On Friday, journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported Feyenoord boss Arne Slot is advancing to become the next Tottenham Hotspur manager after the two parties held positive talks.
Spurs are yet to appoint a new manager after parting ways with Antonio Conte in March. They have a desire to replace the Italian with the 44-year-old, who has guided the Eredivisie side to league success this season.
That’s at least what former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart told Studio Voetbal, relayed by Voetbal Zone.
Van de Vaart, who spent two years at the north London club between 2010 and 2012, has revealed Spurs approached him a few weeks ago to ask about the Feyenoord manager.
“I do know that Tottenham really want him. I had contact with Tottenham a long time ago. Or yes, a month ago. They asked me what I thought of him,” he said.
“But you know what I think of him. He squeezed out the maximum; Feyenoord are so stable. Even today, after they found out and partied all week. He takes other teams seriously and just wins.”
The Dutchman has also advised Tottenham to go ahead with appointing his compatriot as Conte’s successor.
“Whether I gave the green light when I was asked? Very green light. Tottenham are a club where I spent two years and I have a good relationship with them,” Van der Vaart explained.
“I don’t know if they want to get a technical director first and then a manager. They just lack a good coach and a coach who plays the nice football that Tottenham have always stood for.”
Meanwhile, Slot has now admitted he would be open to listening to offers and stressed the need to have clarity soon over his future.
“Feyenoord are a great club to work for and no club has signed up yet. Moreover, I still have a two-year contract. It’s true that clubs are interested in me, that is clear,” Slot told NOS, relayed by 1908.nl.
“It is also known that if certain clubs come, I would like to listen to them myself, but always from the position that it is also good for Feyenoord. That is not the case at the moment. I think it is in everyone’s interest that there is clarity soon. For me and for Feyenoord.
“If there is a club that is interested, they will have to report quickly in the interest of me and Feyenoord. I also understand very well that otherwise very different transfer fees may be asked in August. We will wait for it in the coming days.”
Slot has sent a clear message to Tottenham, who have already received a “green signal” from Van de Vaart to go ahead with his appointment.
