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Spurs to name interim manager before summer appointment

Johan Lange (left) and Vinai Venkatesham (right)Getty Images

Sami Mokbel

Senior football correspondent

Tottenham Hotspur plan to name an interim manager for the remainder of the season, before making a long-term appointment in the summer.

Thomas Frank was sacked earlier this week, with Spurs five points above the relegation places.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Spurs are confident of finalising a deal for an interim manager before the players return to training on Monday.

Spurs' exit in the FA Cup third round mean they have a nine-day break before the north London derby against rivals Arsenal on 22 February.

With no fixture this weekend, the first team squad were given time off and asked to return on Monday.

The club are aware that mid-season options are limited and that there is likely to be greater availability for potential managers at the end of the campaign.

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While the process of appointing an interim manager has not yet been concluded, the candidate will be considered as a permanent option should they impress in the role.

Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is a candidate to permanently replace Frank, and his contract with the United States men's national team expires after this summer's World Cup.

Roberto De Zerbi is another potential candidate, having left French club Marseille by mutual consent earlier this week.