Tottenham Hotspur's hunt for a new manager may have just taken a fresh twist after a brand new candidate emerged in the running.
Spurs have had a season to forget and currently sit just one point above the relegation zone ahead of their clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, while they were eliminated from the Champions League in midweek following a 7-5 aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid.
But despite the uncertainty around what division they'll be playing in next season, the club must also plan for bringing in a new manager, and they should now be prioritising a move for a manager who will now be available once the season comes to an end.
Tottenham Must Move for Valverde
News emerged on Friday that Athletic Club de Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde will be departing the club this summer in search of a new challenge, and that should be the news that sparks Spurs into life in their hunt for a new manager.
The Spaniard has had a storied career, winning five league titles across spells at Olympiacos and Barcelona, where he managed the likes of Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, and Ivan Rakitic.
There he showed a sensational adaptability with his squads, as well as an attacking style of play that won plenty over, and it would make him the perfect fit for the Premier League. Pep Guardiola has previously labelled him 'spectacular', which shows how highly rated he is.
Another candidate, Andoni Iraola, has revealed that Valverde is his main reference when it comes to coaching, and considering there is interest from Spurs in the Bournemouth coach, that should tell them that Valverde must also be considered.
Forget De Zerbi: Valverde is the Man
Fabrizio Romano has previously reported that Roberto De Zerbi is considered the 'dream appointment' for Spurs, while Mauricio Pochettino is also highly thought of in north London.
But if Spurs are serious about getting back among the top clubs in the country and turning their situation around, they must make a move to bring Valverde into the club and turn their fortunes around.
With a potential free run to bring the 62-year-old to the Premier League this summer, it could be a masterstroke from Vinai Vinkatesham and Johan Lange that nobody would have seen coming, and results would undoubtedly see a huge upturn almost immediately, while the future of the club would also be in safe hands.
Sealing Premier League football must be the priority for everyone at the club, but getting an agreement in place early should that happen shouldn't be far behind.