Tottenham are reportedly attempting to agree a deal with a former PSG boss to replace Thomas Frank.
Spurs moving to appoint Thomas Frank successor
As the north London derby on February 22 looms, the Lewis family, Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange have their hands full as they work to replace Frank behind-the-scenes.
According to insider Paul O'Keefe today, Venkatesham and Lange actually wanted to keep the Dane on board, but the two officials were told to sack Frank, presumably by the Lewis family, who'd seen enough.
Make of that what you will, but it is perhaps a clear indication that Tottenham's problems stretch far beyond who sits in the dugout on a weekly basis.
Nevertheless, Spurs are now back in a very familiar process as the club look to make their ninth managerial appointment, interim or permanent, since Mauricio Pochettino left in 2019.
Early indications are that the Lilywhites will look to make an interim appointment, according to Sky's Lyall Thomas, and this could be seen as a much more likely option now that Roberto De Zerbi's camp have distanced the Italian from the hot seat.
De Zerbi was reported to be interested in the Spurs job, but it appears that the former Brighton and Sassuolo boss has had a change of heart as his representatives now brief the media.
In another setback for the north Londoners, former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane was earmarked as a frontrunner for the interim post, though it is believed the Irishman doesn't fancy leaving Ferencavos unless it is for the permanent role.
Other managers are being considered, with ex-Barcelona boss Xavi apparently under real consideration by Tottenham, alongside former England head coach Gareth Southgate (TEAMtalk).
However, the one man on everybody's lips is in fact Pochettino, with reports from Spain suggesting that Spurs are desperate for their ex-hero to return.
Tottenham 'working against the clock' to re-appoint Mauricio Pochettino
As per one Spanish media source, Tottenham are 'working against the clock' to 'finalise the agreement' with Pochettino, but it won't be until after he's done with the USA at this year's World Cup.
Spurs have apparently identified Poch as their dream candidate to step into Frank's shoes, but the Argentine's USA commitments mean they face an agonising wait until the summer.
The Londoners desperately want to secure Pochettino immediately following Frank's brutal Wednesday sacking, yet contractual obligations tying the 53-year-old to the USMNT complicate any instant reunion.
Spurs supporters serenaded Pochettino's name during Tuesday's Newcastle loss, underlining the emotional connection remaining from his glorious 2014-2019 tenure which delivered a Champions League final and consistent top-four finishes.
Tottenham's board also believe Pochettino represents the "great saviour" capable of restoring identity and unity after Frank's disastrous eight-month reign.
The 53-year-old, who Pep Guardiola called a 'top' Premier League manager back in the day, is also rumoured to be very keen on a return to N17 and has made no secret of his love for the club either.
Pochettino's return feels inevitable and romantic, but gambling on survival through an interim appointment could be dangerous when relegation looms just five points away.