Robbie Keane would be interested in taking over as Tottenham Hotspur head coach but not on a temporary basis, Sky Sports News understands.
Spurs are continuing to discuss next steps internally after sacking Thomas Frank on Wednesday, with the players due back for training on Monday.
Their search for a replacement has been complicated by the team being in a potential relegation battle. Spurs sit five points above the bottom three in 16th.
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They need a coach that would be willing to take over an injury-ravaged squad and fight for Premier League survival while also competing in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Should Spurs stay up with an interim, the job would become a lot more attractive for a potential permanent successor in the summer, when there is expected to be a long list of coaches available.
Former Spurs striker Keane is currently in charge of Hungarian champions Ferencvaros, who are in the Europa League knockout play-offs.
Roberto De Zerbi is another name that has been linked with Spurs but it is understood he currently has no plans to make an immediate return to coaching after leaving Marseille.
Analysis: Keane has earned the right to be in conversation
Sky Sports News' Mark McAdam:
Keane believes he will return to Tottenham one day as head coach, but that day might have to wait if his expectations are not met.
A league winner in Hungary and Israel, Keane has forged his own path as a coach and enjoyed great success. He has earned the right to ask for more than being a caretaker.
Ferencvaros have qualified for the knockout phase of the Europa League after losing just once in the league phase. They face Ludogorets over two legs for a place in the last 16. Keane's side are also top of the league and through to the Hungarian cup quarter-final.
Keane's focus is on achieving more success with Ferencvaros this season and, with so much still to fight for, it would be foolish for him to consider leaving to be a short-term fix, only to make way for another coach - even if it was for his beloved Spurs.
The 45-year-old has a strong track record of developing players and was a key figure in the journey of young midfielder Alex Toth, who joined Bournemouth for more than £10m in January. Keane has also built his success at Ferencvaros while working on a small budget.
Increasingly, these are the traits clubs are prioritising in their search for coaches in modern football and such qualities would fit into the Spurs model. Ange Postecoglou commented this week on the club's inability to compete with the high wages on offer elsewhere.
Keane is seen as a popular coach with his players, but also firm. He has a ruthless streak and will not allow players to rest on their laurels. He has been known to substitute players at half-time if they are not at the required level, regardless of their status.
A firm hand could become useful for Spurs in their current mess. If Keane does not end up at his former club, there is an expectation he will be back in the Premier League sooner or later.
'Keane has passion needed to get Spurs moving forward'
Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson has called for former team-mate Keane to be an option for the job at Spurs.
"Spurs have a big decision now over who comes in," Dawson told Sky Sports News. "I hear people talking about an interim appointment and, if that happens, they can only be thinking about [Mauricio] Pochettino in the summer.
"But if they wanted to make an appointment now, there's someone out there. Someone who knows the football club, who played for the football club who has the passion needed. He's someone who loves the club, will galvanise everyone and bring them in the right direction.
"It's Robbie Keane.
"I can't see him leaving Ferencvaros in the middle of the season but why not give it to him on a permanent basis.
"They've tried Jose Mourinho, they've tried Antonio Conte and Thomas Frank. There's a disconnect between the players and the fans and that can't be the case. The situation Spurs are in, they have to be together from top to bottom.
"Whoever comes in has to give the players confidence. Keane can do that."