Tottenham managerial target Erik ten Hag signs new Ajax contract

Erik ten Hag has committed his future to Ajax
Erik ten Hag has committed his future to Ajax / BSR Agency/Getty Images
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Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has committed his future to Ajax by extending his deal until 2023, bringing to an end speculation that he could be set to take over at Tottenham.

The Dutchman had been tipped to take the reins at Spurs following the club's decision to part ways with Jose Mourinho just six days before their Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

Rookie coach Ryan Mason was appointed interim boss following the Portuguese tactician's departure, with Daniel Levy keen to announce the club's new permanent boss before the end of the season.

Spurs' hunt for a new manager hasn't run smoothly, with a whole host of potential candidates either ruling themselves out or securing deals with other clubs.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers was the first to be distanced from speculation, while RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann was scratched off the shortlist following the announcement has would be taking over at Bayern Munich when Hansi Flick departs at the end of the season.

With Spurs whittling their way down the list of potential candidates, Ten Hag emerged as the clear favourite to take the job.

And now that's gone wrong as well.

The Ajax boss has committed his future to the Eredivisie giants, extending his deal with the club until 2023 and effectively bringing to an end speculation surrounding his future.

The club took to their official website to announce the news, confirming the one-year extension to his existing deal.

"Ajax has reached an agreement with Erik ten Hag for the extension of his contract which previously ran until 30 June 2022," the statement read. "The new agreement will take effect on 1 July 2021 and will run until 30 June 2023."

And just for the record, we'd also like to rule ourselves out of the running for the vacant post.