Francesco Farioli is an option to potentially replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur having stepped down at Ajax, talkSPORT understands.
Spurs could be set for a managerial change this summer with the club on course for their lowest Premier League finish in history.
The north London outfit shockingly languish in 17th spot with just one game remaining.
They have already accumulated their most defeats in a single Premier League season [21] and will end the campaign with their lowest points tally.
But Spurs could still end the season by ending their 17-year trophy drought with Postecoglou guiding his side to the Europa League final.
However, it is believed that victory over Manchester United in Europe’s second-tier tournament – which would secure Champions League football – may not be enough to keep the Australian in a job.
It’s understood that a shortlist has been knocked up by the club should the decision be made to part ways with Postecoglou.
Fabio Paratici, who is closing in on a return as Spurs’ managing director, is a huge fan of his Italian compatriot Farioli.
The 36-year-old impressed since taking over at the Johan Cruyff Arena last summer in his role that lasted just one year.
But unfortunately, he oversaw an unwanted European first as PSV inexplicably pipped Ajax to the Eredivisie title.
Never before has a side failed to win the league when leading by nine points with five matches to play.
PSV overtook them at the top with one fixture remaining after Ajax lost twice and drew as many times in four games.
And in news that will peak Spurs’ interest, Farioli has stepped down as Ajax’s manager following Sunday’s 2-0 win over FC Twente.
Addressing his decision in a club statement on Monday morning, Farioli said: “Being Ajax first non-Dutch coach since 1998 and the club’s first-ever Italian one have been an absolute privilege.
“Together with my staff we embraced this huge challenge with respect, responsibility, passion and determination to succeed.
“Earning the respect and support from Ajax fans we felt throughout the whole season meant a lot for myself and my staff.
“We lived unbelievable and unforgettable moments all together: a unique, intense, emotional season in which we shared belief, fighting spirit and pride, finally achieving our goal, accomplishing our mission.
“The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals.
“Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways.”
Expressing his frustration over Farioli’s decision, Ajac technical director Alex Kroes remarked: “I find this incredibly disappointing.”
Before adding: “This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so.”
As well as Farioli, talkSPORT understands that Fulham manager Marco Silva remains an option for Spurs.
And in a boost for Tottenham, Silva recently rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia due to his desire to remain in Europe.
Though one boss who Spurs seem set to miss out on is Crystal Palace‘s Oliver Glasner.
Glasner guided the Eagles to their first major trophy over the weekend after his side beat Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final.
And Palace chairman Steve Parish has now confirmed that talks will shortly be held to extend the Austrian’s stay at Selhurst Park beyond 2026.
He insisted: “He will stay here. For some period of time.”
Before adding: “But he’ll be here next year and then we’ll take it from there.
“Everybody knows the length of Oliver’s contract. Beyond that we’ll have to talk. We want to try and extend his contract.
“We have been talking about it. For Oliver, it’s not about the things that maybe people think it’s about. Oliver wants to be part of something that’s going in a direction, same with all of us. I think that’s what we’ll talk about.”
