Frank de Boer on Tottenham's radar

Frank de Boer has emerged as a serious contender for the Tottenham Hotspur job, with a number of bookmakers installing the Ajax boss as the new favourite in the betting. Bet365 have sliced the Dutchman's odds from 12/1 down to just 3/1, while he is a best-priced 7/1 with Coral.

On Wednesday the club's caretaker boss, Tim Sherwood, tasted defeat in his first game in charge after Spurs suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to West Ham in the Capital One Cup. The 44-year-old, whose odds have drifted slightly to 4/1 with the likes of Bet365 and Betfred, will no doubt remain in the dugout for Sunday's televised clash at Southampton. Another defeat at St Mary’s would have a grave impact on his chances of stepping up and cementing the job as his own, and considering Spurs’ recent poor form many are predicting a third consecutive loss.

According to reports Spurs’ controversial director of football, Franco Baldini, has pinpointed De Boer as a potential successor to the sacked Andre Villas Boas. 43-year-old has enjoyed great success since picking up the reins at Ajax in 2010, having won three consecutive league championships, along with the Johan Cruijff Sheild and two manager of the year awards. Furthermore he has achieved this feat whilst employing an attractive brand of football at Ajax, which is something Spurs are desperate to replicate at White Hart Lane.

Former boss Glenn Hoddle (who has stated his eagerness to return to the club) and Swansea manager Michael Laudrup remain in the mix for the vacancy, although their odds have been lengthened slightly to 8/1 with Sky Bet. Meanwhile former favourite Fabio Capello is now back at 9/1, whereas Southampton's Mauricio Pochettino is as long as 25/1.