Tottenham will now turn to other managerial targets, which include Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Ralf Rangnick, after seeing leading option Julian Nagelsmann opt to join Bayern Munich.
Nagelsmann, 33, is one of the most highly-rated young coaches in European football and was Daniel Levy’s first choice to permanently succeed Jose Mourinho, who was sacked last week.
However, on Tuesday morning it was confirmed by both Bayern and RB Leipzig that Nagelsman will replace Hansi Flick in the summer, that latter a contender for the Germany job.
The Bavarian-born coach has signed a five-year deal with the European champions until June 2026, with RB Leipzig set to receive compensation that could exceed £20million.
The news increases the pressure on Spurs's hunt for a new manager, with 29-year-old Ryan Mason in temporary charge until the end of the season.
Rodgers is viewed as a good fit, particularly given his attractive brand of football, but he would be expensive to pry from Champions League contenders Leicester and would want a leading say on transfers, which are currently made by committee at Spurs.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, will have a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season and would therefore be an affordable option, who is also committed to progressive football.
Rangnick, who is credited with influencing Nagelsmann and a host of other young coaches, has worked as a manager and director of football, and is currently out of work.
England boss Gareth Southgate and his Belgium counterpart Roberto Martinez have both been linked with the job but would be difficult to tie down until after this summer's European Championship, with Spurs keen to make an appointment before the tournament.
