Tottenham have approached Mauricio Pochettino about taking a wage reduction on his £8.5million salary to help ease the financial concerns caused by the coronavirus crisis.

The north London club have opened talks with their former manager, who is currently on gardening leave following his sacking last year, with a view to agreeing a new pay agreement.

In dismissing the Argentine, chairman Daniel Levy agreed to continue paying the manager’s wages until he found a new job.

Daniel Levy (L) has approached Mauricio Pochettino (R) about taking a cut to his current salary

Levy agreed to continue paying his wages despite sacking him as Spurs boss in November

But Pochettino, who has been linked with European football’s biggest clubs including the top jobs at Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid, remains out of work leaving Spurs in the difficult position of having to negotiate a wage reduction, be it through a cut of deferral, with their ex-boss.

The club will also look to strike deals with Pochettino’s backroom team, including coaches Jesus Perez, Miguel D'Agostino and Antoni Jimenez.

Pochettino, who led the club to the Champions League final last season, was axed by Levy in November despite his standing as one of European football’s brighter managers.

Spurs are also locked in talks with their playing squad and Pochettino’s replacement Jose Mourinho about a wage reduction agreement.