Frank Digs In to Keep Kolo Muani and Tel as Keane Brushes Off Spurs Speculation

Thomas Frank is pulling out all the stops to keep his squad intact this January, standing firm against potential departures despite the swirling questions about his own future at the club.

Tottenham's Champions League credentials remain solid—three consecutive victories culminating in a 2-0 dismantling of Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday sealed their passage to the knockout rounds. The Premier League tells a rather different story, though. Just two wins from their last 14 top-flight outings have left Frank's side languishing in 14th place, hardly the stuff of title contenders.

The north London outfit have already bolstered their ranks this winter, bringing in Conor Gallacher from Atletico Madrid and Souza from Santos. Yet Frank appears determined to prevent the revolving door swinging the other way. Italian outlet Tuttosport reports that the Spurs boss has effectively "barricaded himself" to block the departures of Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel.

Kolo Muani, who netted in Wednesday's Frankfurt victory, has attracted attention from Juventus. According to the Italian publication, the Turin club are meeting with Tottenham today, though any breakthrough would require considerable diplomacy. Tuttosport suggests the only realistic pathway involves a loan arrangement worth €5 million.

Meanwhile, former Spurs striker Robbie Keane, now managing Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros, finds himself among the bookmakers' favoured candidates should Frank's position become untenable. The speculation hasn't escaped Keane's notice, though he's keen to keep perspective.

"It's impossible not to be aware of these things nowadays, to be honest," Keane reflected. "Especially when you've got two kids who are mad Tottenham fans. Thomas Frank is a very, very good manager. He's only just arrived at the club. Plenty gets written about you in football—happened when I was playing too."

The 42-year-old insists the chatter doesn't distract him from his work in Hungary. "It goes over my head, really. I concentrate on what I'm doing. It's flattering that the name gets mentioned, I suppose—suggests things are going alright. I'm obviously aware of it, but I'm happy here."

Asked whether Tottenham still holds a special place in his heart, Keane's answer was unequivocal. "Absolutely. You can't spend that long at a club without it meaning something. It's a fantastic place—brilliant training facilities, an incredible stadium, top-quality players. They've had injury troubles, mind you, but it's a club you naturally keep tabs on. My boys watch religiously, and I'll catch every match regardless of who's playing."

He concluded with a vote of confidence in his former employers. "It's a wonderful football club. No question they'll get back to where they belong."