Massimiliano Allegri
REUTERS

Former Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly ahead of Frank De Boer on Tottenham's managerial shortlist - even though Spurs insists they are not looking for a replacement for Tim Sherwood.

The North London club released an official statement on Wednesday rubbishing reports suggesting they have already contacted managers about replacing Sherwood at the end of the season.

"Reports that we have made approaches to other clubs regarding coaching staff are wholly inaccurate. We have NOT contacted any club regarding coaching appointments," Tottenham's official statement says.

"We regret that a statement such as this is necessary, however we feel it is important to clarify matters."

However, Ajax manager Frank De Boer claimed earlier this week that the Premier League club have approached him while Italian media outlet TuttoMercato says Spurs are also in negotiations with Allegri.

The Italian reports claim that the former Milan boss is currently in pole position to take the job, as sporting director Franco Baldini believes Allegri's arrival will let him recover his influence on Tottenham's transfer plans.

Allegri spent three-and-a-half seasons at Milan from 2010 to 2014, winning the Serie A in his debut campaign in charge. However, following a number of disappointing results in subsequent years, he was released from his duties last January and is still unemployed.

Sherwood signed a contract at Tottenham until summer 2015 following Andre Villas-Boas' dismissal earlier this season, but his job has been under scrutiny after his side failed to secure the Premier League top four spot which brings entry to the Champions League.