Tottenham are ‘strongly considering’ Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou for their manager’s job as Daniel Levy is forced to turn attention elsewhere after being turned down by top target Arne Slot
- Spurs have been dealt a huge blow after Slot revealed he is staying at Feyenoord
- The Dutchman was identified by Daniel Levy as their first-choice to take over
- Reports suggest Postecoglou has now emerged as a new frontrunner for the job
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has emerged as the new frontrunner to take charge of Tottenham after the Premier League club failed in their pursuit of top target Arne Slot.
Mail Sport previously reported that Slot had been identified as Spurs’ first choice to replace Antonio Conte this summer, only for the Feyenoord boss to reveal on Thursday that he is not going anywhere less than two weeks on from their Dutch title triumph.
After the north London club attempted to negotiate a compensation package to prise him away from Feyenoord on Wednesday night, Slot announced the following morning: ‘I have been hearing a lot of rumours going around about other clubs’ interest in me. Although I am thankful, my wish is to stay at Feynoord and continue working on what we created last year.’
In light of his withdrawal, Tottenham must turn their attention elsewhere as chairman Daniel Levy continues his search for their next manager, and The Independent claim they are ‘strongly considering’ a move for Postecoglou.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has emerged as a new frontrunner to take charge of Tottenham
Spurs’ top target Arne Slot officially withdrew himself from the running on Thursday morning
It means chairman Daniel Levy (right) must now scramble to find a new managerial target
While Slot was Levy’s preferred candidate, it is believed Spurs officials were still discussing their shortlist of top targets before the Dutchman ruled himself out of contention.
And one of those names on the list was Postecoglou, 57, who has spent the last two years in charge of Celtic.
The Greek-born Australian, who represented the latter four times at international level, is widely considered one of the most exciting bosses in world football and known for his expansive style of play.
He has guided Celtic to the Scottish Premiership in each of his two seasons at the club, while also claiming as many League Cups.
Postecoglou has previously enjoyed stints in Australia with semi-pro teams South Melbourne and Whittlesea Zebras, as well as professional outfits Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, while also spending four years in charge of the country’s national side.
During his reign Australia qualified for the 2014 World Cup, where they were eliminated from a tough group stage with holders Spain, Netherlands and Chile.
Postecoglou has also managed in his birthplace after spending seven months with Greek club Panachaiki, while his previous job before heading to Celtic was in China with Yokohama F. Marinos.
There is hope that a deal with Celtic would be easier for Tottenham to negotiate given there are smoother relations between the two clubs than with Feyenoord.
Slot was also believed to have taken issue with Spurs’ current structure as they also search for a new director of football in the wake of Fabio Paratici’s departure.
The 44-year-old was reportedly left concerned by his own role in that setup, meaning he was eventually persuaded into another season at Feyenoord.
Postecoglou has spent two years at Celtic, winning as many Scottish Premiership titles
The 57-year-old’s other major post came when he took charge of his native Australia
Luis Enrique is another manager admired hugely by Levy, yet the former Barcelona boss is seen as a difficult option to pull off given the extensive list of demands he made in negotiations with Chelsea last month. Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is also understood to be in the frame.
Postecoglou is now the bookies’ favourite to become Tottenham manager, with Paddy Power making him a 4/1 shot to be in charge by the first day of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is second favourite at 5/1 – despite Spurs insisting just a fortnight ago that they had no plans to appoint the German.
Mail Sport reported how Spurs have ‘great respect’ for the Nagelsmann but they currently have no plans to move forward with their interest, while the 44-year-old himself was also not completely convinced by the direction of the club this summer.
Slot remains the fourth favourite at 6/1, the same price as ex-Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.
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