Tottenham have reportedly narrowed down their managerial shortlist to just four options as they close in on the appointment of a new boss. Yesterday was exactly a month since they decide to part company with Jose Mourinho, who was denied the chance to manage Spurs in the Carabao Cup final before being replaced by interim head coach Ryan Mason.

That’s not to say Spurs have brushed the issue to one side having already spoken to a number of managers about the job.

The club had planned to have a new manager in place before the end of this season but the process has taken far longer than expected.

That’s because Tottenham have faced a number of setbacks in their pursuit of an appointment, not least when top target Julian Nagelsmann decided to join Bayern Munich.

Brendan Rodgers also committed his future to Leicester after an approach before Erik ten Hag signed a new deal with Ajax.

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They also want their new boss to have a track record of developing and improving talent.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano claims Tottenham are closing in on an appointment with a decision ‘a matter of days away’.

Spurs are likely to have problems attracting players this summer, particularly if Kane does decide to leave.

Manchester City look set to open talks with Spurs over a deal while Manchester United and Chelsea have also initiated contact with his representatives.

There were 10,000 supporters inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday evening against Villa and the fans made their feelings known after being charged £60 to watch a tame performance.

Before the game, owner Levy reaffirmed his commitment to improving the fortunes of the club after a challenging season.

“I have said it many times and I will say it again – everything we do is in the long-term interests of the club,” he said.

“I have always been and will continue to be ambitious for our Club and its fans.

“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.”