking far too often.

This was the case against the Bees, as he created no chances, had just two touches in the opposition area and made one pass into the final third.

He was dispossessed four times, and completed just two of the five dribbles that he attempted, for a 40 per cent success rate.

Defensively, he won just three of 11 attempted ground duels, for a 27 per cent success rate, which did not help his team.

He somehow survived the first change from Frank, with Wilson Odobert replaced instead, despite his anonymous showing.

How Tottenham stars rated vs Brentford

Guglielmo Vicario – 5

Pedro Porro – 6

Cristian Romero – 6

Micky van de Ven – 6

Djed Spence – 6

Joao Palhinha – 7 (off for Tel, 80)

Rodrigo Bentancur – 6

Mohammed Kudus – 4

Archie Gray – 5

Wilson Odobert – 5 (off for Kolo Muani, 67)

Richarlison – 5

Substitutes:

Randal Kolo Muani – 5

Mathys Tel – 5

Thomas Frank has a decision to make regarding the future of Tottenham youngster Jamie Donley.

Tottenham must address several problems in the January transfer window, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League after an underwhelming start to the season.

Frank remains under sack pressure in North London, with sections of the fanbase firmly against the Dane and adamant that he needs to be dismissed.

The Spurs boss now has a new issue to address, as he fights to keep his job moving into the second half of the campaign.

Tottenham recall Jamie Donley from Stoke

Donley joined Stoke City on loan during the summer transfer window, with Tottenham feeling that a move to the Championship would aid his development.

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The 20-year-old spent the entirety of last season with League One outfit Leyton Orient, scoring eight goals and picking up 10 assists.

However, Donley has struggled for game time at Stoke, making just four league appearances so far this term, and Spurs have now recalled him.

Donley was clearly not getting enough game time under Mark Robins, and Tottenham have made the decision to bring him back to North London in order to reconsider his future.

The attacker may be sent back out on loan at some point in the January window, but some Spurs fans think he should be included in the first team by Frank.

Tottenham fans call for Jamie Donley to be given a chance

Donley joined Tottenham back in 2013 at the age of eight and moved through the ranks at the North London side.

He made his first-team debut back in December 2023 under Ange Postecoglou, coming on as a substitute in a 3-3 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Donley made a further two Premier League appearances for Spurs across the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign, and has been on loan ever since.

Tottenham have struggled to create chances this term under Frank, and some supporters think that Donley should be given another chance in the first team, more than 18 months after his last appearance for the North London side.

One fans believes that Donley could “surprise” a few if given an opportunity by Frank.

Other Tottenham supporters agree that the versatile midfielder deserves minutes in the Premier League, given the quality of their current attacking players.

However, others believe that he should be sent back to Leyton Orient in League One, where he performed so well last season.

Whether he stays at Tottenham, or goes back out on loan, Donley must get consistent minutes under his belt in order to reach his potential.