Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly Tottenham’s ‘top target’ to replace Jose Mourinho, but the cost of securing the RB Leipzig manager has already led the club to consider alternatives.
Nagelsmann is regarded as one of the brightest young coaches in world football and has impressed since becoming the Bundesliga’s youngest ever manager at Hoffenheim, guiding the club into the Champions League for the first time before taking charge of Leipzig.
The 33-year-old has helped establish Leipzig as title challengers in Germany’s top tier since his appointment at the Red Bull Arena, whilst he led the side to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
According to the Mail, Spurs have made the German their number one target to replace the sacked Mourinho, with Nagelsmann reportedly open to a move to the north London side at the end of the season.
However, the Leipzig coach still has two years remaining on his current deal and could cost around £10m to prise from the Bundesliga outfit, which coupled with his wage demands will make his appointment an expensive one for a Spurs side struggling financially with the impact of the pandemic.
Spurs are also set to face competition from Bayern Munich with Hansi Flick set to leave the European champions this summer following disagreements with the club’s hierarchy.
Flick is anticipated to be approached by the German national team and the vacancy in Bavaria is one that is likely to interest Nagelsmann as he considers leaving Leipzig.
Spurs’ list of alternatives is believed to include Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, though there are fears he too would cost a significant amount to prise away from the King Power Stadium.
Other names linked are Fulham boss Scott Parker and Brighton’s Graham Potter, whilst Wolves’ Nuno Espirito Santo is another that is understood to be under consideration.
Spurs’ sacking of Mourinho came just days before their Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City, first-team coaches Ryan Mason and Chris Powell set to take charge until the end of the campaign.
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