Tottenham Hotspur are facing a setback in their plans to appoint an interim manager, with former striker Robbie Keane ruling out a temporary role. The club had considered Keane as a potential caretaker boss until the end of the season, but the Ferencvaros head coach is only interested in a permanent position.
The north London side are searching for a new manager after parting company with Thomas Frank on Wednesday. Frank, who joined from Brentford last summer, failed to meet expectations and leaves Tottenham just two places and five points above the relegation zone with only seven league wins this season.
Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the favourite for the job, but his current role with the US national team complicates a potential return. Appointing an interim manager until the summer, when Pochettino could become available after the World Cup, is an option. However, Keane's refusal to take a caretaker role has disrupted that plan.
Keane, 45, signed a contract extension with Ferencvaros in December after leading them to the Hungarian title last season. He spent eight years at Tottenham across two spells as a player and is seen as an attractive option for the permanent role. The club reportedly hoped to have a new man in place by Monday.
Another candidate is former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is unattached after leaving Marseille this week. De Zerbi has also been linked with the Manchester United job, with Tottenham's domestic rivals planning a summer appointment.
