Tottenham Hotspur expect to appoint Franco Baldini despite public snub?

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly convinced that they will appoint Franco Baldini as the club's new director of football.

The Roma general manager, who worked alongside Fabio Capello as assistant boss in the England national team, has been heavily linked with a switch to White Hart Lane, but a move appeared to be scuppered when the Italian claimed that he was "committed" to the Serie A club.

Despite his public stance, it is believed that both parties remain in contact and that a move to the North London Premier League side could be on the cards in January, according to Goal.com.

The 51-year-old is expected to work alongside coach Andre Villas-Boas as Spurs attempt to adopt a continental style of management.