David Moyes being considered by Tottenham as possible successor to Tim Sherwood

However, senior figures at the club are divided over the former Manchester United manager

Staff,James Olley
Thursday 24 April 2014 18:01 BST
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David Moyes applauds the travelling United support following their elimination from Europe
David Moyes applauds the travelling United support following their elimination from Europe (Getty Images)

Just days after being sacked by Manchester United, David Moyes is emerging as a credible contender to be the next Tottenham manager.

However, according to the Evening Standard, senior figures are White Hart Lane are divided over his suitability following his dismal short reign at Old Trafford.

Tottenham were strongly linked with a move for Moyes while the Scot was still in charge at Everton and it's understood Spurs chairman Daniel Levy remains a keen admirer of the 50-year-old Scot. When Harry Redknapp left White Hart Lane Moyes was in contention before Andre Villas-Boas was appointed.

Moyes was sacked by Manchester United on Tuesday after less than 10 months in charge but is thought to be open to a quick return to management in a bid to restore his damaged reputation.

Spurs will replace Tim Sherwood this summer and are weighing up their options. A key factor is the financial implications of any appointment, with the club pressing ahead in their plans to build a new stadium.

Louis van Gaal has been considered the front-runner for some time and Spurs would not have to pay any compensation to sign the Dutchman because he will be a free agent after the World Cup when his contract ends with Holland.

However, it is thought Van Gaal would command a much bigger salary than Moyes and Spurs are mindful of making a large financial commitment at a time when stadium expansion costs will rise considerably.

Moyes has worked within a limited budget at Everton and has a track record prior to his time at United of extracting excellent value from the transfer market. Once his compensation package is agreed with United, the Scot will be available to join another club for nothing.

Van Gaal's CV is striking but he is considered an egotistical character by many within the game and the dignity with which Moyes conducted himself throughout his ordeal at Old Trafford has impressed some in north London.

There is also a concern at Spurs that they are behind United in the pecking order of selecting a new manager - Van Gaal would prefer a move to the Premier League champions and Spurs do not want to be kept waiting or be seen as a back-up option to prospective candidates.

Bookmakers this morning slashed the odds on Moyes ending up at White Hart Lane. However, it is believed that there is not universal support for a pursuit of Moyes among the Tottenham hierarchy. Some are concerned that he was unable to keep United in the top four, while Roberto Martinez's impressive first season at Goodison Park has cast further doubt on Moyes's own ability to deliver Champions League football.

There are also reservations over Moyes's conservative brand of football, which attracted much criticism at United. Other possible alternatives include Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has just one year left on his current deal, and Rafa Benitez, who is thought to be keen on returning to the Premier League and is currently stalling over signing a new deal at Napoli.

Martinez offered words of support for Moyes. "There has been a lot of talk over the matter," he said.

"It is not a nice situation when a manager loses his job. We know Moyes will look forward to the next football chapter and the next experience.

"He is a strong man with a winning mentality and I am sure he will bounce back straight away.

"He has ensured he will be ready to get into another job as quick as he can. He won't have the lack of opportunities."

Meanwhile, Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris admitted the club have had a poor season. The France captain said: "It will be difficult to do worse [next season], especially against the top four or five teams.

"This season we had sometimes the feeling that we gave up. We can't allow this kind of behaviour. We have to show more character."

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