Tottenham Hotspur appear to be edging closer to finally ending their managerial search but it's not too late for them to appoint one particular candidate...

What's the word?

According to The Telegraph's Mike McGrath, former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has held talks with the north London outfit over the vacant manager's role. However, it is also claimed that the club admire three other managers, in which current Italy coach Roberto Mancini features.

The 56-year-old, who has won 13 major trophies throughout his coaching career, has been out of the domestic game since 2018 when he took the national team job. His Italy side currently remain unbeaten at Euro 2020, so it remains to be seen how soon he could come into contention.

Forget Nuno

It does seem like Spurs are closing in on Nuno, who left their Premier League rivals by mutual consent at the end of last season following a dismal 13th-place finish.

To be fair, the 47-year-old did have to deal with several blows, such as losing Diogo Jota to Liverpool and the cruel injury suffered by Raul Jimenez. Truth be told, it's no wonder they struggled to score as few as 36 goals.

However, if Mancini is being considered by the Spurs hierarchy, then he should absolutely be considered instead. New sporting director Fabio Paratici should know all about him and his managerial ability.

He has won three Serie A titles and numerous league cups, whilst his previous time in England is also hugely encouraging, having secured Manchester City their first Premier League title in 2011/12.

What makes the Italian such an interesting candidate is his recent transformation of the national team. Italy are the only team at Euro 2020 to have won all their group games without conceding a goal. They boast the best goal difference and have recorded the most shots and through-balls at the tournament, as per Sky Sports.

It's now 30 wins in all competitions for a team which failed to even qualify for the World Cup in 2018, while Mancini has guided them to the knockout stages of a major tournament for just the third time in 13 years, too.

This change in fortunes is something Spurs can only dream of after recording their lowest top-flight finish in over a decade. If there's anyone that can reinvigorate a sleeping giant, then it is Mancini who seems well-equipped.

In the past, the Italian has been lauded as an "excellent coach", whilst he once dubbed himself "the best manager in England" back in 2013.

Paratici and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must look to Mancini before it's too late.

AND in other news, Journalist drops major update in Spurs' manager search which will surely leave fans furious...