Tottenham Lead Liverpool and Manchester City in Race for Jay Rodriguez - Report

Tottenham have surged ahead in the race to sign Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez leaving Liverpool and Manchester City in their shadow, according to the Daily Mail.

The Spurs are looking to revamp their squad in the summer and have earmarked Rodriguez as their prime target in the upcoming window. However, they will face competition from Liverpool and City who have also kept a close eye on his performances this season.

Rodriguez, who has scored 17 goals this season, was set to make his way with the England team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. However, an anterior cruciate ligament injury has scuppered his plans and will see him miss the opening half of the new season.

Tottenham are willing to take a risk this summer. After keeping tabs on Rodriquez's progress they are likely to make a move if he passes the required tests.

Tottenham have failed to live up to expectations this season, and are currently sixth in the league, a far cry from the level of expectations set on them in the beginning of the season. The money recovered from Gareth Bale's sale was invested heavily on players, who failed to get into a rhythm and flattered to deceive as the season weathered on.

Andre Villas-Boas, who was in charge of the transfers, was eventually sacked and Tim Sherwood was given the chance to ascend the throne. The manager made some wholesome changes to the squad but failed to make any notable difference to Tottenham's fortunes.

However, in his pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Stoke City, Sherwood insisted that statistically he is the best manager in the club's history and would like a second stint at White Hart Lane in the upcoming season.

"The record's good – it is better than any Premier League manager in the history of this club. There has been no one at this club who has done a better job at the Premier League. My record stands for itself," Sherwood said.

"It was never the brief when I came into the club that we had to finish in fourth place. What was said to me was: 'Can we make the team a little bit more attractive and score more goals?' and I think I've ticked that box.

"When I took over I told the chairman this would be a very difficult task to finish in the top four with the squad of players you've got. So I was very up front and honest with him. And I was still put in the position and just tried to do the best I can.

"It looks like the top-four has been a bridge too far unfortunately. I don't know if someone else could do better. If someone comes in with a magic wand perhaps. The only way for someone to do better is you need time with it," he added.