Xabi Alonso, Pochettino – Tottenham manager latest with Frank sack edging closer

Tottenham Hotspur are currently considering their options if they decide to part ways with under-fire manager Thomas Frank, with a five-man shortlist being drawn up, according to reports

Thomas Frank will remain in the hotseat for Tottenham Hotspur's clash with Borussia Dortmund - but there's allegedly a five-man shortlist Spurs could turn to should they choose to axe him.

Frank, 52, suffered a torrid weekend as relegation-threatened West Ham United defeated them 2-1 on home soil. With jeers and boos ringing around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the outlook appeared grim for the former Brentford boss.

It's also been reported that key figures at Tottenham have been conducting talks regarding his future at the club, despite him being anticipated to occupy the dugout when Spurs welcome Dortmund in the Champions League. Should Frank get the boot, Spurs have already identified five potential replacements, according to reports.

As per the Times, Johnny Heitinga, the recently dismissed former Ajax boss who now forms part of Frank's coaching staff, could be handed control if Frank receives his marching orders. Considering the Dutchman's difficulties at Ajax, this would probably only be on an interim basis.

Amongst the more long-term contenders is Andoni Iraola, but given he is extremely valued and respected at Bournemouth, it might prove challenging to tempt the Spaniard mid-season.

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There has also been speculation that Mauricio Pochettino features on the list, which would represent an incredibly emotional homecoming for the Argentine. Nevertheless, this would have to be delayed until after the World Cup at the very earliest, considering he is guiding the USA towards their home tournament.

Recently sacked former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is also amongst the contenders and was discussed during a recent board meeting. Should he fancy taking on the north London role, he could do so immediately, as he is presently without a club.

Yet reports suggest he believes more attractive opportunities might arise if he holds off until the summer. Additional reports also suggest Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner could feature prominently on Spurs' wishlist.

The Austrian recently appeared poised to leave Selhurst Park, after he criticised the club for "abandoning" him and his squad with their decisions to offload Eberechi Eze in the summer and Marc Guehi in January. However, Palace and Glasner have apparently reconciled, and the FA Cup winner is now anticipated to stay in position until his contract expires at the end of this campaign.

Yet Frank remains convinced that he can reverse fortunes in north London. He remained bullish when questioned about his future following the damaging defeat to West Ham.

He declared: "If you're not winning enough, we know that you're not getting enough support from the fans. But when we're winning, it will change when we start winning again, which we will do.

"Not in doubt of that. I also think you can look a little bit at the performances, let's say the Bournemouth and the Villa and this game here, if the players stop running or stop doing anything or not working hard, and we were not the team that was closest to winning, then you can say, okay.

"But I think the team is working very hard and I still think, and I know it sounds a little bit crazy, that we're closer to something very good than further away."