According to a teasing update by reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold, the Lilywhites have now begun to filter out the long list of managerial candidates and are about to 'formally' approach more targets in the coming weeks - with the hunt for a boss now seemingly heating up.

Gold drops teasing managerial update

Indeed, Tottenham are allegedly well underway in the search for Jose Mourinho's successor to take over after interim boss Ryan Mason sees out the 2020/2021 campaign.

As well as chairman Daniel Levy narrowing down his options and prioritising certain targets to be formally approached, Spurs are also believed to have definitely begun the managerial search process according to Gold.

football.london and the reporter's information is that Tottenham Hotspur hope to announce their next boss before the end of this season - but that factor could make it difficult to speak to managers already in work.

It is unclear who has now entered the favourites position to be appointed with recent top target Erik Ten Hag having signed a new deal at Eredivisie giants Ajax.

Ralf Rangnick, Roberto Martinez, Graham Potter and Massimiliano Allegri are still mentioned by Gold in this report as gaffers who have admirers within the club.

Transfer Tavern take

The Ten Hag blow, coming after fellow former target Julian Nagelsmann opted for Bayern Munich, is particularly concerning given the shrinking list of alternatives.

We are surprised that Champions League-winning and free agent boss Rafael Benitez hasn't been mentioned more given he is without a club and has vast experience at the top level.

However, of the men seriously linked, Rangnick certainly presents himself as Tottenham's next best target.

He is the dubbed father of gegenpressing and a 'perfectionist' in his craft according to RB Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen - as well as being a potentially cheaper appointment for Levy than previous targets like Nagelsmann.

While the search grows more complicated, Gold's update that Spurs are preparing to 'formally' approach candidates comes as a teasing one holding encouragement.

In other news: Tottenham are reportedly set for a significant end of season decision, find out more here.