Ralf Rangnick, 62, and Rafa Benitez, 61, are being considered by Tottenham after a succession of managers ruled themselves out of taking over from Jose Mourinho — and the security of experience begins to look more desirable than youthful potential.
Max Allegri, 53, will also be on the shortlist, but the chances of Brighton’s Graham Potter, 45, and Eddie Howe, 43, are receding because of their inexperience at a major club.
Chairman Daniel Levy has seen his initial shortlist fall apart as Julian Nagelsmann, 33, confirmed he would move to Bayern Munich, Erik ten Hag, 51, signed a new contract with Ajax and Brendan Rodgers, 48, indicated he would stay at Leicester.