Julian Nagelsmann to Tottenham chances rest entirely on Man Utd transfer as Levy talks gather pace
Tottenham are stepping up their pursuit of top manager target Julian Nagelsmann – but a report claims their chances of appointing the German could be wrecked by Manchester United.
It’s been an eventful season for Spurs and not for the right reasons. They are currently on to their third manager of the campaign, having waved goodbye to interim Cristian Stellini following a dreadful 6-1 thumping at Newcastle.
He took over the mantle from his former boss Antonio Conte, who himself departed before his contract expired after publicly criticising everything about Spurs.
Furthermore, a decision to uphold the transfer ban placed on director Fabio Paratici left the Italian with no choice but to resign from his role at Tottenham.
Amid all the turbulence, it comes as no surprise to see Tottenham let slip their place in the top four. Indeed, just one win in their last seven Premier League games has seen Spurs fall to seventh – and it could get worse with Aston Villa hot on their tails.
As a result, getting the appointment of their next manager right has never been more crucial to Tottenham.
The club has shortlisted a number of potential targets with the new incumbent set to take charge this summer.
Efforts to prise Vincent Kompany from Burnley appear to have failed. That has led Spurs to consider two other options in Ruben Amorim and Xabi Alonso. The Liverpool legend appears to be a man in demand and recently spoke out on his future.
However, Tottenham do now have renewed hope that a move for their top target in Nagelsmann could go through after all.
Nagelsman to Spurs ‘rests on Harry Kane future’
The German initially distanced himself from the hotseat in the wake of his sacking at Bayern Munich. And with Chelsea at one stage hovering, Tottenham’s chances appeared remote.
However, the Blues are instead close to appointing former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. And that leaves Tottenham in pole position to snare the 35-year-old Nagelsmann after all.
Now according to a report in the Daily Mirror, chairman Daniel Levy is stepping up his pursuit of the German.
The north London club are due to hold a fresh round of talks with Nagelsmann next week. And by widespread reports, Tottenham have a reasonable chance of landing their man.
However, the Mirror reports that their prospects of appointing him as their new manager rest entirely on two factors.
Firstly, Nagelsmann is keen to understand who Tottenham intend to appoint as their new sporting director in succession to Paratici.
Ideally, Nagelsmann would like to have a big say on the Italian’s replacement, potentially even handpicking that appointment. However, he is reportedly open to suggestions if Levy has another candidate in mind.
Secondly – and perhaps most crucially – Nagelsmann would like to know what the future holds for Harry Kane.
The striker’s deal at the club is due to expire in summer 2024. And talks over an extension are slotted in for the summer. However, the recent turmoil at the club has led to claims that Kane may well be tempted to leave.
And with Manchester United strongly being linked with a move, the Red Devils could yet make a firm push to bring in the 29-year-old.
Should United finalise a move for Kane, that could simultaneously wreck their hopes of appointing Nagelsmann.
The German is keen to get back into work but will not commit to a project he feels is too problematic. And the loss of Kane at Tottenham would significantly weaken the already-troubled north London giants.