Tottenham make Luciano Spalletti their top choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino if boss quits London for Barcelona

TOTTENHAM reportedly want Luciano Spalletti to become their next manager if Mauricio Pochettino joins Barcelona.

Spurs are bracing themselves for an approach from the Spanish giants as Nou Camp chiefs begin the search for Luis Enrique’s successor.

AP:Associated Press

A number of names have been mentioned, including Sevilla’s Jorge Sampaoli, Everton’s Ronald Koeman and Enrique’s current assistant Juan Carlos Unzue.

However, Pochettino is believed to be at the top of Barcelona’s list and reports last month claimed he met with their president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The Argentine has since claimed he would never take the job because he played for and managed fierce rivals Espanyol.

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But Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy does not want to take any chances following his side’s development under Pochettino, and TMW claims he has already identified Spalletti as the man to keep the good times rolling.

The Roma chief is under pressure after crashing out of the Europa League and Coppa Italia to Lyon and Lazio respectively, with Roberto Mancini apparently in the frame to replace him.

AP:Associated Press

Spalletti has also been marked by Juventus as a replacement for Arsenal target Max Allegri, but he has refused to discuss his future plans.

Spalletti said: “My destiny is in my hands and nobody else’s. My future… this is not the time to talk about it. My future is trying to get us the best position possible.”