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New behind the scenes activity at Tottenham Hotspur reveals Thomas Frank sack likelihood  FourFourTwo

Among the myriad transfers, loans, rumours and failed moves of deadline day, one of the more unusual deals got a little bit lost.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were in direct competition for a talented young striker who ended up joining Spurs having initially been targeted by their north London rivals, according to reports.

So far, so normal. Sometimes they go to Spurs. Sometimes they go to Arsenal. The structure of the deal and its long-term implications are less straightforward.

'I don't think it's the right move for him. He's better than that.'

Wilson joined Spurs on loan with an option to buy and linked up immediately with the London side's under-21 squad. After seeing his Heart of Midlothian team beaten 1-0 at St Mirren on Tuesday, Wilson's former manager Derek McInnes was understandably nonplussed.

McInnes, whose team still lead the Scottish Premiership but have Celtic and Rangers breathing down their necks, said that the possibility of a loan within Scotland was mooted for Wilson, who was by no means a regular starter for the Jambos.

"His head was turned with the Tottenham thing," McInnes told BBC Sport Scotland. "First it was Arsenal, then Arsenal went quiet, and then all of a sudden Tottenham came to the table.

"I don't think it's the right move for him. Ultimately, it's academy football and I think he's better than that. But it was something James wanted to do."

Wilson's wishes are the deciding factor, of course, but also pertinent is the shade cast by McInnes on the idea of heading to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity even if it means a loan to an under-21 team.

A move too soon for Wilson and Mooney?

Both young Scottish players have backed their abilities to pass muster at two of London's biggest Premier League clubs with their eyes wide open to the long road and hard work ahead of them.

Yet McInnes raises an important question: Is academy and under-21 – even at top-level English clubs – the right place for a teenage prospect who already has some senior football under his belt?

It's certainly not the only option. McInnes' preferred outcome of a loan in Scotland with a possible recall would seem a good fit for Wilson, whose quality has been made plain but would arguably benefit from the physical lumps of regular men's football.

Hearts were all but toothless at a freezing St Mirren on Tuesday night. With the consequences of a bad red card habit finally coming back to bite them, Wilson would surely have been in contention to be involved and he might have made all the difference.

In FourFourTwo's opinion, young players like Wilson and Mooney are well within their rights to back themselves and take the appropriate advice about how best to maximise their long-term prospects.

Nevertheless, there is surely a risk of them getting lost in the shuffle while playing under-age football. Wilson in particular has essentially cracked the senior ranks, not playing as much or as soon as he'd like but doing enough to earn the trust of Scotland manager Steve Clarke in a World Cup year.

It's now up to the player to make sure not only that he stands out among the excellent academy players at a club that prides itself on player development, but also that he adds the robustness to his game that would have come from irregular first team football.

Clarke will be the first to make a value judgement on his move and one suspects an immediate return to the Scotland squad is more unlikely than it was a week ago.

Tottenham's season hasn't gone according to plan under Thomas Frank, despite the team's impressive showing in the Champions League league phase.

While the club secured automatic passage to the last 16 of Europe's premier club competition, their efforts in the Premier League have been less than satisfactory for many supporters - and it appears, some players, too.

Spurs currently sit 14th in the table and are winless in their last six league games. In that time, Frank's side have beaten Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League but the likelihood of securing continental football next season is becoming slimmer with each remaining gameweek.

Spurs set to lose skipper in summer transfer window

According to TyC Sports in Argentina, club captain Cristian 'Cuti' Romero will leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Journalist Gaston Edul reports there is interest from LaLiga, as well as another league, and that clubs came close to making Spurs a transfer proposal during the January window.

Romero, 27, is contracted to the club until the summer of 2029, meaning it will take a significant fee to buy him out of his Spurs deal, which should serve as some consolation to Tottenham supporters. The Argentine only signed an extension at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, however, there are rumours that the central defender is not happy with the club's direction.

Additionally, Romero has been vocal on social media, describing the squad's current issues as 'disgraceful'. Spurs added Conor Gallagher and Brazilian full-back Souza during the January transfer window, but the opinion of many Tottenham supporters is the team needed further supplementation.

"I wanted to be available to help [my teammates] even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available - unbelievable but true and disgraceful," Romero posted on Instagram shortly before Monday's transfer deadline, reacting to the team's 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the weekend.

It is the second attack, seemingly directed at the Spurs hierarchy, Romero has levelled in recent weeks.

After the team's 3-2 defeat by AFC Bournemouth earlier this season, the 27-year-old wrote to his 5.1 million Instagram followers: "At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't… they only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies."

In FourFourTwo's opinion, Romero clearly appears disaffected and that is an undesirable position to be in for the Spurs board given the World Cup winner is club captain.

Romero's recent social media declarations could easily be interpreted as come-and-get-me pleas to interested clubs, of which there are reportedly plenty, considering his high level of individual performances.

Furthermore, if the content of his social media posts is what Romero is happy to express to millions of Tottenham supporters and other teams, imagine what is being discussed behind closed doors with his representatives ahead of the summer window.

Tottenham are sweating over the fitness of defender Micky van de Ven.

The Netherlands international did not travel with the squad in midweek, as they faced Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, securing a top-eight spot thanks to a 2-0 success in Germany.

Attention is now quickly turning to Sunday's huge clash with Manchester City, as the focus again switches to the Lilywhites' Premier League endeavours.

Is Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven fit to face Manchester City this weekend?

Van de Ven did not make the squad that flew to Germany earlier this week, with Thomas Frank admitting the former Wolfsburg man is dealing with an issue.

"Micky has not travelled. Minor thing. It’s possible he’s available for the weekend," said the Dane ahead of the clash with Dino Toppmoller's side.

"It’s just a minor thing. We expect him to be a big possibility for City," added Frank when quizzed on the finer details.

Pressed on the severity of the injury, the ex-Brentford boss gave little away to reporters. "It’s not a hamstring," he said.

Heading into a tough period of games, Spurs now have Man City, Man Utd, Newcastle and Arsenal all to come in succesive games.

Down in 14th in the Premier League table, Tottenham are 10 points behind the top four and will have to find some form if they are to challenge for European qualification this season.

"Yeah, you say the context, everything, I think it was overall a good performance," said Frank after the win in Germany on Wednesday.

"I think it was actually, as you say, a quite complete performance - how we defended in high pressure, how we defended in low pressure, how we controlled the ball, the chances we created, all that I think looked very good."

In FourFourTwo's view, the next month will be crucial as to whether Frank keeps his job, with a huge chance to catch up on the Premier League's top four by beating the teams who are challenging for Europe.

Tottenham look to be without defender Pedro Porro for a number of weeks.

The Spurs defender has been an ever-present since he joined the club from Sporting in 2023, having now made 139 appearances for the club.

But one of Thomas Frank's regulars is now set for a spell on the sidelines, with a key run of fixtures approaching for the Lilywhites.

Is Tottenham defender Pedro Porro fit to face Manchester City this weekend?

Porro last played during the 2-2 draw at Burnley, where the Spain international was deployed as a right-wing back in Frank's 3-5-2 system at Turf Moor.

He then didn't feature against Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, as Spurs won 2-0, thanks to goals from Randal Kolo-Muani and Dominic Solanke.

As confirmed by a club statement earlier this week, Porro is set to be out of action for at least four weeks.

"The full-back picked up the problem in the first half of our 2-2 draw at Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday where he was withdrawn at half-time, replaced by Destiny Udogie," the communication began.

"Pedro hasn't travelled, unfortunately he’s picked up a hamstring injury, so he’ll be out for four weeks."

That news comes as a big blow for Tottenham, who are under increasing pressure to turn things around in the Premier League.

With Manchester City coming next, the tough games are coming thick and fast for Spurs, with the onus on turning around their recent fortunes.

They are yet to win in the Premier League in 2026, last winning against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park back on December 28.

There has been some suggestion that Frank is facing pressure to save his job, and with Man City, Man Utd, Newcastle and Arsenal to come in four consecutive fixtures, it could be a vital period for the Dane.

FourFourTwo admits it may be hard for the ex-Brentford boss to save his job should this poor form domestically continue.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to have begun talks for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka.

Spurs have already signed one midfielder this window, bringing in former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid man Conor Gallagher on a long-term contract.

But after progressing in the Champions League earlier this week, manager Thomas Frank wants to add further bodies to his squad and is now eyeing a move for the 30-year-old Germany international.

Tottenham begin talks for Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka

Goretzka has often been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, most notably with links regarding Manchester United and Arsenal.

But with less than six months left on his contract at the Allianz Arena, it is unclear whether Vincent Kompany sees a future for the tenacious midfielder, who has started 15 Bundesliga games so far this term.

But according to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo, Frank is assessing whether the Lilywhites could make a late move for the former Schalke man, who is also liked by sides in Serie A.

Longo claims Tottenham are in contact with Roof, the agency that manages the Bayern Munich player, as relayed by SportsWitness over the past 24 hours.

Bayern beat PSV Eindhoven 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, with sporting director Max Eberl asked about Goretzka’s situation at present. When asked whether Goretzka could stay until the end of this season, he said: “So far, yes."

Sky in Germany then stated: ‘The sporting director called Goretzka’s considerations for a move abroad “legitimate” because his contract expires in the summer.’

Eberl explained further that 'no decisions have been made yet' as to whether the six-time German champions stays with the club in 2026.

What did Vincent Kompany say about Leon Goretzka's future?

Kompany is another who has been outspoken about the need to discuss contracts with several of his current squad members.

Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano, Serge Gnabry and Raphaël Guerreiro are all heading towards exits this summer as it stands, with the Bayern boss admitting fresh conversations need to be had.

“I know that I have to get up early tomorrow and then have a conversation with Max or Christoph at some point – that we need to discuss the squad.”

Watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur today as Spurs seek automatic passage to the last 16 of the Champions League, with all the details on live streaming and TV coverage right here in this guide.

There might be a precedent for European glory salvaging a season for Tottenham Hotspur but it didn't do Ange Postecoglou much good. Thomas Frank is unlikely to get even that far unless something kickstarts a surprise turnaround in form.

The north London club will hope the final match of the league phase in this season's Champions League can be the start of that process. The competition has provided blessed distraction thus far.

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Can I watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur for free?

You can watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs Spurs for free in certain countries, with Tapmad opening up a live stream free of charge. Tapmad operates in several territories across Asia, and coverage is geo-restricted.

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How to watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur in the UK

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur will be available to stream live in the UK for subscribers to the Discovery+ platform.

SEE ALSO | FourFourTwo's Champions League Predictor: Tell us the results of every UCL fixture and get on our leaderboard

Watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur in the US

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur will be available for streaming in the United States on Paramount+ courtesy of the official Champions League broadcaster, CBS.

SEE ALSO | Champions League power rankings: 10 favourites to lift Europe's biggest prize in 2025/26

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Champions League fans in Australia can watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur live through Stan Sport.

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Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur: Champions League preview

For all their mounting domestic struggles, Frank and Spurs are well placed in the league phase table. Last season's Europa League winners are in fifth place at the start of play with a single-point advantage on no fewer than eight teams beneath them.

Spurs would guarantee their progress without a play-off by winning at Eintracht Frankfurt. Four wins and two draws from their seven league phase matches would suggest it's a possibility.

The twist? All four of those wins have been at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they're winless in the Premier League and FA Cup since early December.

Spurs are certainly blunted by injuries but will be eager to find some small advantage in the fact that they're one of four teams facing opponents on Wednesday who've already been eliminated.

Eintracht Frankfurt are above only Kairat, Villarreal and Slavia Prague, sitting on a meagre return of four points thanks to a home win against Galatasaray in their first game and a draw at Napoli.

Liverpool and Atalanta have both won comfortably at Deutsche Bank Park but it's obvious at this point in their season that Spurs will need to up their game to come away from Frankfurt with all three points.

Only two teams in the Bundesliga are on longer winless runs, however, so if ever there's a time for Spurs to click back into gear, now could be that time.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

We're not expecting a Champions League all-timer.

Liverpool have pulled the plug on Tottenham’s proposed move Reds vice-captain Andy Robertson.

Thomas Frank’s side had approached the Reds last week over a potential move for the 31-year-old, who signed for Liverpool in 2017 when he joined in a £8 million move from Hull City.

The initial enquiry came with Frank facing a number of injury issues in defence and with Robertson in the final six months of his deal at Anfield. Liverpool were ready to listen to the approach, but have now made their decision.

Why Liverpool pulled the plug

Tottenham raised the idea of signing the Scotland skipper after losing Ben Davies to a fractured ankle, believing that Robertson had the ability, experience and leadership qualities to replace Davis at left-back.

With Spurs toiling at 14th place in the Premier League, Frank raised the issue of these leadership qualities among signing Conor Gallagher earlier this month, as the former Brentford boss looks to give his young side direction and experience.

From Liverpool’s perspective, Arne Slot’s side brought in Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth in the summer, with the 22-year-old Hungarian international being seen as competition and an eventual successor for Robertson.

Slot and the Reds hierarchy were also said to be willing to listen to the Spurs offer in recognition of Robertson’s service to the club over the past eight-and-a-half years, during which time he has helped the club to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the 2018/19 Champions League.

But after listening to what Spurs had to offer, Slot and Liverpool have decided to end negotiations. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the offer had been worth over £5m with add-ons.

Should Robertson have left, the club would have had no cover for Kerkez at left-back, although they had the option to recall Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell at Roma.

With Robertson not asking to move, Liverpool will move on from these talks, with Robertson coming off the bench at the start of the second half of Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth.

Liverpool have already seen defenders Conor Bradley and Giovannu Leoni suffer season-ending injuries, while Joe Gomez was forced off against the Cherries and Ibrahima Konate has been on compassionate leave for the past two matches, all of which backs up Liverpool’s decision to end talks with Spurs.

This transfer U-turn also comes following recent speculation that Liverpool are interested in signing Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven, so it remains to be seen what impact this may have on any future pursuit of the Dutchman.

In FourFourTwo’s view, it simply wouldn’t have made sense for Liverpool to let Robertson go for a minimal fee at a time when their defence is struggling with injuries. With Kerkez needing time to bed in at Anfield, the Scot’s experience during a tough campaign will be vital during the run-in.

Tottenham Hotspur may soon be looking for their next manager, as an uneventful six months with Thomas Frank fizzles out.

Journalist David Ornstein revealed to NBC Sports recently that Frank losing his job in north London is a matter of “when and not if”.

The Danish coach has been given the club’s upcoming game against Borussia Dortmund, but beyond that his future is uncertain.

Tottenham Hotspur next manager odds

The recently-hired assistant coach, John Heitinga, is one of the names cropping up as a potential interim thanks to his plentiful experience in Premier League setups.

But with only a difficult spell at Ajax under his belt as the main man last year, he’s currently an unlikely candidate for the permanent gig.

So, too, however, is one of the current favourites, according to BetVictor, Robbie Keane.

The former Republic of Ireland international is currently managing Hungarian side Ferencvaros, after his first stint as a head coach with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and is a 3/1 shot along with LaLiga icons Xavi and Xabi Alonso.

Next up, at 4/1, is Mauricio Pochettino, who many feel should never have been sacked in the first place back in 2019 and, looking back, put together one of the best Spurs sides of a generation.

Premier League experience comes next in the odds rankings, with both Oliver Glasner and Ruben Amorim placed at 6/1 to rock up to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, potentially (or definitely, in the latter’s case) armed with a three-at-the-back system.

Watch Spurs vs Dortmund today for an important Champions League clash, with FourFourTwo laying on all the details on live streaming and TV coverage, wherever you are in the world.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is under serious pressure after his side lost again in the Premier League this weekend.

Callum Wilson netted an injury-time winner for West Ham, with the ex-Brentford boss booed heavily as he left the field.

Attention quickly turns to the visit of German giants Borussia Dortmund, who come into this game unbeaten in all competitions since the start of December.

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You can watch Spurs vs Dortmund for free in Ireland, where Virgin Media has the rights to select games each week.

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What if you're away from home when Spurs vs Dortmund is on, and find access to your usual streaming service geo-blocked? The solution is a VPN, a piece of software that sets your devices to appear to be in any country in the world.

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How to watch Spurs vs Dortmund in the UK

Spurs vs Dortmund is set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK and can be streamed live by subscribers on the Discovery+ platform.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT.

SEE ALSO | FourFourTwo's Champions League Predictor: Tell us the results of every UCL fixture and get on our leaderboard

Watch Spurs vs Dortmund in the US

Spurs vs Dortmund will be available for streaming in the US on Paramount+ via the official Champions League broadcaster, CBS.

SEE ALSO | Champions League power rankings: 10 favourites to lift Europe's biggest prize in 2025/26

How to watch Spurs vs Dortmund in Australia

Football fans in Australia can watch the UEFA Champions League clash between Spurs vs Dortmund live on Stan Sport.

SEE ALSO | Champions League TV guide

Spurs vs Dortmund: Preview

Frank could be heading for his final assignment as Tottenham boss against Dortmund.

Suggestion in the media is that the Dane is being considered for the sack, with the club's hierarchy actively looking at other replacements.

Only hired in June, Spurs have won just once in their past eight matches and are out of both domestic cup competitions.

Beaten by the Hammers over the weekend, attention now quickly turns to a huge match with Niko Kovac's men.

Dortmund arrive in the capital in brilliant form, having lost just one of their last 12 games in all competitions.

Despite trailing Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by 11 points, BVB are looking good for progression to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.

With two games to go, they will have hopes of a top-eight finish, and trail eighth-placed Atletico Madrid by just a point.

Top scorer Serhou Guirassy is one to watch, with the 29-year-old having netted 10 goals in 26 games in all competitions so far this term.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Spurs 1-2 Dortmund

We think this one will spell the end for Frank, with Dortmund winning narrowly against a beleaguered Spurs side.