Pochettino enjoys sun-soaked lunch with former Spurs colleague also linked with return

Planes, who also served as Barcelona sporting director from August 2020-November 2021, worked with Pochettino during his first season at the club which saw players including Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Dele Alli arrive.

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Pochettino went on to spend five-and-a-half years at Spurs, leading them to their first Champions League final in 2019.

The Argentine has been linked with the vacant post at Tottenham following Antonio Conte's exit last month. His last managerial role was an 18-month spell at Paris Saint-Germain which came to a mutual end last June.

With Pochettino keen to return to management, Planes, who recently left his post as Getafe manager, is also plotting his next move with reports suggesting his two options are a move to Real Betis or a return to Spurs alongside Pochettino.

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The pair recently dined in the Spanish city of Tarragona as shared on Pochettino's Instagram account on Wednesday.

It's unlikely Pochettino and Planes being out together on a social gathering will directly lead to a return to Spurs for both, but it's at least good to see old work colleagues on good terms.

But if it does, then Planes would, in theory, replace the role recently vacated by Fabio Paratici.

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For now, Spurs face an uncertain end to the season under the guidance of Cristian Stellini with Ryan Mason his assistant.

The club face a battle on their hands to qualify for the Champions League with five clubs battling it out for the two remaining top-four places.