Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy reportedly decided to sack Jose Mourinho in the fear that as many as 10 first-team players would push for transfers this summer if he remained in charge.
Mourinho was relieved of his duties on Monday after 17 months in charge of the north London club and just six days before they take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
According to Eurosport, Levy took the decision because he did not want to lose his ‘dream team’ of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Gareth Bale this summer.
Spurs are desperate to keep leading goalscorer Kane, but the England captain is set to attract interest from other clubs at the end of the season.
The striker, who is yet to win a trophy with his boyhood club, has insisted he will not make a decision on his future until after the Euro 2020 finals.
Levy is also a big fan of Alli, despite the midfielder failing to hit form in the last two campaigns. Alli endured a difficult relationship with Mourinho, making just two starts in the league this season and was left out of the squad entirely for seven games between October and December.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain and a reunion with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino in January. Spurs refused to sanction the move.
There is hope that the next manager will be able to get the best out of Alli with Levy still wanting him to be a key part of the team going forward.
Mourinho appeared to have a positive relationship with Kane and Son Heung-min, who both thanked the manager for his time with the club on social media.
Kane wrote: ‘Thank you for everything boss. A pleasure to have worked together. I wish you all the best for your next chapter.’
Meanwhile, Son said: ‘I have no words to describe how I’m feeling, it’s been a pleasure to work with you.
‘I’m sorry things didn’t work out and truly grateful for the time we’ve had together. Good luck and all the best for the future.’
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