Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the expected departure of a first-team head coach following their troubled start to the 2025-26 season.

Heading into the 18th gameweek of the campaign, Spurs lie in an underwhelming 14th place in the Premier League table, seven points off the top four and a whopping 17 adrift of leaders Arsenal.

New Lilywhites manager Thomas Frank has come under significant pressure for a number of weeks now, especially amid reports that there are internal doubts from players and others inside the club about his suitability for the role.

The Spurs board are standing by the former Brentford boss for now, but he has now lost one of his trusted lieutenants, as assistant coach Matthew Wells has joined up with Colorado Rapids in MLS.

The 37-year-old rose through the coaching ranks in the Tottenham academy after his premature retirement as a player, before serving as Scott Parker's assistant during his time at Bournemouth, Fulham and Club Brugge.

Tottenham coach Matt Wells departs for Colorado Rapids

Wells then returned to Tottenham in 2023 following the departures of Cristian Stellini and Antonio Conte, helping to usher in a new era under then-interim boss Ryan Mason and eventually Ange Postecoglou.

The Englishman was part of the Lilywhites' Europa League-winning coaching team last season and stayed on when Frank took the reins from Postecoglou, but he has now jumped ship to Denver to take up his first senior head coach role.

Frank paid tribute to his former lieutenant in a statement on the Tottenham website, saying: "When Matt joined my staff I knew it was his dream to become a head coach, and while I would have loved to have kept him with us for longer, I would never stand in the way of him realising that dream.

“We are all delighted for Matt. He has contributed greatly to the Club over a long period of time. He’s an excellent coach, a great person and has a big future ahead of him. We wish him all the best."

The Dane added in his press conference: "I’m very happy for Matt. It is a great opportunity for him. He is a very talented coach and I think he has a good potential to be a good head coach.

"It’s different when you stand out there on your own. I think he has all the abilities to be able to do well. I wish him all the best and I really want him to do well."

Frank also confirmed that Tottenham would be seeking a direct replacement for the new Colorado head coach, but there is no timeframe on a new hire just yet.

Is Thomas Frank the favourite to be sacked?

While Wells has cleared out his Spurs locker, Frank remains in post at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he is now the bookies' favourite to be the next Premier League manager to lose his job.

The Lilywhites have lost five of their last eight matches in all competitions under Frank, who has also overseen Spurs' worst start to a Premier League campaign since the 2008-09 season.

The Scandinavian will remain in charge for Crystal Palace this weekend, but another string of poor results and performances would leave the Tottenham hierarchy with a big decision to make.

Tottenham Hotspur have supposedly turned down an approach for defender Radu Dragusin ahead of his imminent return from an ACL injury.

The Romania international was back in a matchday squad for the first time since January over the weekend, making the bench for Spurs' 2-1 loss to Liverpool in the Premier League.

Dragusin was an unused substitute in the contest with the champions, who benefitted from red cards to Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero to leave the capital with a priceless three points under their belts.

Romero's dismissal for two bookable offences means that the Argentine will serve a one-match ban against Crystal Palace this weekend, potentially opening the door for Dragusin to make his first appearance for the Lilywhites in almost 11 months.

A fully-fit Kevin Danso is a more likely option to start in Romero's place, though, and Dragusin had already been linked with a move away from Spurs after failing to displace either Romero or Micky van de Ven in the starting XI.

Tottenham 'rejected' Fiorentina transfer approach for Radu Dragusin

According to Firenze Viola, Serie A outfit Fiorentina - who currently lie bottom of the Italian top-flight table - enquired about the availability of Dragusin in November, but they were swiftly knocked back by their English counterparts.

However, the report adds that Dragusin's exit from Tottenham in January is not beyond the realm of possibility, and the ex-Genoa man is 'on his way out' of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fiorentina could reportedly soon receive a major boost in their efforts to acquire Dragusin, as it has been reported over the past week that Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is edging closer to joining the Italian club, just two months after returning to Spurs.

Paratici was under suspension when Tottenham signed Dragusin in January 2024, since when the Romania international has made just 37 appearances for Tottenham, failing to register a single goal or assist.

The Lilywhites paid €25m (£21.8m) to bring Dragusin to the club from Genoa, and the North London club can afford to demand a heavy sum for his sale given that his contract does not expire until the summer of 2030.

Thomas Frank reacts to Fabio Paratici Tottenham exit rumours

Regardless of whether he is considered for a start or not, Dragusin is expected to be part of the matchday squad when Tottenham meet Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank faced the media in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, during which he was asked about the speculation surrounding Paratici's future.

The Dane did not directly quash the rumours, but he also affirmed that he was not best-placed to deliver an update, responding: "It is not the first rumour I need to speak about.

"If it is staff, director or player, in general, I am not speaking about that. I just try to focus on the Crystal Palace game. It is probably also something for someone high up in the Club."

Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with a move to sign Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been in superb form this season, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in 16 Premier League appearances.

The Manchester clubs are reportedly thought to be leading the race for Semenyo's signature, and the winger could make a decision on his future within the next few days.

Man City have reportedly held initial talks with the Bournemouth winger regarding a potential move to the Etihad Stadium, but other clubs are also in the mix.

PL clubs learn Semenyo's release clause conditions

Semenyo has a £65m release clause in his contract, and Bournemouth would be powerless to prevent him from leaving if any one of the aforementioned clubs pay the amount.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the release clause is only valid for the first 10 days of January, and the winger's exit is more than likely.

It also means that all interested parties are expected to complete Semenyo's signature at the start of the January window, as Bournemouth can demand a higher transfer fee for the winger once the validity period expires.

Tottenham are reportedly ready to shatter their wage structure to bring him to the north London club, but Jacobs claims that Semenyo has other priorities.

Do Liverpool have a chance to sign Semenyo?

Despite showing strong interest, Liverpool have become less active in pursuing Semenyo in recent weeks.

However, the Reds can reignite their interest following the injury to record signing Alexander Isak, who is set to be out of action for at least a few months.

With Mohamed Salah participating at the AFCON and his own future in doubt, and Cody Gakpo also missing due to injury, Liverpool have few options in their attacking areas.

Semenyo can play on both flanks and could be a fantastic addition to the side, but Liverpool's transfer strategy could change following Isak's injury.

Manchester United and Manchester City have reportedly been handed a boost in their efforts to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

The Ghana international has gained plenty of admirers with his performances in a Bournemouth shirt, especially as he has managed a return of eight goals and three assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season.

Semenyo looked to have committed his long-term future to Bournemouth when he signed a new contract in the summer until June 2030.

However, Semenyo's contract contains a £65m release clause, which will become active for a limited time in the January transfer window.

Tottenham withdraw from Semenyo transfer race

As a result, several big Premier League clubs have been linked ahead of the winter transfer market, including city neighbours Man United and Man City.

The two local rivals are believed to be leading the race to prise Semenyo away from the Vitality Stadium in the new year.

Tottenham were also said to be among those showing a keen interest, although Sky Sports News are reporting that Spurs have now pulled out of the race for Semenyo's signature.

The report claims that Thomas Frank's side are focusing on alternative transfer targets, meaning there is one less obstacle for the two Manchester rivals.

Could Liverpool rival Man Utd, Man City?

While Tottenham may be out of the running, Liverpool could still present a threat to Man United and Man City in the battle to sign Semenyo.

That is because the Reds retain an interest despite reportedly being less likely to sign him than they were a month ago.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is on the lookout for attacking reinforcements following the news that Alexander Isak faces an extended spell on the sidelines.

Liverpool have confirmed that record signing Alexander Isak successfully underwent surgery on Monday following a serious injury sustained during the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Sweden international suffered an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture in the act of scoring the opening goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The incident occurred in the 56th minute after a challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, leaving the striker unable to celebrate his clinical finish.

Arne Slot soon withdrew a distraught Isak, and the Reds' worst fears have now been realised.

Alexander Isak injury: Liverpool confirm fans' worst fears

While the operation was a success, the club has placed no specific timeframe on his return to action.

"Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday," the club statement read.

"The Liverpool striker was injured in a challenge in the process of scoring the opening goal against Tottenham Hotspur and had to be substituted.

"After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. Isak's rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return."

Isak has endured a frustrating stop-start debut season at Anfield, where he has yet to sparkle and show the form that made the defending Premier League champions pay a record £125m fee to Newcastle United.

The Swede's goal against Spurs was his third of the season after 16 appearances in all competitions, having scored 27 in 42 appearances for the Magpies in the 2024-25 season.

Alexander Isak injury: How do Liverpool replace injured forward?

Despite Liverpool's summer business, there was a feeling that the Reds were thin in certain areas.

While Hugo Ekitike has been money well spent for Slot's team, their options in attacking areas are spread thin without Isak.

Since Mohamed Salah is currently on international duty with Egypt, for whom he scored in the Pharaohs' Africa Cup of Nations opening match on Monday, the forward could be absent for the next month, and his future at Anfield thereafter remains uncertain.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who reportedly has a £65m release clause under certain conditions.

While not an out-and-out striker like Isak, the Ghana international has Premier League experience and potentially adds necessary quality and depth to the Reds' attack, which has looked desperately lacking in recent weeks as injuries have hit.

With Slot not seemingly trusting Federico Chiesa to start in the league or Champions League, a player of Semenyo's profile undoubtedly adds to the Reds' options.

One unconventional option could be recalling Harvey Elliott to the club following limited minutes at Aston Villa.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson is reported to be a target for both Brentford and Ipswich Town, as well as Crystal Palace.

Spurs will be looking at the January transfer window as an opportunity to address their problems given their position in the Premier League, with the club 13th in the table with just 22 points after 17 matchweeks.

The team's 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday has fuelled supporters' concerns that the playing squad is not strong enough to qualify for the Champions League.

It would not be surprising if Thomas Frank targeted the upcoming January window as a period in which to revamp his squad, something that could include a number of exits.

Winger Johnson has been linked with an exit, and Football Insider report that teams such as Brentford and Ipswich have joined the race for the Welshman's signature.

Brennan Johnson exit: Why is Tottenham's attack so dysfunctional?

Johnson was the hero when he scored the winning goal in the Europa League final last season, but the forward has frequently been linked with an exit in recent weeks.

The forward has scored twice in 15 Premier League appearances this season, and once in four Champions League matches, but he is not the only attacker to have struggled under Frank.

Mohammed Kudus has only scored two goals in the top flight, while Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert have netted just five times between them in the Premier League.

Frank has been criticised for his playing style, with detractors arguing that his defensive approach has not helped platform his forwards.

The head coach experienced success with Brentford while using a pragmatic style, but it has so far not been effective against deep blocks.

Should Thomas Frank be sacked before the January transfer window?

While dismissing Frank so soon into his tenure would be seen as premature by some, the club's hierarchy must make sure they believe in the Dane's vision before sanctioning further deals.

Signing players that are suited to Frank's system could be detrimental to Tottenham's long-term future if they choose to dismiss him further down the line.

The fact he has so far been unable to get more from summer signings like Simons and Kudus is concerning, and adding more attackers to the squad might not solve systemic issues.

Liverpool are less active in the market for Antoine Semenyo than other interested rivals, the latest report has claimed.

The Reds may have beaten Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Saturday in the Premier League, but the victory was not without setbacks, with striker Alexander Isak forced off due to injury.

While he did not require a stretcher when leaving the field, Liverpool are reportedly fearful that Isak has suffered significant damage to his lower leg.

The Swede's injury has prompted sections of the fanbase to ask for reinforcements in January, with Bournemouth winger Semenyo touted as a potential signing.

However, while GiveMeSport claim that a move to Anfield cannot be ruled out, a transfer to Arne Slot's side is looking less likely than it did in November.

January transfer window: Why Liverpool must sign an attacker

Isak could be set for a significant period on the sidelines, and his injury has left Slot with few options in the forward line.

Mohamed Salah is away with Egypt at AFCON, while Cody Gakpo is currently dealing with a muscle problem.

Slot's only senior options up front are Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa, though the head coach has shown little inclination to utilise the latter.

Though Gakpo could return in the coming weeks, it should be noted that Salah's future at Anfield is far from certain after falling out with the Dutch boss.

While Semenyo may be coveted by a number of rivals in the Premier League, failure to make an addition in the forward line would almost certainly prove costly.

Can Liverpool qualify for the Champions League?

It should be noted that Liverpool currently only have two senior centre-backs available following Joe Gomez's injury against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Slot also started all five of his available midfielders against Tottenham, and it would be a surprise if the squad was able to manage the rest of the season without further reinforcements.

Liverpool are level on 29 points with fourth-placed Chelsea, but the Blues' squad is not stretched as thin, and the Londoners are likely to make signings in January.

The Reds arguably need multiple additions in the winter, as they otherwise risk missing out on Champions League football.

Liverpool will be keeping an eye on the future of Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso amid uncertainty regarding Arne Slot, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed.

The Merseysiders emerged as 2-1 winners against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in the Premier League, but their performance against 10 and nine-man Spurs was concerning, with the Londoners often looking more likely to score.

It is not surprising that Slot's position as head coach has come under scrutiny, especially as Real boss Alonso could soon be available given he is reportedly teetering on the edge of being sacked.

Lynch insisted that the club will be paying attention to the future of the Real boss, telling Sports Mole: "It's definitely something they'll be keeping an eye because they know that they're heading into the summer and they might need to be in the managerial market.

"I've no doubt that Xabi Alonso, who they very much liked initially but he didn't want to leave in that moment, would be someone who'd be on their short list.

"They'll be keeping an eye on what's happening with Xabi Alonso because he's someone they like, so I don't think Arne Slot has got himself completely out of the woods."

The Real Madrid manager may not be willing to step into the Anfield dugout immediately if he was sacked, so perhaps the Reds will be forced to wait until the end of the campaign to replace Slot with the Spaniard.

Has Arne Slot been lucky with Liverpool?

While fans are keen for Slot to turn Liverpool's fortunes around, many have come to accept that a dismissal may be inevitable, particularly as the club are already 10 points behind first-placed Arsenal.

There is an argument that one of the reasons that the Dutchman is still in charge of the Reds is that a suitable candidate has not yet emerged, and replacing him with a permanent appointment now could be risky.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch argued that Slot has benefitted from the lack of currently available options, saying: "That's one of the things that has worked in Arne Slot's favour, especially when Liverpool were on that losing run.

"There wasn't a standout candidate out there as far as the club were concerned. If Xabi Alonso was available at that moment, maybe he would have come, but I think he would like a break if he does get sacked by Real Madrid.

Other managerial candidates such as Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola could be brought to Anfield in the summer given their contracts with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are set to expire at the end of 2025-26.

Will Arne Slot last the 2025-26 Premier League season?

Liverpool are currently fifth in the Premier League with 29 points, level with fourth-placed Chelsea, though many were expecting the club to compete for the title after a summer spending spree of roughly £450m.

It should be noted that the Reds are undefeated in their last six games, winning on four occasions, with the team winning each of their past three matches.

Lynch was keen for performances to improve, but he did emphasise the importance of results, when he told Sports Mole: "He's given himself a chance of still being there at the end of the season because of this run.

"It was approaching an untenable point with nine defeats in 12. Liverpool wouldn't have wanted to act, but they were almost forced to because you know it was only going in one direction. You've got to give huge credit to the manager for stopping the rot.

"He's still got to find that balance between defence and attack, and that's the key task for him next. In terms of results and an uptick in certain aspects of Liverpool's performances, you can say in the short term he's managed to save his job."

Liverpool have a favourable next period of fixtures, with games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Fulham to come, so Slot has a strong chance of extending the Merseysiders' unbeaten streak.

Antoine Semenyo's preference for a January transfer move has reportedly been revealed as four clubs strive to sign him from Bournemouth next month.

The Ghana international was on target once again in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Burnley, scoring in back-to-back top-flight games after his strike in Monday's sensational 4-4 stalemate with Manchester United.

Semenyo's effort in the clash with the Red Devils snapped a seven-game sequence with a goal or assist in the league for the 25-year-old, who is just starting to hit form again with the January window around the corner.

The former Bristol City man is understood to possess a £65m release clause in his Bournemouth contract, meaning that the Cherries will be powerless to let him depart in January if a suitor stumps up that fee.

Manchester City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are considered the four main contenders for Semenyo's signature next month, with Arsenal only watching from afar and Chelsea deciding against a swoop.

Antoine Semenyo preference 'revealed' amid Man Utd, City, Liverpool links

© Imago / Sportimage

Now, The Guardian have revealed Semenyo's first and second choice for a winter move, and the attacker's preference would supposedly be a switch to Liverpool.

The reigning Premier League champions will be missing Mohamed Salah for the next few weeks while he represents Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, but there is a slim chance that he has already played his final game for the club.

Salah has been cut from Arne Slot's starting XI amid a high-profile rift between himself, the manager and the club, and clubs from the Saudi Pro League and one Big Five European league could try to prise him away from Anfield in January.

Regardless, the 33-year-old will soon enter the final 18 months of his deal and has failed to replicate his astounding output from 2024-25, so Slot has apparently identified Semenyo as the perfect long-term successor for the Golden Boot winner.

Antoine Semenyo favours Liverpool transfer as 'second choice' revealed

Whether Semenyo gets his Merseyside wish remains to be seen, as Liverpool spent an unprecedented £450m in the summer transfer window and will have to be cautious with their cash-splashing in January.

Furthermore, there is only thought to be a wafer-thin chance of Salah departing midway through the season, and any move for Semenyo may directly hinge on the Egypt international's future.

If the Reds ultimately decide against triggering the £65m clause, the report adds that Man City would be Semenyo's second choice, and contact has already been made between the Sky Blues and his agents.

Alexander Isak is suspected to have suffered a lower leg injury rather than sustaining damage to his knee, the latest report has claimed.

Liverpool claimed three points on Saturday afternoon, when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in London, a win that moved them to fifth in the Premier League.

Striker Isak scored his second league goal of the season after coming on as a second-half substitute, but a tackle from Micky van de Ven when he scored forced him off.

Reds boss Arne Slot told reporters after the match that he was fearful of the type of injury the striker picked up, saying: "I don’t have any news on him but if a player scores, gets injured and doesn’t come back on the pitch or doesn’t try to come back, it’s usually not a good thing.

"I cannot say anything more than that. That is just a gut feeling and nothing more than that. Nothing medical to say about it."

The Athletic have now reported that Isak will undergo a scan to learn the extent of the damage he suffered, but he is thought to have avoided a knee injury, and has instead suffered a suspected lower leg injury.

How long will Alexander Isak miss after injury?

A knee injury could have sidelined the Swedish forward for the better part of a year, but while there are hopes he has avoided damage to his ACL, he could still have damaged ligaments in his ankle.

The most severe ankle injuries involve a complete tear or rupture of one or more ligaments, and that would require a minimum of two to three months out.

Recovery time could increase if surgery is required, while rehabilitation may become more complicated if any bones or tendons have been impacted.

If Liverpool are lucky and he has avoided a Grade 3 setback, then he may have suffered a Grade 2 injury, which would see him miss three to six weeks of action.

Could Liverpool be forced to act in the January transfer window?

Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are now the club's only senior forward options available to Slot, though Cody Gakpo could return in early January from a muscle injury.

Mohamed Salah is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, and with his future at Anfield far from certain, the Reds are at risk of heading into the second half of the season understaffed up front.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been consistently linked with a move to Anfield, and a transfer in January may have to become a priority.

The winger can play on either flank, and he is capable of playing in a more central position, so it could be sensible to bring him to the club.