Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified a preferred alternative to Ange Postecoglou if they choose to part ways with their current head coach.
Last month, the North Londoners were celebrating a standout 4-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League, suggesting that they could now kick on towards the top four.
Instead, collecting just one point from games against Fulham and Bournemouth has led to some discontent in certain sections of the fanbase, particularly away from home.
Postecoglou has since launched a stubborn defence of his tenure, insisting that he does not concern himself whether he receives support from the club's fans.
According to FootballTransfers, though, it remains to be seen whether he will keep the backing of the boardroom at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the long term.
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McKenna on Spurs shortlist
The report claims that Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has been identified as Spurs' number one candidate if they choose to remove Postecoglou from the dugout.
Postecoglou is allegedly at risk of being sacked if Spurs do not become more consistent before January, there having already been six defeats in 14 Premier League fixtures.
Although Spurs remain just six points adrift of the top four, they have not recorded successive wins in the top flight since the end of September.
As for Ipswich, the newly-promoted side find themselves down in the relegation zone with just one victory to their name, coincidentally at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Nevertheless, McKenna, who signed a long-term contract in the summer, is deemed to be doing an excellent job at Portman Road and his stock remains high.
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How could a scenario play out?
While there would be surprise if Postecoglou were to leave Spurs, the 59-year-old has not helped himself with his responses to fan criticism and media questions over the past week.
He can also not fall back on his record since June 2023. Spurs have now lost 20 of their 62 matches with the Greek-Australian in charge.
With regards to McKenna, the Northern Irishman may not be prepared to leave the project at Ipswich at the midway point of the campaign, particularly if Spurs remain in the mid-table positions.
By signing a contract until 2028, the former Manchester United backroom staff member has given every indication that he is no rush to make what feels like an inevitable move to a high-profile club.