In-demand manager Julian Nagelsmann will reportedly wait until the summer before deciding his next career move amid interest from several top European clubs.
The 35-year-old - regarded as one of the top young coaches in the world - was surprisingly sacked by Bayern Munich last week after less than two years in charge.
The Bundesliga champions cited a downturn in performances since the turn of the year as a factor in Nagelsmann's sacking, as Bayern lie one point behind Borussia Dortmund in the table.
Thomas Tuchel was brought in to replace Nagelsmann, who has already been the subject of firm interest from Tottenham Hotspur in the wake of Antonio Conte's own departure.
Spurs are said to have already made contact with Nagelsmann about their managerial vacancy, while Chelsea and Real Madrid also remain attentive to the situation.
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However, with the German needing time to reflect and recharge, the Evening Standard claims that no decision on his future will be made until the end of the season.
Furthermore, Bayern would supposedly be in line for compensation if Nagelsmann took on a new role before next season, as he is still said to be on the Germans' payroll.
The former RB Leipzig boss was a target of Tottenham's to succeed Jose Mourinho in 2021, but he had already agreed to replace the outgoing Hansi Flick at Bayern.
While in the Allianz Arena dugout, Nagelsmann won the 2021-22 Bundesliga title - Bayern's 10th in a row - as well as clinching two German Super Cup crowns.
The 35-year-old won 60, drew 14 and lost 10 of his 84 games in charge of the German champions, with his final match ending in a 2-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen just before the international break.
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As Nagelsmann keeps his options open for the time being, Tottenham will be led by Cristian Stellini and assistant head coach Ryan Mason until the end of the season.
Conte left by mutual consent on Sunday evening after launching a verbal assault on his players for their late collapse against Southampton, where they let a 3-1 lead slip in a 3-3 stalemate.
Conte's brother Gianluca Conte was the only other coach to leave Tottenham with the Italian, who has since paid tribute to the club's fans on Instagram, writing: "Football is passion. I would like to deeply thank everyone at SPURS who appreciated and shared my passion and my intense way of living football as a coach.
"A special thought to the Fans who always showed me support and appreciation, it's been unforgettable to hear them singing my name. Our journey together has ended, I wish you all the best for the future."
While Nagelsmann is said to be Spurs' top target, the likes of Oliver Glasner, Thomas Frank, Marco Silva, Ange Postecoglou and Sergio Conceicao have also been mentioned as potential successors.
Speculation also remains rife regarding a possible reunion with Mauricio Pochettino, but there is not thought to have been any contact between Tottenham and the Argentine since his 2019 sacking.
Ben Knapton
