Pundit claims Tottenham boss target ‘ticks all the boxes’ for Daniel Levy

Daniel Levy, Tottenham

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag “ticks all the boxes” to replace Jose Mourinho as Tottenham manager, according to former Spurs defender Alan Hutton.

The ex-Scotland international, who won the League Cup with Tottenham in 2008, believes the Dutchman would bring an exciting brand of football back to the club. Ten Hag also a reputation for developing younger players and integrating them into the first team.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that Daniel Levy has scheduled a meeting with the 51-year-old. The Spurs chairman has been forced to switch targets after top option Julian Nagelsmann decided to join Bayern Munich.

Brendan Rodgers was also an option, but the Leicester chief has categorically ruled out a move to north London.

Hutton states that Ten Hag has the pedigree and experience to turn the club’s fortunes around after they fell further behind under Jose Mourinho.

Hutton told Football Insider: “I saw his name pop up the last couple of days and I was reading about it. I think he fits the bill and he’s the type of person Levy will be looking for.

“Yes, there’ll be money to spend in summer but also what can he bring from his knowledge of the different leagues? The Dutch way, the Ajax way, if you want, bringing players through.

April 28 Transfer Chatter: Coutinho Merseyside return, Klopp to raid former club and Spurs' failed approach

April 28 Transfer Chatter: Coutinho Merseyside return, Klopp to raid former club and Spurs' failed approach

Philippe Coutinho could return to Merseyside in different colours, Jurgen Klopp may look to Borussia Dortmund if star player leaves and Levy continues the Tottenham managerial pursuit.

“Ajax have always been a club that have brought talent through very talented players, and then sold them on for profit. Is that the way Tottenham are going to go? We’ll have to wait and see.

“I think he’s got the experience to build a talented squad that can go and compete.

“They play that football that Tottenham fans always talk about and they love, that Spurs style of playing. They want to bring that back, especially after Mourinho. It was very defensive and fans weren’t enjoying that.

“He definitely takes all the boxes and I’m sure he’s high up on Daniel Levy’s list.”


Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


Spurs remain in hunt for Serie A striker

Meanwhile, Manchester United and Tottenham remain in the running to sign Torino striker Andrea Belotti, according to a report in Italy.

Belotti, 27, has been linked with United on numerous occasions. Torino though have been reluctant to let their talisman leave. This summer however could be different with the forward’s contract up in 2022. That situation is more pressing for the Serie A strugglers this time around and they will not want to lose him for free in 14 months time.

There is a €100m release clause in Belotti’s contract, which nobody will meet with his contract running down.

Andrea Belotti TEAMtalk

However, according to Corriere Dello Sport, Torino could accept an offer of around €25m.

That price tag has probably brough several suitors to the table and Calciomercato, via Sport Witness, names United and Spurs as protagonists.

The pair have “set their eyes” on the striker, but they face competition several other Serie A sides. In fact “offers aren’t lacking” for him this summer.

Torino Granata recently confirmed that Chelsea made an enquiry for Belotti.

AC Milan and AS Roma have also been linked with the player, who is believed to be hungry to compete for silverware. With Torino fighting relegation Belotti could be excused for wanting to switch clubs after six years in Turin.

The Italian report claims a renewal is not completely ruled out. Torino may try to convince him extend his contract and to stay for at least one more year, with the promise of selling him if they missed out on European competition.

READ MORE: Tottenham teammate joins Alderweireld on Ajax shopping list