Napoli in talks with Luis Enrique as they seek Luciano Spalletti successor

Napoli are in talks with Luis Enrique as they seek a replacement for Luciano Spalletti, who is standing down as manager after winning Serie A. The former Spain and Barcelona coach is one their leading candidates but Napoli are aware he also features on the shortlists of other clubs, including Tottenham.

Spalletti has said he intends to take a sabbatical year after leading Napoli to their first title since 1990. On Monday the club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, thanked the 64-year-old for his work and described him as “a free man”. Spalletti is due to take charge of Napoli for the final time in Sunday’s home game against Sampdoria, the last match of the season.

Luis Enrique has been out of work since he stepped down from the Spain job after their 2022 World Cup last-16 defeat by Morocco. He most recent stint as a club manager was from 2014-17 with Barcelona, where his trophies included two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey wins and a Champions League. He has also coached Roma, Celta Vigo and Barcelona B.

Tottenham’s search for a permanent replacement for Antonio Conte continues, with one of the principal names on their list, Arne Slot, having committed his future to Feyenoord. Luis Enrique and the Celtic manager, Ange Postecoglou, are prominent in their thoughts. The club’s first priority is to appoint a director of football.