Yaya Toure working with Tottenham on coaching badges

Yaya Toure is working with the Tottenham academy as he strives to earn his UEFA coaching badges.

The former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder has been without a club since January 2020 when he left Chinese side Qingdao FC. He spent time training with Leyton Orient a few months later but did not sign a contract, instead turning his focus to coaching.

According to The Athletic, Toure will be spending a few days a week as part of Tottenham's academy staff alongside Dean Rastrick and head of coaching Chris Powell.

Toure is not expected to see any time with the first team, but manager Antonio Conte was made aware of the arrangement on Wednesday as the Ivorian visited the club to meet some of the staff and learn more about the facilities.

His coaching course is being sponsored by the Welsh FA, for whom Toure did some work last month. The 38-year-old has also spent time working in Russia and Ukraine following his retirement.

Toure's family home is in north London and his representatives retain close ties to Spurs, and it was them who first proposed the idea. Spurs are said to be excited about the partnership, believing that Toure's experience could be of enormous benefit to the academy.

As of yet, there is no indication that Toure could sign a long-term deal at Spurs - it's not even clear whether he will be there in 2022 - with both parties just taking things as it comes. Toure's priority is to earn his coaching badges and then consider his options.

Toure, who had a trial with Arsenal as a youngster, ended his career with 230 Premier League appearances, winning an impressive three Premier League titles on the books at City.

Before moving to the Premier League, he enjoyed plenty of success with Barcelona, winning two league titles and the 2008/09 Champions League alongside an abundance of cup triumphs.