Eintracht Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner is stalling on new contract talks.
The Austrian's agents have fielded an approach from Tottenham in recent days.
Spurs are expected to sack Antonio Conte this week and have identified Glasner as a potential replacement.
Sky Deutschland says the 48-year-old is in no particular hurry to extend his agreement (currently expiring in 2024) - so much so that he has already said no to a first proposal.
Glasner is understood to want to keep him clear for negotiations with Spurs, with a summer move mooted.