Tottenham Hotspur could have their next manager in place before the end of the week...

What's the word?

That's according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who delivered a fresh and exciting update on Spurs' managerial search to talkSPORT on Tuesday. He said:

"They are in contact with many managers and are trying to keep it a secret.

"They have talked to five different managers in the last week. For example, I’m sure they contacted Ernesto Valverde on Friday. They were also talking with Ralf Rangnick, [Erik] Ten Hag has always been there but it’s not easy, I’m told that Ajax are convinced that he’s staying.

"They have many managers on the list and I think they will make a decision this week."

Is it finally nearly over?

It's been over two months since Jose Mourinho received his marching orders from chairman Daniel Levy.

In that time, the North Londoners have been linked to plenty of different names, many of which have either joined a different club, ruled themselves out of the running or seen talks collapse at the eleventh hour.

Very early on in this arduous process, the Lilywhites targeted both Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers as top targets but the former opted for Bayern Munich and the latter was always going to be difficult to prise away from high-flying Leicester City.

There were even sensational talks over a potential return for Mauricio Pochetttino, though Paris Saint-Germain held firm and discussions with former Premier League winner Antonio Conte fell through due to numerous doubts from both sides.

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Spurs were then linked to more underwhelming names, with former Serie A coaching duo Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso looking very close to becoming the next manager at one stage.

However, Levy and new sporting director Fabio Paratici have been put back at square one - until now.

It certainly seems like they are now closing in on their next appointment and if Romano is to be believed, then there's a decision coming before the end of the week.

He also claims that they have spoken to five names, listing three of them in Rangnick, ten Hag, and Valverde. All of which are more encouraging targets than either of Fonseca or Gattuso.

Levy's next move is an important one, having faced backlash and protests from supporters in recent months over the proposed European Super League and seemingly a lack of ambition, he must get it absolutely spot on.

They have also grown tired and frustrated by this whole process but perhaps this is finally drawing to a close, and that should leave many in N17 absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news, Forget Nuno: Paratici can revive Spurs by hiring "wonderful" 57 y/o with 67% win rate...