David Moyes is emerging as a contender to become Tottenham’s next manager but senior figures at the club are divided over his possible appointment following his dismal short reign at Manchester United.
Standard Sport understands chairman Daniel Levy remains a keen admirer of the 50-year-old Scot, having considered him to replace Harry Redknapp in 2012 before opting for Andre Villas-Boas.
Moyes was sacked by United on Tuesday after 10 months in charge at Old Trafford but is thought to be open to a quick return to management in a bid to restore his damaged reputation.
Spurs will replace Tim Sherwood this summer and are weighing up their options. A key factor is the financial implications of any appointment, with the club pressing ahead in their plans to build a new stadium.
Louis van Gaal has been considered the front-runner for some time and Spurs would not have to pay any compensation to sign the Dutchman because he will be a free agent after the World Cup when his contract ends with Holland.
However, it is thought Van Gaal would command a much bigger salary than Moyes and Spurs are mindful of making a large financial commitment at a time when stadium expansion costs will rise considerably.
Moyes has worked within a limited budget at Everton and has a track record prior to his time at United of extracting excellent value from the transfer market. Once his compensation package is agreed with United, the Scot will be available to join another club for nothing.
Van Gaal’s CV is striking but he is considered an egotistical character by many within the game and the dignity with which Moyes conducted himself throughout his ordeal at Old Trafford has impressed some in north London.
There is also a concern at Spurs that they are behind United in the pecking order of selecting a new manager — Van Gaal would prefer a move to the Premier League champions and Spurs do not want to be kept waiting or be seen as a back-up option to prospective candidates.
Bookmakers this morning slashed the odds on Moyes ending up at White Hart Lane. However, it is believed that there is not universal support for a pursuit of Moyes among the Tottenham hierarchy. Some are concerned that he was unable to keep United in the top four, while Roberto Martinez’s impressive first season at Goodison Park has cast further doubt on Moyes’s own ability to deliver Champions League football.
There are also reservations over Moyes’s conservative brand of football, which attracted much criticism at United. Other possible alternatives include Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has just one year left on his current deal, and Rafa Benitez, who is thought to be keen on returning to the Premier League and is currently stalling over signing a new deal at Napoli.
Martinez offered words of support for Moyes. “There has been a lot of talk over the matter,” he said.
“He is a strong man with a winning mentality and I am sure he will bounce back straight away.
“He has ensured he will be ready to get into another job as quick as he can. He won’t have the lack of opportunities.”
