“Could have happened”: Ten Hag reveals why he turned down Spurs opportunity to stay at Ajax

Erik ten Hag has signed a new contract with Ajax, ending Tottenham’s reported hopes of hiring the Dutch manager.

Reports have strongly linked Ten Hag with a switch to Spurs in recent days, with the Guardian suggesting he was set to be interviewed by the Londoners.

However, on Friday morning Ajax announced that the 51-year-old has agreed a two-year contract extension to remain in Amsterdam.

Discussing his new deal, as relayed by journalist Jonathan Veal, Ten Hag acknowledged Tottenham’s interest and gave his reasons for staying at Ajax.

He said: “I don’t want to rule out that that could have happened, but I know what I have here. I know who I am working with, I know what the ideas are, I know what goals we have. I’m happy here. That’s where my head and heart are at.”

And so Spurs’ search for a new manager takes another twist.

We recently relayed a Daily Mail story that claimed Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers is still Tottenham’s preferred choice despite interest in Ten Hag.

And now the Ajax manager will definitely not be changing jobs this summer, perhaps Spurs will intensify their pursuit of Rodgers.

Obviously there are plenty more fish in the sea, but Spurs are running out of high-profile options and may have strengthen their contingency plans.