ANGE POSTECOGLOU could be confirmed as Tottenham’s new manager as early as next week.
And Celtic are so resigned to losing the Aussie that they have already started looking around for a replacement.
Spurs have kept a respectful silence on Postecoglou, 57, while he prepares for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup final against Inverness.
But they hope to agree the fine details of the deal as soon as that is out of the way, with the Glasgow gaffer keen to test himself in the Premier League.
Celtic are gutted to be losing a man who is on the brink of leading them to the treble, after landing the title and League Cup in his first season in Scotland.
Yet equally, Parkhead top brass will not stand in the way of the former Australian national chief, who joined from Yokohama two years ago.
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And they have started drawing up a name of potential replacements, with West Ham’s David Moyes, who began his playing career at the club, a likely front-runner.
Postecoglou’s rolling one-year contract at Celtic, means there will be no hefty compensation payment to pay.
His appointment will finally end a three-month hunt by Tottenham, who have been without a permanent boss since Antonio Conte was axed in March.
They have previously been linked with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Roberto De Zerbi and former boss Mauricio Pochettino, now installed at Chelsea.
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Postecoglou, 57, will link up again with Spurs’ new chief football officer Scott Munn, who starts work next month.
The two Aussies previously worked together for the City Football Group.
Tottenham’s imminent appointment of Postecoglou will bring about their long and very public stint without a permanent manager.
Spurs chief Daniel Levy gave Conte the boot in March following a torrid run of results and several public outbursts from the Italian.
Cristian Cellini – Conte’s number two – took the reigns on an interim basis but was also given the axe following the team’s embarrassing 6-1 defeat to Newcastle last month.
Former Spurs fan favourite Ryan Mason was then re-appointed as the club’s second interim manager of the season but was unable to turn their fortunes around.
Mason’s second spell as interim boss saw Spurs win just two of their final six fixtures of the season.
Postecoglou will no doubt have been enticed to take the Tottenham poison chalice by the prospect of managing Harry Kane, who recently hinted he may STAY at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
When recently asked about speculation he’ll join Manchester United, The England international told BT Sport: “No, no.
“That’s part and parcel of being a footballer – especially when you’re at the top of your game.
“I’ve just been focusing on this season and trying to help the team as much as possible.
“To score a couple today was nice, to finish that way, but all in all I’m just looking forward to a nice break and then a couple of games with England.
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“It has been a disappointing season. We can’t let this win dust over that. A lot to work on.
“We have had to show fight in some moments. A club this size should not be finishing eighth and we need to go away enjoy a break and look how we can improve.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
