Frank: Spurs 'don't want' players who don't want us
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank said he does not want players who are not committed to the club after Eberechi Eze rejected Spurs to close in on a move to north London rivals Arsenal.
For the second time during the transfer window, a major deal for the Europa League winners was scuppered in the final stages.
A move for Morgan Gibbs-White collapsed last month after Nottingham Forest threatened legal action for Tottenham speaking to the player without permission before the England international signed a new contract at the City Ground.
Eze also appeared set to bolster Frank's attacking options until the boyhood Arsenal fan had his head turned by the Gunners' move to match Spurs' offer of £60 million ($81 million) plus £7.5 million in add-ons to Crystal Palace.
"I don't want any players that don't want to come to the club," said Frank on Friday. "I think that's very clear."
"I'm also pretty sure that the fans will feel the same. If they don't want to put the fantastic shirt over their head, play for the badge, play for the club, really enjoy it, no problem - we don't them there. I think that's a key message."
After making the decision to sack Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian ending Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said Europa League success was "not enough" as he targeted Premier League and Champions League glory.
However, Tottenham have struggled to keep up with their domestic rivals in the transfer market.
Mohammed Kudus is the only permanent arrival to have started in Frank's opening two matches in charge, while Joao Palhinha has also joined on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich.
Frank, though, is expecting more arrivals prior to the transfer deadline on September 1.
"It's unfortunate that you can't go into Waitrose and buy two good players then walk away five minutes later. It is a little bit more complicated than that," he added.
"I see the club working hard, I see Daniel working extremely hard, I see (technical director) Johan (Lange), I see (CEO) Vinai (Venkatesham) and we are all on board in terms of doing what we can do to improve. I believe that something will happen."
After beating Burnley 3-0 to open their Premier League campaign, Tottenham face a daunting trip to Manchester City on Saturday.