Exclusive: Robbie Keane to Tottenham update after odds slashed
Robbie Keane is unlikely to be considered for the Tottenham job if Thomas Frank is sacked, sources have told Football Insider.
The 45-year-old’s work with Ferencvaros is attracting attention within the football world, but it’s understood that the Tottenham job would come too early for him at this stage of his managerial career.
Keane has become the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Frank at Tottenham in the coming weeks, but the club hierarchy are still prepared to give the Dane more time to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Vinai Venkatesham and Co. are keen to target a bigger name with more managerial experience in the event that a replacement for Frank is needed, but that very much remains their backup plan at the moment.
Robbie Keane’s work at Ferencvaros to attract Premier League interest
Keane has also been linked with the Wolves job in recent weeks, and it is clear that his exploits in Hungary have attracted attention back in the UK.
The Irishman led the Budapest outfit to the league title during his debut campaign at the helm last term, but this time around it has been his team’s European exploits that have sparked discussions.
Keane’s men are one of just two sides in the entire league phase of the Europa League who remain unbeaten after their opening seven fixtures, and they will be hoping to extend that run against Nottingham Forest on Thursday night.
They have already sealed their qualification from the league phase, and could book their place directly in the last 16 with a favourable result at the City Ground.
Keane’s work with Ferencvaros clearly hasn’t gone unnoticed, and while the Tottenham role could become available too early for him in the eyes of his former club, his ability in the dugout will have him in line for a Premier League job sooner rather than later.
This is why Tottenham haven’t sacked Thomas Frank yet
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Tottenham have been reluctant to sack Frank due to fears regarding their ability to land a big-name manager in the middle of the season.
The Lilywhites have the ambition to become a powerhouse on the pitch across Europe, and they are keen to look towards a statement appointment who matches that ambition if they decide to replace Frank.
However, there is a fear that they would not be able to prize an elite coach away from a job in the middle of the season, meaning an interim coach could be their next move if Frank’s position becomes untenable.
Compensation is also a factor that is being considered by the board, given that the Dane was only appointed in the summer and is on a significant contract in North London at the moment.