Yaya Toure is ready to take the next step on his journey to becoming a manager, with Tottenham ready to appoint him as a coach within their academy.
The Ivorian had been with Spurs in a part-time capacity since the end of last year, but the Evening Standard reports he is now in line for a permanent role. Toure has been in coaching since his retirement in 2019 and has held roles with Olimpik Donetsk in Ukraine and then Russian club Akhmat Grozny.
Widely regarded as one of the Premier League ’s greatest ever midfielders, the 39-year-old is now beginning his transition into coaching. During his time with Manchester City, he won three league titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup, leaving a legacy as one the club’s best ever players.
However, his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola has been damaged after he made accusations about his team selections during their time together at Barcelona. "It got to the point I asked myself if it was because of my colour. I am not the first. Other Barcelona players asked the question," he told France Football in 2018. Toure later apologised for the remarks.
Despite that apology, the feud is clearly unresolved, admitting in an interview with the Times earlier this year, that he still isn’t in contact with his old boss. "I wish to see him. I will be delighted. I need to talk to people who have a passion for football. I haven't been in touch with him because I don't have his number."
But while he isn’t currently on speaking terms with his old boss, he is able to lean upon the advice of one of his greatest rivals and is in regular contact with Jurgen Klopp.
Toure spent a period of time with the Liverpool squad during pre-season last summer and revealed he is still trying to soak up some of the knowledge from the legendary German tactician.
"Klopp, when he wins games, I text him and he is delighted and he always invites me (to meet him) and texts me back," Toure added: "Does this guy rest? I don’t think so, he loves football. He’s a top, top, guy."
Along with Klopp, Mikel Arteta has also extended his hand to help him out during the early stages of his coaching career - although that offer could be tested due to his position with Arsenal ’s great rivals.
"He has my number because we’ve spent some years together at City," he said earlier this year: "He is a player I appreciate a lot so he can call me and ask me the question."
The four-time African Footballer of the Year has previously spoken about the value of working with Spurs’ youngsters and how it is helping him to improve in his new discipline.
He explained: "It’s important I go through the [coaching] steps. I'm working with the academy now, it’s a nice step to learn.
“The U18s' passion is incredible and they are so smart and so clever. You can set up tactics and one of them will ask a question you have not thought about."
