Tottenham are hoping to back Thomas Frank and bring in defensive reinforcements in the ongoing transfer window
Tottenham have shown few signs of real progression under Thomas Frank this season. There have not been many positives to take from the Danish tactician’s first six months in charge, with the club sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table and managing just two home league wins so far. However, Frank has introduced some subtle changes to the team’s approach that have helped the North Londoners become more solid at the back.
The Spurs boss’ pragmatic style has gradually turned the side into a difficult team to break down. They have already kept 12 clean sheets in all competitions under Frank, strongly suggesting that the defence is now more stable and less vulnerable to sustained pressure during matches. The backline has remained largely intact, with fewer injury concerns, which has significantly aided the Danish tactician’s cause.
Will Tottenham get their hands on Marc Guehi?
Will Tottenham get their hands on Marc Guehi?
Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have formed a solid partnership at the heart of the defence for the Lilywhites, helping the club remain competitive in the race for automatic Champions League qualification. However, the drop in quality when either defender is unavailable is clear to see. The North Londoners lack sufficient depth at centre-back, underlining the need for defensive reinforcements in the winter window.
Tottenham face an uphill task of landing Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi
It comes as no surprise that Tottenham are keen to strengthen their defence this winter as the club looks to close the gap on its rivals in the coming months. With Radu Dragusin linked with a potential exit and Ben Davies entering the final months of his contract, the Lilywhites need to sign a defender who can make an immediate impact at N17 and compete with Romero and van de Ven for a place in the starting eleven.
Recent reports have linked Spurs with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The England international is reportedly keen on a new challenge as he approaches the final months of his contract at Selhurst Park. With no indication that he plans to extend his stay in South London, the Eagles may be forced to consider a January sale to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Exc: Man City explore move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for January. Follows injuries to Ruben Dias & Josko Gvardiol. No final decision from City over formal approach but interest has accelerated. Liverpool and Bayern Munich also interested. https://t.co/Dhqs6CBTwd
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC) January 5, 2026
However, the Lilywhites could find it difficult to secure the 25-year-old, who Palace were prepared to sanction this winter, with several clubs stepping up their interest. According to Sami Mokbel (via X), Manchester City are exploring the possibility of signing Guehi immediately as they look to reinforce their defence. Injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have forced City to prioritise the signing of a new centre-back in the coming weeks, making them favourites to land the Crystal Palace skipper on a permanent deal.
This development comes as a significant blow for the North Londoners, who now appear set to miss out on the 25-year-old. Spurs may need to turn their attention to alternative targets if they are serious about strengthening their defence for the second half of the campaign. Recent reports have also linked the Lilywhites with Inter star Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian could be tempted by a move in the winter if the right opportunity arises, giving Tottenham a potential chance to lure him to N17 to play under Thomas Frank.