Former Spurs striker would only be willing to leave Hungarian club Ferencvaros for a permanent job and club want new man in place by Monday

Robbie Keane is not interested in becoming interim head coach at Tottenham Hotspur and would only consider leaving his position at Ferencvaros for the permanent job at his old club.

Tottenham are working on their succession plan for Thomas Frank after the Dane was sacked on Wednesday, with Keane one of the names that have been discussed.

There is a belief that Spurs were due to start talking to candidates on Thursday, as they try to have a new man in charge by next Monday, when the players return to training from a five-day break.

Understanding that Keane would not agree to return to his former club as the interim head coach until the end of the season and keeping the seat warm for a permanent summer appointment such as Mauricio Pochettino.

Keane is thought to be interested in the permanent position, despite representatives of the ex-striker declining to comment.

Pochettino is the favourite with Spurs fans, but the Argentine is committed to taking charge of the USA national team at this summer’s World Cup.

That has left Tottenham in a difficult position, as they assess whether or not to make an interim appointment and wait for Pochettino or find a permanent successor to Frank.

Keane’s understandable unwillingness to give up a permanent job for an interim post means Tottenham may have to consider John Heitinga a short-term option, although insiders have claimed the club favours appointing an external candidate if possible.

Keane recently signed a contract extension at Ferencvaros, where he has done an excellent job. The 45-year-old would be Tottenham’s “Carrick candidate”, given he played for the club over two periods for a combined eight years and retains a strong connection with fans and club staff.

Roberto De Zerbi is out of work and available after leaving Marseille, and is understood to be keen on a return to the Premier League, where he previously managed Brighton.

It is unclear whether he would take the Spurs job, given Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool could all have vacancies to fill in the summer.

Tottenham have considered De Zerbi in the past and the Italian is thought to retain admirers within the club. Appointing him would end the dream of the fans who want Pochettino to return.

Fulham manager Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola have both been on previous Tottenham shortlists for the head coach job. The pair are out of contract in the summer, but prising either man away before then is viewed as difficult.

Sources at Bournemouth do not believe Iraola would leave the club mid-season to join Spurs.