Ajax manager Frank de Boer has made contact with Tottenham Hotspur over becoming their new manager, according to ex-Netherlands team-mate Bolo Zenden.

De Boer is among the contenders to replace Tim Sherwood at White Hart Lane, with Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino and Napoli manager Rafael Benitez the other possible candidates.

And according to Zenden – who played with De Boer for the Dutch national team – the ex-Barcelona defender has taken matters into his own hands over the vacant position at Tottenham.

When originally asked about Benitez's hopes of joining Tottenham, Zenden told talkSPORT: "He loves the English game, He loves to manage his teams in England and it is just a sidestep to be back in Italy.

"He has won a cup [with Napoli] but I'm sure in the future he will be back in England. If that is going to be with Tottenham, I'm not sure.

"I've also heard that Frank de Boer has been in touch with the people at Tottenham. If that's going to happen who knows?"

Sherwood was dismissed a season into his 18-month deal at Spurs after guiding the club to sixth in the Premier League and into next season's Europa League. The former technical director in north London had originally replaced Andre Villas-Boas, who left in December.

Chairman Daniel Levy, who is searching for the 11<sup>th manager of his reign at Tottenham, has come under scrutiny for his refusal to give managers time, with Villas-Boas and Sherwood sacked last season merely months into their respective tenures.

Former Tottenham boss Glenn Hoddle says the club won't succeed until they give a manager time.

"It was always going to be a difficult one for Tim on an 18 month contract but Spurs have to look at long term getting some continuity otherwise they'll struggle," Hoddle told talkSPORT.

"Changing the manager so many times in a short period isn't going to be healthy or bring the success the fans want."

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