A Qatari consortium is reportedly targeting a takeover of Tottenham, though they may start their era in north London by making a controversial decision among supporters.

Protests have been held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium over the way chairman Daniel Levy has run the club, though he may stay in power if new money is brought in.

The Guardian claim that a group of investors from Qatar are prepared to offer Levy a long-term management contract to oversee the club if they take control.

A phased buy-out of ENIC’s 86.91 per cent stake would be the most likely course of action, with Spurs open about the prospect of seeking outside investment to keep pace with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.

No bidders from the Middle East or USA are yet to meet the £3.75billion valuation, but Levy has held discussions with private individuals from Qatar, rather than government-backed parties.

Levy, who has been met with banners at Spurs’ home stadium demanding his resignation in recent weeks, claimed that the club needed “a significant increase in its equity base” just last year.

Financial services group Rothschild were appointed to advise on investment talks following Levy’s declaration, though they are not thought to be involved in talks regarding any takeover.

“To capitalise on our long-term potential, to continue to invest in the teams and undertake future capital projects, the club requires a significant increase in its equity base,” Levy wrote in a 2024 statement.

“The board and its advisors, Rothschild & Co, are in discussions with prospective investors. Any recommended investment proposal would require the support of the club’s shareholders.

“We expect commercial revenues to rise from third-party events, although this will not compensate for the lack of European football this season.

“Additionally, as reflected in these results, we expect the impact of rising costs, caused by geopolitical events, to continue to impact all areas of our operations.

“Our ethos is clear: to be far-sighted and run the club sustainably. This involves strict control of our cost base, increased commercial and sponsorship revenues and consistent European participation, all of which are key to our ability to continue to invest in the squad and win top honours.

“Since opening the stadium in April 2019, we have invested over £600m in our men’s and women’s first-team squads.”

Levy has held talks with multiple Qatari groups in recent years, including government-backed Qatar Sports Investment (QSI), who approached the club over minority investment in 2023.