Tottenham's search for Mourinho replacement suffers another blow

The search for a Mourinho replacement suffered a fresh blow for Spurs as the season’s end nears.

Tottenham’s reported primary managerial target Erik ten Hag has signed a new deal with Ajax until 2023.

Following Julian Nagelsmann’s appointment as Bayern Munich manager for next season, Spurs shifted their attention onto Ten Hag, who had only a year left on his previous Ajax contract.

But the Dutchman has instead committed his future to the Eredivisie giants for another 12 months.

His home? Amsterdam… ❌❌❌

+1 for Erik ten Hag ➥ 2023

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) April 30, 2021

“Ajax has reached an agreement with Erik ten Hag for the extension of his contract, which previously ran until June 30, 2022,” read a statement.

“The new agreement will take effect on July 1, 2021, and will run until June 30, 2023.”

Ten Hag has been in charge of Ajax since January 2018. The 51-year-old has enjoyed an impressive stint, with 119 wins in only 163 matches in the dugout (D21 L23).

As well as claiming the Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup in 2018/19, he led the club to the Champions League semi-finals that season.

The former Utrecht manager could claim his second league title over the weekend. Ajax currently hold a 12-point lead over PSV Eindhoven with only four matches remaining.