Francesco Farioli has no intention of leaving Porto for Tottenham

Francesco Farioli has “no intention” of leaving FC Porto for Tottenham, according to reports in Portugal, despite growing speculation linking him with the vacant Spurs job.

Tottenham are searching for a successor to Thomas Frank after parting ways with the Dane earlier this week following a poor run of results. Several names have emerged in connection with the north London club, including the 36 year old Italian currently leading Porto.

Portuguese outlet Jornal de Notícias reports that Farioli is not open to a mid-season departure. The coach only joined Porto last summer after a spell at Ajax and has overseen an impressive campaign so far.

Porto have won 27 of his 34 matches in charge, drawing four, and sit top of the Primeira Liga table, four points clear of Sporting. That form has naturally attracted attention from abroad.

Tottenham’s interest follows similar links from Chelsea earlier in the season. Before appointing Liam Rosenior, the Blues were also reported to have considered Farioli as an option.

However, Jornal de Notícias state that, just as he did when Chelsea approached, Farioli has reaffirmed his commitment to Porto and does not intend to leave midway through the campaign.

Having followed Porto’s trajectory this season, the club’s stability at the top of the table makes a sudden managerial change unlikely. It remains too early to assess whether interest could resurface in the summer, but a January-style move appears ruled out for now.

With Farioli reportedly out of the running, Tottenham’s focus may shift elsewhere. Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi have both been mentioned as potential candidates.

Maresca recently left Chelsea, while De Zerbi departed Marseille and is currently without a club. Spurs are expected to evaluate multiple options before making a decision.

The urgency is heightened by Tottenham’s league position and the need to stabilise performances quickly.

Tottenham are likely to continue assessing managerial candidates in the coming days. Porto, meanwhile, remain focused on maintaining their title push under Farioli.

Unless circumstances change dramatically, the Italian is set to remain in Portugal at least until the end of the season.

Should Tottenham pursue a free agent like De Zerbi, or wait for a longer-term target this summer?