Luis Enrique and Arne Slot lead race for Tottenham manager

Luis Enrique most recently coached the Spanish national team. Credit: MATTHEW CHILDS/Reuters

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is close to settling disputes. on their preferred candidate for the vacant head coaching position with Luis Enrique and Arne Slot considered the top two.

Telegraph Sport reported this week that Spurs are increasing interest in Slot and the club. allegedly conducting new negotiations regarding Enrique.

Feyenoord head coach Slot on Friday confirmed his desire to work in the Premier League and did not rule out a move to Tottenham.

“I think that when it comes to the next step, it will not be in Holland,” Slot said. “If the next step is in Holland, I have completely failed in the last few years. The next step is going abroad. I have always said that the Premier League is the best league in the world. Italy has three teams in European competition. But the Premier League is the biggest league.

Contact with Enrique has already been established and the unemployed Spaniard can negotiate with Tottenham Hotspur while Feyenoord want the Dutchman Slot to sign a new contract.

It is believed that Levy is hopeful that he can agree on his top choice relatively soon and start making clear plans for what promises to be a busy summer.

Enrique left his post as Spain coach after the World Cup and was in the original list of contenders for a place at Stamford Bridge from Chelsea. Despite flying to London for talks, Enrique has not been shortlisted by Chelsea and the former Barcelona manager is still keen to resume his coaching career in England.

Feyenoord are ready to reward Slot for an outstanding club season by offering him a new contract worth nearly £3m a year, but that may not be enough to keep him. The slot could earn at least twice as much as Spurs, though sources are adamant that Tottenham won't go their own way if Levy takes the plunge in favor of the 44-year-old.

< p>Tottenham will not only need to pay Feyenoord around £6m in compensation for hiring Slot, Levy will also need to guarantee him full control of the first team squad.

In addition to finding a head coach, Levy is also on the hunt for a new sportsman Director and preparing for the expected departure of Captain Hugo Lloris. New Chief Football Officer Scott Mann will officially take over on July 1.

It is not clear if Levy will appoint a new head coach before he hires the Athletic Director and takes their input into account.