da esport bet： Tottenham Hotspur’s issues under Thomas Frank have been there for all to see, with the recent run of poor form cranking up pressure on the Dane in North London.

da 888： The 52-year-old has overseen a run of games which includes just three wins and four losses across all competitions, including the FA Cup, as seen during the weekend.

The Lilywhites crashed out at the first hurdle against fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, subsequently ending yet another chance of claiming a trophy in 2025/26.

Recent results have seen the club slide down England’s top-flight once again, currently sitting in a measly 14th place – just three places better off than last campaign.

However, despite the recent slump in recent weeks, Frank could be handed a chance to save his job, especially should the hierarchy decide to back him in the transfer market.

Spurs want move for English sensation this January

Over the last couple of days, links have started to gain momentum over a potential deal to land Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, but any deal would likely be an expensive one.

The English youngster has become one of the country’s hottest prospects over the last few months, as seen by his run of call-ups to Thomas Tuchel’s side.

However, as a result, his price tag has only increased further, with the Eagles set to demand at least £80m, with Manchester United also in the race for the 21-year-old’s signature.

He’s not the Englishman being eyed up by the Lilywhites in this window, with Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher once again a player on the hierarchy’s radar.

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are now exploring a move for the 25-year-old this month, which could even be a loan deal, with an option to buy in the summer.

Various sources have confirmed that the former Chelsea star could be sold by Diego Simeone if the right offer arrives, which has led to the £26m fee being mooted.

However, TEAMtalk also suggest that Aston Villa are firmly in the race to land the midfielder, which may have forced Frank and Co to leap into action in the pursuit of his signature.

Why Gallagher would be a Lo Celso repeat for Spurs

Signing midfielders from Spain hasn’t been alien to Spurs in recent years, as seen with the £27m permanent deal to land Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis back in 2020.

The Argentine was seen as the man to replace Cristian Eriksen after his transfer to Inter Milan and provide competition for Dele, but it’s safe to say the move didn’t go as planned for both parties.

He racked up 108 appearances for the Lilywhites over a five-year period, which included loan spells to Villarreal after falling down the pecking order in North London.

Lo Celso was unable to provide the goods, like Dele did in the Premier League, with the Englishman often being the club’s shining lights in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

The attacking midfielder, who joined from MK Dons for just £5m in 2015, racked up 269 first-team appearances in the capital, subsequently scoring 67 times and laying on 59 appearances for his teammates.

As for the Argentine, he could only notch 10 goals and eight assists during his own time with the Lilywhites, which also led to numerous debates about his best position.

He would often feature in a number ten role, or even occasionally dropping slightly deeper as a number eight in an attempt to get the best out of his skillset in North London.

However, a deal for Gallagher could also present a similar predicament for Frank, with the manager needing to alter his midfield trio, should any move for the Atlético star be completed.

In 2025/26, the Dane has often operated with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur as two deep-lying options, with the likes of Xavi Simons featuring in a number ten position.

The aforementioned duo have often come under fire for their lack of creativity at the heart of the side, which could aid the manager in making a shift to a more progressive system.

Gallagher’s potential arrival could see Frank operate with a more box-to-box option, a role which the Englishman thrives in, as seen by his tally of eight goals in such a role on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021/22.

However, in the present day, he’s been just as impressive in such a role in LaLiga, with his underlying stats showcasing his quality at both ends of the pitch.

The 25-year-old has thrived in possession this campaign, as seen by his tallies of 92% passes completed, with 4.1 of his efforts per 90 going into the final third.

Conor Gallagher – LaLiga stats (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

19

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

92%

Progressive passes

3.8

Passes into final third

4.1

Tackles won

3.1

Interceptions made

2.2

Blocks made

1.3

% of tackles won

58%

Stats via FBref

Such numbers would finally hand the Spurs squad the ball-playing option they’ve lacked at the heart of the side, which in turn could make them a more attacking threat.

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However, out of possession is where the former Chelsea star has made a name for himself, as seen by his remarkable tally of 3.4 tackles won per 90 in 2025/26.

His tenacious playstyle with and without the ball has led to huge praise in recent times, with journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke dubbing the former Chelsea star as a “Poch-era Dele Alli”.

Such praise is a huge compliment to the Atletico star, especially considering the levels produced by his compatriot during his time in North London under Mauricio Pochettino.

Very few players have struggled to reach the same level in North London since, as seen with Lo Celso, with the Argentine another victim of the club’s struggles in recent seasons.

However, a move for Gallagher could put an end to such a streak, but it’s crucial that Frank adapts his current plans with the Lilywhites if he’s to get the best out of the £26m.

He’s constantly showcased in his career that he’s at his best when given the license to make an impact at both ends of the pitch, something which is currently lacking at the heart of the first-team.

If the midfielder does make the move to the Lilywhites during the current window without a guaranteed box-to-box role, it would be a surprise to no one if he emulated Lo Celso in failing to impress at Spurs.

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2 ByMatt Dawson