Thomas Frank could perform U-turn on Mathys Tel stance after latest developments

Mick Brown says Thomas Frank will not allow Mathys Tel to leave Tottenham in January

As a result, Tel is open to leaving Tottenham on loan in an attempt to make France’s World Cup squad. He has recently attracted several approaches from interested clubs. Paris FC have been exploring a loan move until the end of the season, while AS Roma and Villarreal are interested in the versatile forward as well.

However, former Tottenham scout Mick Brown claims Thomas Frank is likely to block a transfer away for Tel, performing a u-turn, especially because of the recent injuries Spurs have been hit with.

“Tel arrived at Tottenham under a bit of a cloud,” Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider.

“There were question marks about why Bayern Munich were so keen to let him go, and now he doesn’t seem to be able to get into the Tottenham side. But he’s an explosive player, he’s quick, and he brings a lot of attacking drive, which they don’t get too much of from their other players.

“They’ve had injuries and players not performing to the highest level, so the opportunity should be there for Tel to make his mark. It is a concern, the fact that he hasn’t been able to nail down a starting place, and that makes you think maybe if they get a new offer, they could let him go.

“But the type of player he is and the other options they have, I don’t think the manager is going to be keen to lose that from his squad. He will make the final decision; it’s not about what the player might want or who might be interested. Does Frank see him as a part of his plans?

“I think he does and I would expect him to stay at Tottenham because of what I’ve said about him giving them something they don’t get from their other players.”

Tel’s exit from Tottenham looks unlikely

Tel has struggled to break into Frank’s first XI, and thus, it is little surprise that the 20-year-old wants to leave Tottenham on loan this month. However, the Lilywhites are currently short of offensive options.

Brennan Johnson has joined Crystal Palace, whereas the north London club have lost Mohammed Kudus to a quad injury, which should keep him on the sidelines until April. And Frank suffered a hefty blow last week when Richarlison pulled up his hamstring in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa. Moreover, the club did not replace the iconic Son Heung-min in the summer, leaving Frank with limited options out wide.

Keeping all such factors in mind, it is difficult to see the Tottenham gaffer sanction Tel’s loan exit right now. Unless and until the Hotspur Way chiefs spend big and bring in a couple of wide attackers, the France Under-21 skipper is staying at N17.