Tottenham are set to hold further talks with Julian Nagelsmann, with the German coach interested in succeeding Antonio Conte.
The north Londoners want to appoint the former Bayern Munich boss, 35, as a show of their ambition - and Nagelsmann is interested. But he is understood to want clarity over Harry Kane's position - as well as assurances over transfers, the level of squad investment and overhauling the squad. Manchester United are interested in England captain Kane.
Tottenham's last three long-term managers - Conte, Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino - all complained publicly at having to work with players they believed should have been moved on.
Nagelsmann, axed by Bayern in March, walked away from Chelsea over concerns about their current structure. There were also queries when it emerged he was not their only choice and that they intended to interview a string of other candidates.
He would represent a stunning statement of intent from Spurs who remain determined to show they can still keep pace with the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Tottenham's form has collapsed since the club sacked Conte in March in response to his scathing attack on what he saw as a lack of ambition.
They have managed to win just one of their subsequent six games. They are winless in their last four, conceding 15 and losing three of them.
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Nagelsmann is also key to know who will replace Fabio Paratici at the club after the Italian was forced to step down last month.
Ryan Mason, Tottenham’s current interim coach, refused to be drawn on the manager search ahead of the club’s game at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. "I'm sure naturally when there's uncertainty there are going to be names," he said.
"That's football, that's part of it. But none of my energy is going into any outside noise or speculation. Within these walls we're working together and have a common goal, and that's trying to get as many results as possible before the end of the season."
Tottenham are seventh in the Premier League and could miss out on European football. They are nine points behind Man Utd in fourth having played a game more, five behind Liverpool in fifth, and one behind Brighton in sixth having played two games more.
If Spurs remain in seventh, they will qualify for the Europa Conference League for the second time in three years. That is a big if, with Aston Villa level on points with them.
In terms of Kane's future, the prolific forward has just 13 months remaining on his existing deal. He is being tipped to leave Tottenham this summer in pursuit of a first major honour, with Bayern Munich set to challenge Man Utd for his signature.
