Tottenham have submitted a £52 million offer to land a Real Madrid attacker who is seen as an ideal fit for the Spurs squad.

Pressure is intensifying on Thomas Frank following another poor result, with Tottenham now said to be targeting a Real Madrid player who could play a key role in easing the pressure on the manager.

Frank’s position looks increasingly uncertain after Spurs were knocked out of the FA Cup following a 2–1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday night.

The result adds to a difficult spell for the Danish coach, with Tottenham having won only three of their last 14 matches in all competitions. Villa controlled much of the first half and went ahead in the 22nd minute when Emiliano Buendía finished into the top of the net after sharp link-up play from John McGinn and Donyell Malen.

The visitors extended their lead in stoppage time before the break, as Morgan Rogers curled a shot into the corner after being set up by Buendía.

Tottenham fans responded with loud boos at half-time, while Villa supporters aimed chants at Frank from the stands, referencing a recent off-field incident earlier in the week.

Spurs improved after the interval and pulled one back in the 54th minute through Wilson Odobert, who finished low into the far corner after Randal Kolo Muani won possession and played him through. Xavi Simons later hit the post, and Kolo Muani also tested Marco Bizot as Tottenham pushed for an equaliser.

Despite late pressure, Villa held on to book their place in the fourth round. It marked their second victory over Spurs this season and the second straight year they have eliminated them from the competition.

Tempers flared after the final whistle, with several players from both sides involved in a confrontation on the pitch, including Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and João Palhinha, before stewards intervened.

Tottenham remain 14th in the Premier League table, with Frank’s future under growing scrutiny ahead of next weekend’s home match against West Ham.

Away from the pitch, Spurs are reported to be working on reinforcements. A deal has been completed for Santos left-back Souza after an improved bid was accepted earlier in the week, while the club are also believed to be exploring attacking options as part of their transfer activity.