Tottenham ‘strongly considering’ Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou after Arne Slot blow

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has emerged as the new front-runner to take charge at Tottenham after the Premier League club failed in their hunt for 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 after their league title.

After the North London club tried to negotiate a compensation package on Wednesday evening to get him away from Feyenoord, Slot said the following morning: “I hear a lot of rumors that other clubs are interested in me. Although I am grateful, my wish is to stay with Feynoord and continue to work on what we achieved last year.’

In light of his withdrawal, Tottenham must turn their attention elsewhere as chairman Daniel Levy continues his search for their next manager. The independent claim they are ‘strongly considering’ a move for Postecoglou.

Although Slot was Levy’s preferred candidate, Spurs officials were believed to still be discussing their shortlist of top targets before the Dutchman ruled himself out.

And one of those names on the list was Postecoglou, 57, who has been in charge of Celtic for the past two years.

The Greek-born Australian, who has represented the last four times at international level, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting bosses in world football and is known for his expansive style of play.

He has led Celtic to the Scottish Premiership in each of his two seasons with the club, while also winning 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 managing the country’s national side for four years.

During his reign, Australia qualified for the 2014 World Cup where they were knocked out in a tough group stage match with holders Spain, the Netherlands and Chile.

Postecoglou has also succeeded in his hometown after spending seven months with Greek club Panachaiki, while his previous job before leaving for Celtic was in China with Yokohama F. Marinos.

There is hope that a deal with Celtic will be easier for Tottenham to negotiate, as relations between the two clubs are smoother than those with Feyenoord.

Slot is also said to have objected to Spurs’ current structure, as they are also seeking a new director of football in the wake of Fabio Paratici’s departure.

The 44-year-old was reportedly concerned about his own role in that line-up, which meant he was eventually brought in for another season at Feyenoord.

Luis Enrique is another manager greatly admired by Levy, but the former Barcelona boss is seen as a difficult option given the extensive list of demands he made last month during negotiations with Chelsea. Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon is also featured.

Postecoglou is now the bookmakers’ favorite to become Tottenham manager Paddy power giving him a 4/1 shot to lead on the first day of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is second favorite at 5/1 – despite Spurs insisting two weeks 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 take their interest further, while the 44-year-old himself was not entirely convinced of the club’s course this summer.

Slot remains fourth favorite at 6/1, the same prize as ex-Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.