Tottenham have started their search for a new manager after the departure of Thomas Frank on Wednesday morning.
Frank was dismissed by Tottenham following the North London side’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday.
Spurs had slipped down to 16th in the Premier League table under the Dane, and are now only five points clear of the relegation zone.
The Lilywhites have been linked with several different managerial options so far, but one man may already be ruled out of the race.
Robbie Keane would not take interim role at Tottenham
Robbie Keane is one of the names that have been mentioned in regard to Frank’s replacement.
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The Irishman is currently in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros, who sit top of the league and confirmed their place in the Europa League play-offs last month.
Keane had two separate spells at Tottenham as a player and was a real fan favourite during his time at White Hart Lane.
However, according to The Telegraph, the former striker would not be willing to take the Spurs job on an interim basis and would only leave Ferencvaros for a permanent role.
One of the options the North London club are exploring is bringing in a manager until the end of the season, before appointing a longer-term option in the summer.
Mauricio Pochettino is strongly linked with the job, but will only become available after he has taken charge of the USA’s World Cup campaign.
If Tottenham do opt to wait for Pochettino, then they are unlikely to be able to tempt Keane away from Hungary for a short-term spell.
Tottenham set new deadline for managerial appointment
The Telegraph are also reporting that Spurs were set to start talks with potential candidates on Thursday, as they seek a quick appointment.
Tottenham don’t have a game this weekend, after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa last month, meaning their next fixture is the North London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.
The Lilywhites want to have a new manager in the building by next Monday, when the players return to training from a short break.
It means that the hierarchy will have to move quickly to get an appointment sorted over the weekend.