Louis van Gaal [Reuters] Reuters

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he rejected an opportunity to replace Andre Villas-Boas at Tottenham Hotspur after the Portuguese boss was shown the exit door in December.

The former Chelsea manager was sacked by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy as the north London side suffered a poor run in the league, including humiliating defeats against Manchester City away and Liverpool at White Hart Lane.

The former Barcelona boss was considered the No 1 contender to replace Villas-Boas at the north London club. However, the 62-year-old manager admitted that he turned down the offer made by Spurs as he wanted to focus on the Netherlands national team.

"Everybody knows it so I can admit it. I don't do things in a double function (holding two jobs at the same time). You have to give an example to your players that they have to focus on the national team and that is my ambition also," Van Gaal told Sky Sports.

"I have refused (the Tottenham job) but maybe there will come another chance. That is the difficulty with coaching. When you are free, then maybe there are no vacancies."

Meanwhile, Tim Sherwood was given the temporary charge at White Hart Lane after the sacking of Villas-Boas. Spurs have handed him the managerial role until the end of next season.

I have refused (the Tottenham job) but maybe there will come another chance. That is the difficulty with coaching. When you are free, then maybe there are no vacancies
- Louis van Gaal

Despite rejecting an offer from the north London side, Van Gaal has expressed his desire to manage a Premier League team in the future, as he is focusing on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with Netherlands.

"After the World Cup I shall retire or, if there is a Premier League club, I shall think about it. I want to work in the Premier League because that is the league I have not worked in yet," he said.

"I want to coach here in the Premier League because I think Spain, Germany and England are the strongest competitions. That is an ambition and who knows," Netherlands manager concluded.

Sherwood has admitted that he could follow Villas-Boas out of White Hart Lane if Spurs fail to finish in top four this season. Should they fail to make it to the Champions League next season and if Levy sacks the 44-year-old manager, Van Gaal could replace him at the Lane.