Alonso clears latest hurdle to become next Tottenham boss after Levy green light

06 May 2023 , 19:00

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Xabi Alonso is in the frame to become Tottenham's next boss (Image: Federico Gambarini/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

Daniel Levy WILL pay for Xabi Alonso’s release from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Tottenham chief has identified the former Liverpool player as his No.1 choice to take over the vacant role from Antonio Conte. And he is resigned to pay for the privilege - leaving a successful interview as the one stumbling block preventing the appointment of the ex-Spain midfielder.

Bayer Leverkusen’s continued involvement in the Europa League - they face Jose Mourinho ’s Roma in the first tie of a two-legged semi-final this week - has complicated any approach.

But it’s understood that one year’s salary will be the compensation needed to secure the 41-year-old’s services. Alonso himself has flat-batted any suggestion that he is set to take over in north London but wheels are in motion.

“Rumours are normal but we still have a lot to achieve," he said earlier this week. “That's why my head is 100 percent here for the last few months. And my head is also 100 percent here for next season.”

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However, it won’t happen before the end of the current campaign, leaving Ryan Mason to remain in situ. And the interim boss didn't do his bid for the full-time job any harm on Saturday, guiding Spurs to all three points against Crystal Palace.

Mason inspired a response of sorts last weekend, and though the spirited comeback at Liverpool ended in defeat, it did show the dressing room were willing to dig in and fight.

Spurs chief Daniel Levy is happy to sanction the payout to hire Alonso as boss (PA)

And it was another scrap against Palace, with Harry Kane's 209th Premier League goal the difference between the two sides. He still remains a long shot to be given the permanent role however, with Levy making plans for an appointment next month.

If Alonso does not take up the post, Levy will then turn to Feyenoord’s Arne Slot.

The Dutchman has overseen a huge upswing in the fortunes of the Rotterdam club - indeed, if results go their way on Sunday they could clinch the Eredivisie title. They have lost once in the league so far and three points at Excelsior could see them over the line.

But Levy will have to dig deeper if he wants the 44-year-old Dutchman - he will have to pay up the remaining two years of his deal.

And it's a similar story with Julian Nagelsmann. The German may have been sacked by Bayern Munich, but is effectively on gardening leave from the German giants - meaning a payout would be necessary to acquire his services as well.

Neil Moxley