Tottenham Hotspur are not expecting to face competition from other clubs in their attempts to hire Julian Nagelsmann as their new head coach, according to a report.
Since the 35-year-old's surprise sacking from Bayern Munich in March, he has been linked with a host of top jobs across the continent.
Nagelsmann's Bayern exit came only three days before Antonio Conte left Spurs by mutual consent, while Graham Potter was also given the boot by Chelsea not long after.
The Blues were initially believed to have been leading the race to bring Nagelsmann to the Premier League, but the German has since pulled out of the race as Chelsea close in on the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino.
Having withdrawn his interest in the Chelsea job, Nagelsmann is prioritising the Tottenham hotseat, which is expected to be vacated by current interim boss Ryan Mason at the end of the season.
© Reuters
Spurs have been expected to face European competition for the 35-year-old, though, as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain - who could soon wave goodbye to Carlo Ancelotti and Christophe Galtier - are also keeping a close eye on developments.
However, the Daily Mail reports that Tottenham believe they will enjoy a clear run at Nagelsmann's services, although there are still several hoops to jump through in the coming months.
The Lilywhites have been without a sporting director for the past few weeks after the resignation of Fabio Paratici, who left after failing with an appeal over a 30-month worldwide footballing ban.
Scott Munn has been appointed to the role of chief football officer, but the former City Football Group chief executive is not due to start until July 1, delaying Spurs' director and managerial search.
Daniel Levy has been spearheading Spurs' efforts to bring in a new head coach as a result, but Nagelsmann is waiting for clarity over the sporting director situation before intensifying talks with the club.
© Reuters
Furthermore, the former RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim manager wants to be guaranteed a prominent role in the club's recruitment strategy, and there is yet to be a formal approach from Tottenham.
There are also lingering concerns over the cost of a deal to hire Nagelsmann, who is still being paid his hefty wage packet by Bayern despite being relieved of his duties two months ago.
Bayern could reportedly be in line for a compensation package of at least £10m if Nagelsmann took the Tottenham job this summer, and Spurs have drawn up a list of alternative options if his appointment proves too pricy.
Feyenoord's Arne Slot is believed to be another top candidate, but the 44-year-old's contract with the Eredivisie leaders does not expire for another two seasons, and his arrival could cost Spurs circa £6m.
Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso and Eintracht Frankfurt's Oliver Glasner - who is confirmed to be leaving the Europa League holders this summer - are also understood to be admired by the Tottenham hierarchy.
Ben Knapton
