Former Tottenham Boss Would Fancy Return to Replace AVB

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Glenn Hoddle has reiterated his desire to re-join the north Londoners as a replacement for Andre Villas-Boas.

Despite reportedly identifying Louis van Gaal as the No.1 contender for the position, the Spurs hierarchy are short of candidates after the departure of Villas-Boas last week.

Hoddle is among the contenders after his representative claimed he would be interested in returning to White Hart Lane 10 years on from his sacking in 2003, and the 56 year old has repeated his wish to make an unlikely return.

"Tottenham Hotspur Football Club – I supported them when I was eight years of age. I went there at 12, I left at 28, went back and managed," he told Sky Sports.

"It's in my blood; it's in my bones. If I was offered the job, yes I would want to go back.

"It's whatever is right for the football club and if they felt that they wanted me to go until the end of the season, and they wanted something else long-term, I would be prepared to do that, because I love the club," he added.

"They have not offered me the job, so it's all speculation."

Hoddle's last job in management was with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006 but his hugely successful Spanish academy means he continues to possess a decent reputation within the game.

Spurs legends Ossie Ardiles and Gary Lineker have both backed Hoddle for the role full-time.

Guus Hiddink, Frank de Boer, Michael Laudrup and Jurgen Klinsman have all denied interest in replacing Villas-Boas, who was sacked after Tottenham's 5-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Tim Sherwood has been placed in temporary charge and his case for taking on the role on a permanent basis was strengthened by Tottenham's win over Southampton.

Fabio Capello, who was present for the loss to Liverpool last weekend, is also in contention but the Italian claims to have received no contact from Spurs.