Franco Baldini closes in on technical director role at Tottenham after quitting Roma

The former England assistant linked with move to White Hart Lane

Franco Baldini (GETTY IMAGES)

Former England assistant manager Franco Baldini is set to begin talks about becoming Tottenham's new technical director after his departure from Roma was confirmed.

The 52-year-old tendered his resignation as general manager of the Italian club, with Spurs now expected to follow through on their interest in appointing Fabio Capello's former right-hand man.

"We want to thank Franco Baldini for his service to Roma over the past two seasons," said president James Pallotta. "We wish him well in his future endeavours."

The Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, is thought to favour the introduction of a more continental structure at the club, with Baldini expected to provide the link between head coach Andre Villas-Boas and the board of directors. The Portuguese manager outlined those plans at the end of his first season in charge at White Hart Lane and has actively encouraged the appointment.

"It is a position I am used to working with and ideally it is someone that will help us to move forward," Villas-Boas said before his side's last Premier League match of the season.

Spurs have previously experimented with a director of football but with mixed results. Damien Comolli performed the role while Martin Jol was at the helm but the pair frequently clashed over signings.