Klinsmann and Capello are two of the contenders for the position. Reuters

Fabio Capello

The favourite to succeed Andre Villas-Boas was in the crowd for the defeat to Liverpool as a guest of technical director Franco Baldini, sparking rumours regarding the former England boss filling the White Hart Lane hotseat. Since, the Italian has naturally distanced himself from the role claiming he did not know "anything" about Spurs' interest. Former boss George Graham, the first sacked after Levy's appointment says Capello is "past his best".

Glenn Hoddle

Reports suggest Hoddle would be keen on returning to north London if the opportunity arises, but having been out of management for seven years and previous sacked by chairman Levy his suitability for the role is limited. Nevertheless, Tottenham legends have been queuing up to endorsee the Sky Sports pundit for the role. Gary Lineker wrote on twitter that Hoddle has a "brilliant football mind" while Ossie Ardiles believes the 56 year old would be a "wonderful choice".

Guus Hiddink

Another of the leading contenders currently out of a job is Hiddink but his upcoming role with the Netherlands national team leaves a huge question over whether the ex-Anzhi boss is a realistic contender to take over. "I would be surprised if Hiddink went to Spurs. I could hardly imagine that happening," said the player's agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen. The 67 year old would take charge until the end of the season before undertaking a duel role along with Netherlands. Seems unlikely.

Jurgen Klinsmann

The former Tottenham striker has a deal with the USA national team until 2018 and football president Sunil Gulati is refusing to consider Klinsmann's departure, particularly before the 2014 World Cup: "We've obviously read some of those things. The desire to make sure we had a long term commitment from Jurgen, and he had one from us, was part of it, and market dynamic does dictate some of that."

Tim Sherwood

An outside bet 24 hours ago is now among the serious contenders for the position. The technical co-ordinator will head up a three-man team with Chris Ramsey and Les Ferdinand while the search for a permanent boss continues. His first chance to impress comes against West Ham United in the League Cup and ex-manager Harry Redknapp says: "Tim should get the job permanently and work alongside Les Ferdinand. Together they are old-school Spurs and would do a tremendous job."

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