A well-renowned sporting director has allegedly turned down Tottenham’s approach as the Lilywhites hunt for a replacement for Fabio Paratici.
It has been widely reported over the past few days that Sebastian Kehl has emerged as Tottenham’s top target for the sporting director role ahead of the summer window.
Multiple sources have suggested that Spurs want Kehl to work together with Johan Lange to rebuild their squad this summer, but the former Dortmund director is yet to make a decision on his next step.
Dougie Freedman and Paul Winstanley have also reportedly been considered by Spurs, and it has now emerged that the Lilywhites had previously failed with a move for a 51-year-old Dutchman.
Dennis te Kloese turned down the chance to become Tottenham’s sporting director
Dennis te Kloese, who has served as Feyenoord’s general manager and technical director for the past four years, is set to part ways with the Dutch club this summer.
Interestingly, Dutch sports marketer Chris Woerts, who previously worked as Sunderland’s Head of Marketing, has now claimed that Te Klose was approached by Spurs last summer, but turned down the move in favour of remaining at the Eredivisie side.
Woerts told Voetbal Primeur about the 51-year-old: “He is highly regarded in Europe. He receives offers from England, Spain, and Italy. Last year he turned down Tottenham Hotspur… he will find work.”
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Where is Te Kloese’s likely to head next?
While we know that Tottenham are on the lookout for a new director, it is not clear if the Lilywhites have approached Te Kloese again this summer, now that his exit from Feyenoord has been confirmed.
A different report from Voetbal Primeur (via Sport Witness) claims that the Dutchman is attracting ‘very serious interest from the Premier League‘.
However, it is revealed that while Te Kloesee is open to moving to England, he has told insiders that he wants to take a break from the game.