Tottenham Hotspur’s head of recruitment is departing.
Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis (L) and chairman Daniel Levy in the stands
Tottenham last night confirmed head of recruitment Paul Mitchell is resigning from his role, with his departure date still to be agreed.
Hours later it has emerged that Spurs’ deal to sign Kevin Georges Nkoudou from Marseille is on the brink of collapse, with French outlet Le Phoceen reporting it is off, despite having been close for the last three weeks.
Georges-Kevin Nkoudou at Marseille
It would make sense that the two situations are connected, and The Guardian report their understanding that this is the case, but Tottenham have denied it.
Their report states: “It is also understood that the breakdown in negotiations is connected to Paul Mitchell’s imminent departure as Tottenham’s head of recruitment, although Tottenham have insisted that is not the case.”
Their report confirms that Spurs are ready to walk away from a deal and it is unclear if a replacement is lined up, with a prominent role expected for either Clinton N’Jie or Nacer Chadli instead.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Tottenham’s summer transfer business had been progressing well until the hitch in the Nkoudou deal, and Mitchell’s exit has cast a shadow over their plans just days before the Premier League season is to start.
Spurs attracted Mitchell away from Southampton, joining former Saints head coach Mauricio Pochettino at the club, and the club are likely to be in the market for a replacement, although chairman Daniel Levy’s hands on approach means the manager is unlikely to be short of a sounding board for input.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy
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