Louis van Gaal
Holtby hails 'exceptional' van Gaal.

Lewis Holtby believes Louis Van Gaal is an exceptional coach amid growing speculation claiming the Dutchman will replace Tim Sherwood at Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Sherwood, who was named Andre Villas-Boas' successor in December, has seen his position come under real scrutiny with Tottenham likely to miss out on qualification for next season's Champions League for the fourth season running.

Van Gaal will leave his post as Holland's national team manager following the World Cup having also spoken of his desire to manager in the Premier League and Holtby, currently on loan at Fulham, admits the Dutchman is a proven success wherever he has gone.

"There is always talk," Holtby told Goal.com. "Louis van Gaal is an exceptional coach, you can't deny that. He led big teams to big successes. I don't know whether he will be the new coach and of course it is not for me to decide. I don't want to think about it now."

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax boss Frank de Boer have also been linked with the job at White Hart Lane, despite Sherwood recently insisting he will still be in charge at Tottenham next season.

His side travel to West Brom on Saturday with five points separating Spurs from fourth placed Arsenal, with Everton now mounting a late challenge for the final Champions League spot. Speculation regarding his future has often overshadowed Sherwood's attempts to ensure his side finish the season positively, but the former midfielder insists his focus remains firmly on the team.

When quizzed on rumours of his future Sherwood told reporters: "That will iron itself out in due course. (The only thing) for me to worry about is preparing the team, like I've done this week and we've had a good week's training again on the back of a good result (a 5-1 win over Sunderland last Monday).

"The players have always [given 100%], since the time I came in, the speculation have never eased.

"I've always fended off the questions and always had them so I don't see a difference from the first day I took training till this morning."