Kane named as key factor as shock new candidate emerges for Tottenham job

The already established relationship between Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate could see Tottenham move to appoint the England boss as their next manager. 

Spurs are on the look out for a new permanent boss after sacking Jose Mourinho on Monday. He departed with the club seventh in the league after 17 months in the hotseat. Ryan Mason will take temporary charge while the hunt for a successor takes place.

Already, a number of names have been linked with the job. They include former Chelsea man Maurizio Sarri, and current Leicester coach Brendan Rodgers.

However, Rodgers has seemingly ruled himself out of the running with his focus firmly on the Foxes.

But Southgate has now emerged as a potential option, according to a report in The Guardian (via Football Transfer Tavern).

They say that Southgate’s understanding with Kane could see him considered. It is unclear whether that is a ploy from club owner Daniel Levy to convince the striker to stay amid ongoing speculation over his future.

What’s more, they add that Southgate would be open to a return to club football. He has not taken charge of a club since 2009, when he was sacked by Middlesbrough.

However, after rebuilding his reputation with the Three Lions, he could be handed another chance by Spurs. He has won 32 of his 52 games in charge of England, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

Gareth Southgate TEAMtalk

It is likely he would still be in charge of the national team for this summer’s Euros before moving on to pastures new. His current contract with the FA expires in 2022.

Three main credentials in Tottenham manager search 

The report also revealed that Tottenham are looking for three specific things in their next manager.

The first of those is an attack-minded approach. The second is having a ‘modern outlook’ on the game, and the third is having ‘strong credentials’ in the development of young players.

Whether Southgate meets each of those criteria is open to debate. He has faced criticism of late for his pragmatic style with England.

However, he has shown a willingness to give young players a chance. He’s handed international debuts to the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Mason Mount.

The links to Kane could prove to be most important though, and could play hugely in his favour if he is a genuine candidate.

READ MORE: Ryan Mason has exchanged messages with Mauricio Pochettino ahead of his first match in charge of Tottenham, and revealed how he wants his team to play.