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MAN UTD POISED FOR EUROPEAN ADVANTAGE, THOMAS FRANK SHARES INSIGHT

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank admits Man Utd have a key top-four advantage due to no European football. He also called this the "most competitive" Premier League season he's seen.

Man Utd poised for European advantage, Thomas Frank shares insight
Thomas Frank says Man Utd hold advantage in Champions League battle - IMAGO/NurPhoto

In the "most competitive" Premier League, Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank believes Manchester United has a significant edge in the fight for Champions League qualifying.

Spurs will play Man United at midday on Saturday in a replay of the Europa League final that took place in Bilbao in May.

Despite their worst-ever Premier League finish, Tottenham won their first trophy in 17 years under Frank's predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, thanks to a goal by Brennan Johnson in the first half. They also guaranteed a spot in this season's Champions League.

Spurs and Manchester United are currently sixth and eighth in the league with 17 points after 10 games, respectively, as both teams have improved this time around.

However, former Brentford manager Frank recognised that Ruben Amorim's team's exclusion from Europe will help their top-four challenge, and he believes the Premier League is the most competitive he can recall, especially with Sunderland and Bournemouth presently in the top five.

"It is definitely a benefit," Frank emphasised.

"We want to be able to compete in both because that is where we want to be," I stated at the outset.

"We must be able to compete in the Champions League while maintaining our league performance.

"There are no two ways about it; it is for the fans, the prestige, the money, everything, our goals, and what we hope to accomplish, but having a week to get ready for a game and feel fresh is significant!

"Overall, I believe that this season's Premier League is the most competitive I have ever seen. I have been here for five years.

"The teams do not really interact. As for the other games, I overheard (Arne) Slot discuss the Aston Villa game, the narrow margins in that game as well, the shift in momentum in games, and how fiercely competitive it is.

"I believe that the conventional big six have emerged in the previous two years; Newcastle is in the running for a top seven, and Villa is up there, so that is eight all at once."

Then some teams have performed exceptionally well. Brighton and Bournemouth are also involved, so the competition is fierce.

"Then, when you want to be up there, playing in Europe and competing in the league, it is just a different beast."

Despite only losing four league games the previous season, Arsenal went on a £250 million summer shopping binge because squad depth is essential to being able to compete on numerous fronts.

Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani are the four important players Tottenham acquired during the first transfer window under Frank, but they are still hampered by injury.

Due to a persistent ankle problem that has prevented Dominic Solanke from playing for Spurs since August 23, Frank raised doubts about his chances of returning in 2025, even though he underwent minor surgery at the beginning of October.

"I do hope so," Frank responded when asked if he would play before 2026.

"Let us watch what occurs after the international break," I would advise. We continue to make progress. So far, it is on track.

LEEDS MUST WATCH CLOSELY! CRESSWELL TRANSFER COULD HAND FARKE A SURPRISE BONUS TODAY

Is Charlie Cresswell heading back to the PL? West Ham tracks the Toulouse star as Daniel Farke prepares a picky January spree.

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West Ham Plot £13m January Raid For Cresswell

Leeds United might see some extra cash coming their way this January. Word is that West Ham United is eyeing Charlie Cresswell, who used to play defence for Leeds, according to ExWHUemployee.

Cresswell, who's 23, came up through Leeds United’s academy. Back when Jesse Marsch was the boss, he praised Cresswell’s great attitude.

He did well on loan at Millwall. Their manager, Gary Rowett, said Cresswell had some rare qualities, and there was hope he could get some playing time at Elland Road.

But under Daniel Farke, Cresswell didn’t get much of a chance and ended up going to France.

Toulouse, a team in France, bought Cresswell from Leeds for about £3.8 million. During those talks, Leeds made sure to include a sell-on clause in the deal.

Since joining Toulouse, Cresswell has been doing great. Last summer, several teams were after him, including West Ham.

The Hammers wanted to strengthen their defence that summer, but Crystal Palace's signing of Jaydee Canvot from Toulouse made things tricky for West Ham to get Cresswell.

West Ham suggested a loan to Les Violet with an option to buy Cresswell for £13 million, but the French team said no.

Now that the winter transfer window is getting close, West Ham is figuring out how to support their manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, in strengthening the team, and Cresswell is again on their list.

Cresswell fits the kind of player Nuno wants because he’s determined to help the Hammers get back on track this season.

Cresswell played 14 games for Leeds before leaving, including five in the Premier League.

Because of that sell-on clause, Leeds is expected to get 15% of any profit Toulouse makes if they sell him in the future. Leeds is hoping Cresswell attracts even more teams this window so they can get the most money possible.

Cresswell has played in all 12 league games for Toulouse this season and helped them keep four clean sheets, though he’s also received three yellow cards.

If he moves in January, Leeds could get a surprise bonus, which Farke could then use to bring in his own players.

Farke is ready to make signings but has said he will be ‘especially picky.’

UPDATE: TOTTENHAM LEAD RACE FOR RAYAN AFTER BARCELONA’S KEY TRANSFER ADVANTAGE VANISHES

Tottenham’s path to Rayan clears as he leaves agent Pini Zahavi. With a £100m cash injection, Spurs are ready for a January move.

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Rayan Dumps Agent! Tottenham Must Strike Now

Tottenham might be getting a leg up in their chase for Rayan, the €50 million Brazilian starlet. He just cut ties with his agent before the January transfer window opens. Rayan’s been turning heads in South America this season, and top European clubs are starting to make serious plans to grab him.

Spurs have had their eye on Vasco da Gama's Rayan for months. They like how quickly he's improving and how well he performs in Brazil's Serie A. But there was a report that Real Madrid might try to swoop in with a €50 million bid. They're supposedly looking at Rayan after Endrick went to Lyon on loan. Word is, that kind of offer would make things much more competitive, especially since Tottenham was initially thinking around €40 million. It shows how much Rayan's value has increased!

Here's where it gets interesting: Sport says Rayan is no longer working with agent Pini Zahavi. This could be good news for Spurs! Apparently, when Zahavi was in the picture, Barcelona was in line to sign Rayan because their director, Deco, had a good relationship with Zahavi. Now that Zahavi's gone, Tottenham is likely hoping their odds have gone up when it comes to convincing Rayan to join the Premier League.

Also, Tottenham's feeling pretty confident in the transfer market, thanks to a fresh £100 million investment from their majority shareholders, the Lewis family trust. This makes them stronger financially as they plan for the future.

The club mentioned during the ownership change, "We're happy to say that the Lewis family trust has put £100 million of new money into the club." This will make the club even stronger financially and give the team more resources to keep focusing on winning in the long run. The Lewis family is dedicated to the club and its future.

So, what's next for Spurs?

They need some new attacking players after struggling this season. Frank's team has only won two of their last five Premier League games and is currently 14th in the standings. Their next game is Sunday against Crystal Palace. It's a really important match.

Premier League Standings

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