Franco Baldini keen to take a break from football after Tottenham exit

Franco Baldini is keen to take a break from football as he prepares to leave Tottenham at the end of the month.

The technical director is poised to depart White Hart Lane when the transfer window closes and although there is interest in Italy, it is thought Baldini is likely to take a break from the game.

Baldini has had a limited role at Spurs since Paul Mitchell arrived from Southampton as head of recruitment and analysis last November.

Baldini, who worked with Fabio Capello during his fellow Italian’s four years in charge of England, moved to Tottenham in 2013.

He was held responsible by some at the club for the misguided transfer policy that summer, which saw seven players arrive for a combined total of more than £100million as Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid for a world-record £86m.

Three of those seven players – Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Vlad Chiriches – left the club this summer and Spurs are actively trying to move on a fourth, Roberto Soldado.

Meanwhile, Spurs are attempting to tie up a £10million deal for Lyon attacker Clinton N’Jie this week. The Cameroon international would become the club’s fourth signing of the summer.