Former Spain and title-winning Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is reportedly interested in becoming head coach at Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season.
There is widespread belief that Antonio Conte will leave his role as Spurs boss when his contract expires in the summer, despite the Italian having the option to extend his stay by another year.
Conte and Spurs have endured a difficult season, including a tame exit from the Champions League against AC Milan, and the club have reportedly already started to sound out alternatives for next season.
Enrique has been out of work since the conclusion of last year’s Qatar World Cup following Spain’s shock defeat to Morocco in the last 16.
The Spaniard would be interested in holding talks over taking charge at Tottenham if the vacancy becomes available, according to The Times.
Luis Enrique is reportedly favoured to become the next Tottenham Hotspur manager
Spurs decision-makers Deniel Levy (left) and Fabio Paratici (right) both reportedly admire Enrique’s management style
Spurs boss Antonio Conte is expected to leave the club in the summer once his contract expires
The 52-year-old has been out of club football since leaving Barcelona in 2017.
But the possibility of managing in the Premier League for the first time in his career has apparently caught Enrique’s attention and that of Spurs managing director of football, Fabio Paratici, along with club chairman Daniel Levy.
The Spurs chiefs want to end the club’s long-term hunt for silverware and have both reportedly identified favourable traits in Enrique’s management style.
There are strong suggestions that Paratici, who is facing a potential worldwide ban for his alleged involvement in Juventus’ financial scandal, has earmarked Enrique as his top choice, while Levy is supposedly impressed with the Spanish coach’s attacking style of play and ability to develop academy talents.
Enrique’s record of achievements would give Spurs fans hope that he is the best man for the job, having won the Champions League and LaLiga among other honours during his time managing in Spain.
He also led Barcelona to a magnificent treble trophy haul in 2014 that saw Enrique get the very best out of an attacking trio consisting of Neymar, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi.
Enrique (left) previously won the treble at Barcelona and got the best out of the likes of Lionel Messi (right)
There is apparent hope that appointing Enrique could convince Harry Kane to extend his stay at the club
It is further hoped that appointing Enrique could convince star striker and England captain Harry Kane to sign a new contract. The 29-year-old is a target for other clubs in the summer, including Manchester United, and has just over a year left on his existing deal.
Re-appointing Mauricio Pochettino remains another option should Conte leave his position, although there is apparent caution over the Argentinian returning to the club.
Spurs are set for another trophyless season after being dumped out of the FA Cup, Champions League, League Cup.
Securing a place in the Champions Leaguewould be hugely beneficial in their search of a new manager. Tottenham next take on Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.
