Tottenham Eye Rafa Benitez as Sherwood Replacement

Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez may be tempted to return to the Premier League this summer according to reports indicating Tottenham are considering him as replacement for Tim Sherwood.

The Spaniard is currently plying his trade with Italian outfit Napoli where he won the Italian Cup in his first year in charge but has never hidden his love for English football.

According to Metro, Tottenham are considering making an approach to secure his services as Daniel Levy wants a manager with European experience to re-establish Spurs' top-four aspirations following a disappointing campaign.

Tottenham appointed Sherwood last December following Andre Villas-Boas' dismissal and even though he signed an 18-month contract his job has been under continuous scrutiny after his side failed to secure a Premier League top-four spot and passage into the lucrative Champions League.

Indeed, with Tottenham finishing the Premier League in an unsatisfactory sixth place Metro reveals Spurs are expected to formally announce the sacking of the current manager.

A string of names have been linked with the expected vacancy at White Hart Lane in recent weeks with Ajax boss Frank de Boer leading a shortlist of candidates including Louis van Gaal, Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino and Everton's Roberto Martinez.

However, Metro claims Tottenham are struggling to complete the signing of a new boss and with former first choice Van gaal set to move to Old Trafford they are now also considering Benitez as an option – with the Spaniard likely to yield to temptation for a Premier League return.

Benitez became a cult hero during his reign at Anfield, winning the 2005 Champions League and reaching the final in 2007 while last season he conquered Europe winning Uefa's Cup Winner's Cup in his stand-in role at Chelsea.