Thomas Frank's possible move to Crystal Palace would not just change the dugout. It could also drag Tottenham into Palace's January plans, because the club are bottom of the Premier League after 10 games with 7 points, 10 goals scored and 24 conceded. The January transfer window is less than two months away, and Palace's league position leaves little room for a slow start.

Palace's league problems

The pressure is obvious from the table and from the run of results. Palace have lost four league matches in a row, and their recent numbers explain why a new manager would look hard at the market. Conceding 24 goals in 10 league games is the clearest warning sign. The attack has not done enough either, with only 10 league goals so far.

Thomas Frank has been linked with the job, with sources split between calling him the favourite and the frontrunner to replace Pierre Sage. That distinction matters less than the timing. If Palace do make the change, the January window is close enough that recruitment would become part of the appointment almost immediately.

The Tottenham names that fit

The obvious connection is Spurs. Frank has already spoken warmly about Conor Gallagher, saying, "His character is unbelievable. He is a player who can build a top culture going forward. His work-rate and how he can carry the team on his back, more or less, though it’s not only about one player," in comments to football.london. Gallagher has made 8 Premier League appearances, scored 1 goal and played 317 minutes this season, which does not make him untouchable if Palace want a midfield lift.

Tosin Adarabioyo is another name that fits the same logic. He has made only 2 Premier League appearances and played 76 minutes this season, so a move in search of minutes would not be hard to understand. Tottenham's own league standing, 11th, suggests the club are not in a position to treat every fringe player as essential.

Ben Davies and Richarlison are also in the background of the conversation. Davies has played 20 combined league games in the last two years and only 22 minutes this season, while Richarlison has not featured for the senior team since his 68-minute cameo on the opening day against Brentford. Those are the kind of profiles Palace would look at if the new manager wants experience first and fast.

Frank's link to Gallagher is the cleanest piece of evidence in the pile, but Palace's situation is doing the heavy lifting. Seven points after 10 games, 24 goals conceded and a January window that is still less than two months away make a quick raid more plausible than a patient rebuild.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →