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Tottenham set to seek talks with Julian Nagelsmann – who once owned Spurs shirt

Julian Nagelsmann leaves Bayern Munich's training ground - Tottenham seek Julian Nagelsmann talks – who once owned Spurs shirt - AFP/Christof Stache
Julian Nagelsmann leaves Bayern Munich's training ground - Tottenham seek Julian Nagelsmann talks – who once owned Spurs shirt - AFP/Christof Stache

Tottenham Hotspur are set to seek talks with Julian Nagelsmann, who Telegraph Sport can reveal developed an affinity for the north London club.

Nagelsmann is even said to have owned a Spurs replica shirt, although it is not known how or why he came to support the club from his home country of Germany.

One theory is that Nagelsmann was a big admirer of Tottenham under former head coach Mauricio Pochettino and kept an eye on the team’s performances and results under the Argentine.

Bayern Munich have decided to replace Nagelsmann with former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who had been on Tottenham’s list of potential replacements for Antonio Conte.

But the availability of Nagelsmann presents Tottenham with an opportunity over the 35-year-old the club first showed an interest in two years ago.

Nagelsmann was Tottenham’s first choice to replace Jose Mourinho in 2021, but a move never got off the ground as Bayern appointed him.

A new move for Nagelsmann would be popular with a large section of Spurs supporters and could spare chairman Daniel Levy from further criticism.

Nagelsmann had been on a skiing holiday when news of Bayern’s plans to sack him emerged and it is not clear whether or not he will now want a break before speaking to clubs or considering offers.

Conte was again absent from Tottenham training on Friday amid confusion over whether or not he will be required to return to England at all.

Spurs are expected to agree Conte’s exit after his criticism of the squad, but players and staff have been left in the dark over Levy’s plans despite him making at least two visits to the training ground this week.

It remains to be seen whether or not the sudden availability of Nagelsmann speeds up the process or even slows it down if Levy is forced to change course.

Ryan Mason and Cristian Stellini have been taking training in Conte’s absence during international week, but Levy will have to provide some clarity soon on who will be in charge of preparing the players for next weekend’s trip to Everton.

Tottenham’s international players will start to return from duty with their respective countries on Monday, when Conte would normally be back at the training ground.