Paul Winstanley's stance on Chelsea exit revealed as Spurs eye new sporting director | OneFootball

Paul Winstanley is among a number of possible candidates Tottenham Hotspur are considering as they step up their search for a new sporting director, according to reports.

Following the departure of Thomas Frank, Spurs are looking for a long-term successor to replace the Dane, with Igor Tudor appointed on an interim basis until the end of the season as they look to ensure they avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The north London club saw Fabio Paratici depart for Fiorentina earlier this year, with current sporting director Johan Lange under-fire for Spurs' recruitment.

Now as reported by the Daily Telegraph, several names on Spurs' potential shortlist have started to emerge and it includes Chelsea's current co-sporting director, Paul Winstanley.

It's suggested checks have begun to have been made as Spurs begin plans for next season, with the idea that their next appointment has an influence on the identity of the club's next permanent head coach.

Winstanley (right) smiling with co-owner Todd Boehly (left) in the stands. | IMAGO / Sportimage

Winstanley currently shares the position with Laurence Stewart at Stamford Bridge. The pair were recently rewarded with contract extensions until 2031, so should Spurs make a concrete move, it will not be easy to prise him away from west to north London.

However, it's reported Winstanley is not expected to leave Chelsea should Spurs advance their interest.

Despite Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph last summer, Winstanley and other members of the hierarchy have come under scrutiny for the club's recruitment model which focuses on talented, highly-rated youngsters.

After joining Chelsea in November 2022, it's never been a quiet day in the recruitment department, with the likes of Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro and Alejandro Garnacho arriving in recent seasons.

IMAGO / Sportimage

Chelsea will be hoping to re-qualify for next season's Champions League to allow them to compete for a bigger pool of players in this summer's transfer market.

The club are looking to strengthen in multiple areas, including in midfield and the attack. Many departures are likely as they enter the market with a different head coach to last summer following Liam Rosenior's arrival to succeed Enzo Maresca.