Report: Tottenham Hotspur make contact with Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelino

Tottenham Hotspur have approached Athletic Bilbao's Marcelino over becoming their next manager, according to a report.

Spurs are on the lookout for a new boss after parting company with Jose Mourinho on Monday, bringing an end to the Portuguese's 17-month spell in North London.

Ryan Mason, who was forced to retire from playing three years ago, has been placed in caretaker charge until the end of the season.

Chairman Daniel Levy is eager to make a permanent appointment in time for the summer, and The Athletic suggests that contact has already been made with Marcelino.

The 55-year-old has a good reputation in Spain following spells with Sevilla, Villarreal, Valencia and Athletic, whom he only joined in January on an 18-month deal.

Marcelino guided Athletic Bilbao to Supercopa de Espana glory against Barcelona at the start of the year, but the Basque side have lost two Copa del Rey finals this month.

The report suggests that the Spaniard has a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave for an affordable compensation sum.