Sources suggest Tottenham may turn to an interim head coach if Thomas Frank is dismissed.

Tottenham could opt to place the club in the hands of an interim manager until the end of the season should they choose to part ways with Thomas Frank, sources have told Football Insider.

Frank’s position is increasingly precarious, with his future potentially hinging on this weekend’s home clash against West Ham. A defeat could prove decisive, although there is an understanding within the club that dismissing the Dane is viewed as a last resort.

Oliver Glasner has already been identified as a possible long-term replacement if Frank is removed in the coming weeks. However, sources indicate Spurs may instead appoint a temporary head coach while waiting for the Austrian’s contract at Crystal Palace to expire. The 51-year-old is due to become a free agent in the summer, and it is considered highly unlikely that Tottenham could lure him away from Selhurst Park before then.

Glasner’s situation is further complicated by growing interest from other clubs, meaning any move would be far from straightforward for Spurs.

Glasner open to top Premier League role

Football Insider reported last week that Glasner would be receptive to the idea of managing Manchester United following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal at Old Trafford. He has been strongly linked with that role, although United now appear set to install Michael Carrick as interim boss until the end of the campaign.

Short-term managerial appointments have become increasingly common, and Tottenham are prepared to follow that path if necessary. Celtic have taken a similar approach by turning back to Martin O’Neill while planning a permanent solution.

Managerial record comparison

Thomas Frank: 173 games, 61 wins, 44 draws, 68 losses (35.26% win rate)

Oliver Glasner: 72 games, 27 wins, 24 draws, 21 losses (37.5% win rate)

If Tottenham do pursue Glasner after sacking Frank, they may face competition from Manchester United, who are expected to target a similar calibre of manager in the summer. Glasner is believed to be keen on the United vacancy, and Spurs chairman Vinai Venkatesham and the club’s hierarchy will be hoping the Austrian is open to any elite Premier League challenge, not just a move to Old Trafford.

Spurs to tread carefully in January

Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson recently told Football Insider that Tottenham are “not convinced” by Frank and are therefore likely to take a cautious approach in the January transfer window.

While Spurs are expected to complete the signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid after beating off competition from Aston Villa, significant spending is not anticipated for the rest of the month.

Borson suggested the club will be reluctant to heavily invest in new players for a manager who could soon be dismissed, preferring instead to reserve major spending for the summer. He also pointed to recent big-money moves for players such as Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus as further indication that a more restrained strategy is likely.