John Heitinga in frame for Tottenham job as Xabi Alonso on long-term shortlist

Tottenham is considering Thomas Frank's future after the team's loss to West Ham, with the club already having a five-man shortlist including Xabi Alonso and Mauricio Pochettino

John Heitinga joined Thomas Frank's backroom staff at Tottenham earlier this month(Image: Getty Images)

Thomas Frank is set to remain at the helm for Tottenham's showdown with Borussia Dortmund, but rumors suggest a five-man shortlist is in place should Spurs decide to give him the boot.

Frank, 52, endured a dismal weekend as his side fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to relegation-threatened West Ham. With jeers and boos echoing around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the future looks bleak for the former Brentford manager.

Reports also suggest that key figures at Tottenham have been discussing his future at the club, despite expectations that he will be in the dugout when Spurs host Dortmund in the Champions League. If Frank is shown the door, it's believed that Spurs have five potential successors lined up.

According to The Times, John Heitinga, the recently fired former Ajax boss who now forms part of Frank's coaching team, could take the reins if Frank is dismissed.

Heitinga is best known among Liverpool fans for being one of Arne Slot's assistants last season, helping the Reds win the Premier League title. He also spent several years of his career playing for Everton.

Given Heitinga's struggles at Ajax, this would likely be a temporary arrangement.

Xabi Alonso is currently available after his recent sacking from Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Among the more permanent options is Andoni Iraola, although prising him away from Bournemouth, where he is highly regarded, could prove difficult mid-season.

Rumors are rife that Mauricio Pochettino is on the shortlist, a move that would mark an incredibly emotional return for the Argentine.

However, any potential homecoming would have to wait until after the World Cup at the earliest, given his current commitment to leading the United States at a home tournament.

Recently dismissed former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is also among the contenders and was reportedly discussed during a recent board meeting. Currently without a club, he could step into the London role immediately if he so chooses.

However, reports suggest he may hold off until the summer in anticipation of more appealing opportunities.

Further rumours indicate that Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner could be high on Spurs' list of potential hires.

The Austrian seemed set to depart Selhurst Park recently, following his criticism of the club for "abandoning" him and his squad with the decisions to sell Eberechi Eze last summer and Marc Guehi in January.

Yet, it appears that Palace and Glasner have since made amends, and the FA Cup winner is now expected to remain in post until his contract runs out at the end of this season.