Tottenham shock: Former international boss emerges as stunning contender

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has emerged as a surprise contender to replace Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur as the club seeks to navigate a precarious relegation battle.

The north London outfit are currently searching for their sixth permanent manager since the departure of Mauricio Pochettino in 2019.

Thomas Frank was relieved of his duties following a dismal sequence of results that yielded just two victories in 17 Premier League outings.

That slump has left the club embroiled in a fight for survival alongside struggling sides such as Leeds United and West Ham.

Boardroom admiration

While Roberto De Zerbi and Pochettino have been heavily linked with the vacancy, reports suggest a surprising pivot in internal strategy.

Senior figures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are understood to be championing the 55-year-old.

The hierarchy believes the former national team boss possesses the specific man-management skills required to heal a reportedly fractious dressing room.

Spurs currently sit just five points above the drop zone ahead of a pivotal north London derby against Arsenal next weekend.

Questions over club return

Despite the reported interest from the boardroom, it remains unclear if the Euro 2024 runner-up would be open to the role.

Southgate has previously stated he was in no rush to return to management after resigning from the England job following the final defeat to Spain.

Furthermore, the tactician has not managed in club football since leaving Middlesbrough in 2009.

However, he may be viewed by the club’s ownership as the ideal interim solution to unite the squad for the remainder of the campaign.