Daniel Levy has sacked Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager following a disastrous Premier League campaign that saw the club finish 17th, despite winning their first trophy in 17 years - and some surprise names are being considered as replacements.
The Australian guided Spurs to Europa League glory in May, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the final. However, this triumph could not mask their dire domestic form.
According to reports, Levy has paid £4 million to part ways with Postecoglou after his second season descended into chaos.
The chairman now faces another managerial search, with compensation likely required for most candidates on his shortlist.
Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham despite a silverware-winning season
GETTYLevy has drawn up a six-man shortlist to replace Postecoglou, with Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola emerging as the leading candidates.
The Tottenham chairman is also considering Fulham's Marco Silva, Marseille's Roberto De Zerbi, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
JUST IN: Novak Djokovic lifts lid on emotional French Open defeat after appearing to make retirement gesture
Each candidate presents different challenges, with many still under contract at their current clubs.
Frank has a £10 million release clause at Brentford, whilst Glasner recently won the FA Cup with Palace.
The most intriguing option remains Pochettino, who led Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019 before his departure.
Frank's attacking philosophy would mirror Postecoglou's approach, though the Dane has demonstrated tactical flexibility in establishing Brentford as a stable Premier League outfit.
His resourcefulness on a limited budget has drawn praise, yet he remains untested at a bigger club.
Iraola has emerged as the division's rising managerial star, orchestrating Bournemouth's ninth-place finish.
The Spaniard recorded impressive victories over Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Newcastle this season.
READ MORE: Premier League clubs' PSR positions revealed: Huge surprise at the top but promoted clubs in danger
Mauricio Pochettino would be a shock candidate to return to the club
PASilva offers experience and stability, having guided Fulham back to the Premier League at the first attempt in 2021.
His Champions League experience with Olympiakos and understanding of Premier League pressure from his Everton tenure make him a safe option.
De Zerbi's potential return from Marseille carries risks, given his volatile temperament echoes those of Mourinho and Conte.
Pochettino's potential return faces a significant obstacle, as he currently manages the USA national team ahead of their home World Cup next year.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Brentford boss Thomas Frank is eyed as the top choice to succeed Ange Postecoglou
PAThe BBC reports that extracting Pochettino from his American contract would require "one of the biggest compensation packages in football history". This astronomical fee could prove prohibitive even for Levy.
The Argentine previously expressed his desire to return, stating: "I am in the USA, so I am not going to talk about that now - but what I said then I still, after six years or five years, feel in my heart. Yes, I would like one day to come back."
Despite this mutual interest, the financial reality may force Tottenham to pursue more attainable targets.
Most Read
