Tottenham’s ‘contact’ over Nuno Espirito Santo alternative emerges as talks continue

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Tottenham contacted Ernesto Valverde a week ago about potentially replacing Jose Mourinho, it has been claimed. The Spaniard has been out of work since leaving Barcelona last year, despite winning the La Liga title during his stint in charge. But, while that’s the case, Nuno Espirito Santo remains their top managerial target.

Tottenham sacked Mourinho in April, choosing to make the decision just days before their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

But, when it comes to a potential replacement, they’ve struggled since.

Express Sport understands the situation has become so desperate Ryan Mason is being considered to take charge of pre-season, with the former midfielder on standby after stepping in following Mourinho’s exit.

However, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed Spurs are locked in talks with Nuno over potentially taking over – and reached out to Valverde last week.

“Nuno Espirito Santo was in Juventus list one year ago to replace Sarri,” he said on Twitter.

“Fabio Paratici always appreciated him – Nuno was not even close to Tottenham job before Paratici’s arrival.

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“Talks now ongoing with Nuno. Valverde contacted one week ago. Ten Hag, not leaving Ajax.”

Tottenham have been rebuffed by many managers so far as they look to appoint a top replacement for Mourinho, who lasted just 18 months in the job.

Julian Nagelsmann was initially desired but the German has chosen to leave RB Leipzig for Bayern Munich instead, where he’ll look to carry on Hansi Flick’s good work.

Brendan Rodgers has long been admired but the Northern-Irishman is committed to Leicester, despite the Foxes missing out on Champions League football next term.

Tottenham did sound out Antonio Conte about taking the reins.

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But the Italian turned them down, especially when it was made clear Spurs were unwilling to meet his huge salary demands in order for an appointment to happen.

In the time since, Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso have also been approached – only for Tottenham to end talks with both Italians.

And they won’t be hiring Julen Lopetegui, either, with the Spaniard committed to his current project at Sevilla having helped them win the Europa League in 2020.

As things stand, it’s Nuno who now seems to be the favourite.

But that news has already sparked a backlash from Tottenham fans, especially after Daniel Levy insisted the club would go for an attacking manager to replace Mourinho.

“This season, for many reasons, we have not met our raised expectations on the pitch,” Levy said in May.

“Everyone had high hopes with the squad we had assembled. Unfortunately, despite sitting top of the Premier League in December, we have not been able to sustain this position.

“As a club we have been so focused on delivering the stadium and dealing with the impact of the pandemic, that I feel we lost sight of some key priorities and what’s truly in our DNA.

“Our work in the community and with the NHS is an example of when we get it right, but we don’t get everything right. It has never been because we don’t care about or respect you, our fans – nothing could be further from the truth.

“We are acutely aware of the need to select someone whose values reflect those of our great club and return to playing football with the style for which we are known – free-flowing, attacking and entertaining – whilst continuing to embrace our desire to see young players flourish from our Academy alongside experienced talent.”

Simon Jordan, meanwhile, said in April that Nuno would be the ideal replacement for Mourinho.

“There’s your guy,” he said before Santo’s departure from Wolves was announced.

“He’s an outstanding manager and he’s got all the energy, vitality and the determination but can you get him out of Wolves?

“With his connections to Portuguese agents, with his attitude towards players, with the style of football he wants to play, with his conviction and that he doesn’t care about anything and anyone besides his team. Look at the run-ins he used to have with Warnock back in the Championship…

“He’s a proven leader of men, he’s built a team in Wolves that’s knocked on the door without quite the same kind of livery, heritage and resource. There’s your guy.”

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