Tottenham are undecided about whether to bring in a direct replacement for outgoing head of recruitment Paul Mitchell.

Spurs’ original plan was to offer a role similar to that of Mitchell, who resigned last August. The new man would take key transfer decisions along with chairman Daniel Levy and manager Mauricio Pochettino, and Spurs held talks with candidates regarding the role.

But Standard Sport understands certain figures at Tottenham are now leaning towards proceeding with the current structure, which sees chief scout Steve Hitchen — who rejoined the club in January — report to a three-man “football committee” comprising Levy, Pochettino and John McDermott, the head of coaching and player development.

Hitchen would have fewer responsibilities than Mitchell, who is on gardening leave as he serves a lengthy notice period.

Mitchell resigned last August, apparently due to differences with the club hierarchy regarding transfer policy. He was thought to have been particularly frustrated at the failure to sign Marseille’s Michy Batshuayi, who joined Chelsea instead.

Mitchell’s resignation led to a huge overhaul behind the scenes. Of the European-based talent-spotters who worked under Mitchell, it is thought that only two remain.

