Daniel Levy is reportedly closing on the appointment of Arne Slot as the next Tottenham manager after the Feyenoord coach dropped a significant hint on his future and details of a low-cost clause in his deal emerged.
The north London giants know their next appointment is huge after what has proved a hugely-disappointing season. With just two games left, Spurs can only finish sixth at best but even that looks a stretch for them. As a result, a seventh-placed finish will mean they drop back into the UEFA Conference League next season.
With the hunt well and truly on for Antonio Conte’s successor, Feyenoord coach Slot is now the overwhelming favourite.
The Dutchman has emerged as the leading candidate after a number of other high-profile options, including Julian Nagelsmann, all dropped out of the running.
And while the likes of Xabi Alonso have distanced themselves from the vacancy, Slot has openly hinted at a move to the Premier League.
Asked about the Tottenham job, Slot initially tried to play down the speculation for the newly-crowned Eredivisive champions.
Reports in the Netherlands now claims there is a growing fear at Feyenoord that Slot will depart for Tottenham.
They can offer him a salary far beyond what the Rotterdam club, making the move even more likely. And while they want to double his salary to €4m a year (£3.5m), he could still earn far in excess of that at Tottenham.
Furthermore, reports claim Tottenham can buy him out of his contract for around £6m. That is said to be significantly less than what Levy was initially expecting to have to pay.
And the Dutchman certainly looks the cheaper option compared to the compensation likely required for other alternatives like Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi.
