Daniel Levy and former managing director Fabio Paratici have found themselves far from the same story this week Tottenham Hotspur. Reports from Italy have linked both men to incidents in the United States.
Earlier this month, reports from England said Levy sold a 24.99% stake in Tottenham's parent company ENIC. This reduced his stake to just 4.89% and ended his position as one of the group's major shareholders.
Against that backdrop, any suggestion of the long-standing Spurs figure joining elsewhere is likely to generate interest. Now, his name has come up alongside another familiar face to Tottenham supporters.
according to the journalist Enzo BuccioniSuggestions emerged that Levy and Paratici could have met in the United States. Fiorentina officials were also in the country for talks with club owner Rocco Commisso.
This immediately raised eyebrows. Levy had previously been linked with a possible interest in Fiorentina by some sections of the Italian media. However, there was never any concrete evidence that he was seriously attempting a takeover.
Fiorentina moves quickly to cool things down
Bucchioni explains that reports of a meeting between Levy and Fiorentina chief executive Alessandro Ferrari were rejected by the Serie A club.
According to the journalist, those involved insist that if Levy and Paratici cross paths. However, this was nothing more than a chance to meet two old colleagues... not the beginning of any discussion about Fiorentina's future.
At the same time, there have reportedly been new denials regarding suggestions the club could be sold.
However, this does not completely end the story. Bucchioni says Paratici has spent a lot of time in New York, more than some expected in regular meetings, while discussions continue on Fiorentina's plans and future ambitions.
Familiar faces to Tottenham fans
Fabio Paratici remains a recognizable figure to Tottenham supporters after helping to assemble parts of the current team.
The Italian played a major role in bringing players such as Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur to Spurs. Therefore, his name is unlikely to stay away from Tottenham's conversations for long.
Even after leaving his formal role, Paratici has remained involved with Tottenham business. He has been credited with helping to facilitate deals involving the club, including The debt trick that took away Manor Solomon From Spurs. He also maintains close ties with prominent figures in North London.
That's why even a vague report related to Paratischi and Levi's meeting on the other side of the Atlantic is enough to get people talking.
At this stage, there is no suggestion that Tottenham are involved in anything involving Fiorentina. Instead, the story is really about two influential figures from the club's recent history appearing in the same class once again. This gives rise to inevitable speculation.
For now, denial remains in place and solid evidence remains scant. But as Buccioni says, time will ultimately tell whether there was more to the alleged encounter than a simple meeting between old colleagues.
