Tottenham head of recruitment Paul Mitchell may be required to work a significant portion of a minimum six-month notice period before he is allowed to leave White Hart Lane, Sky sources understand.
On Tuesday, Spurs confirmed the 34-year-old, who followed manager Mauricio Pochettino from Southampton in November 2014, would be leaving at a 'future date to be mutually agreed'.
In a statement, chairman Daniel Levy said: "Mitch has been with us for two years and created a well staffed department and run our recruitment processes. We understand and respect his wish to consider new avenues.
"The priority right now is the final few weeks of the transfer window. I know that, whilst most of our business has been completed, Mitch is keen to ensure we start the season in the best position."
Mitchell, who has been linked with a similar role at Leicester after they lost Steve Walsh to Everton, said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time at the club and it will continue to be my sole focus until such time as I move on to new challenges."
But Sky sources understand relations between Spurs' recruitment department and the board over a number of potential transfer deals have been increasingly strained of late.
Discussions over Mitchell's departure are continuing and it is understood he will be required to stay to the end of this transfer window, and possibly beyond.
During his time in north London, Mitchell has helped bring in a number of players including Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld, Heung-Min Son, Vincent Janssen, Kevin Wimmer and Clinton N'Jie.
On Tuesday evening, as Tottenham confirmed the news of his departure, Mitchell was scouting for the club at the Super Cup final in Norway, where Real Madrid beat Sevilla 3-2.