LEVY EYES AJAX BOSS AFTER NAGELSMANN SNUB

TOTTENHAM chairman Daniel Levy wants to appoint a new manager before this summer’s Euros with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag a leading candidate. Levy has missed out on No 1 target Julian Nagelsmann after the highly-rated German agreed a deal to replace Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich next season. Levy is eager to avoid a drawn-out scenario that will impinge on the new manager’s preparations for next season. The Spurs chief wants to give his new man as much time as possible to implement their plans and sources claim he will move to appoint a manager with a clear attacking direction, amid concerns over Jose Mourinho’s pragmatic approach during his underwhelming reign. The Ajax boss’ current deal expires at the end of next season, meaning he is likely to be relatively cheap. Ten Hag’s side are on track to win the Dutch title this season — Ajax’s second under the 51-year-old — and he could be tempted by a new challenge. Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is viewed by many at Spurs as the ideal option, but is understood to have reservations about the role. The Foxes are on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League and are in their first FA Cup final since 1969. Sources claim Belgium manager Roberto Martinez would be interested in the vacancy after the Euros, while England boss Gareth Southgate’s work with the national team has not gone unnoticed at Tottenham. Former RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick is also on the club’s radar. Ryan Mason is currently in interim charge but is not expected to be in the running for the job on a permanent basis.