Tottenham may not replace Mitchell

TOTTENHAM are undecided about whether to bring in a direct replacement for outgoing head of recruitmrecruitment

PaulPaul Mitchell.Mitchell.

Spurs’ original plan was to offer a role simsimilar to that of Mitchell, wwho resigned last AugusAugust. The new man would tatake key ttransfer ddecisions along with chairman DDaniel

LLevy and mmanager MMauricio PPochettino, aand Spurs held talks withw candidates rregarding the role. But StStandard Sport understanunderstands certain figures at TottenTottenham are now leaning towardstow proceeding with the current structurstructure, which sees chief scout SteveS Hitchen — who rrejoined the club in January — report to a three-man “footballfoo committee” comcomprising Levy, Pochettino and John McDermott, the head of coaching and player development.

Hitchen would have fewer responsibilities than Mitchell, who is on gardening leave as he serves a lengthy notice period. Mitchell resigned last August, apparently due to differences with the club hierarchy regarding transfer policy. He was thought to have been particularly frustrated at the failure to sign

Marseille’s Michy Batshuayi, who joined Chelsea instead.

Mitchell’s resignation led to a huge overhaul behind the scenes. Of the European-based talentspotters who worked under Mitchell, it is thought that only two remain.

Meanwhile, it is believed Ross Barkley (left) would be willing to join Spurs in the summer if Everton sell him, despite suggestions he would prefer to remain in the north of England.

Standard Sport revealed in December that the midfielder, 23, is a key target for Spurs as they look to sign young players with high potential.