Tottenham Hotspur could have a huge fight to keep Ange Postecoglou if Pep Guardiola walks away from Manchester City.
Postecoglou has been linked with a move to the Citizens ever since Guardiola hinted he may walk away from the Etihad Stadium when his deal expires in July 2025. It is not the first time the Australian has been rumoured to be a contender for another top job.
Shortly after Jurgen Klopp announced he would be departing Liverpool, Postecoglou was asked about stories he was being considered as a replacement. The former Celtic boss did not indulge those rumours, immediately saying he was happy at Spurs.
Most recently, he found himself fending off questions about the prospect of becoming the England manager, now Gareth Southgate has resigned. Again, he simply said his focus is solely on building on Tottenham's fifth-placed finish last season.
However, various reports understand a potential vacancy at City would tempt Postecoglou into a move. If Guardiola was to walk away from the reigning Premier League champions, Tottenham could struggle to hold onto Postecoglou.
The Telegraph reports that Tottenham are confident Postecoglou will not be swayed by the England job. However, it also suggests that the only role that would tempt the 58-year-old would be City.
With Guardiola openly contemplating his future at City, Tottenham could be feeling the heat. Spurs narrowly missed out on a top-four finish last season, but their fan base has been boosted by the attacking football Postecoglou has brought to the club.
They are gearing up for another shot at Champions League qualification and silverware. When asked about the prospect of potentially abandoning any current plans to manage the Three Lions, Postecoglou said: "I was having a nap this afternoon. I have no idea. I'm the Tottenham manager and I'm determined to bring success to this club. That's where my focus is totally."
He similarly dismissed rumours linking him to Liverpool last February. He said: "I may be on a shortlist. I don't think I want to say anything about that because I don't think that's ever going to enter my brain space for what my priorities in life and profession right now."
As for the City job, questions haven't been raised yet. However, it's clear that Guardiola hasn't made up his mind about staying at the Etihad Stadium past his current contract's expiration in 2025.
After he won his fourth Premier League title, Guardiola said: "The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But [after] eight or nine years we will see."