Rumour: Spurs line up ex-Liverpool boss Benitez as Sherwood’s summer replacement

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez issues instructions to his players during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale Milano and SSC Napoli at San Siro Stadium

Tottenham Hotpsur are reportedly keen on appointing Rafael Benitez as their new manager in the summer as they look to replace Tim Sherwood ahead of next season, reports the Metro.

Sherwood is expected to have his dismissal as head coach announced upon the conclusion to the season, having endured a tumultuous six month spell in charge after replacing Andre-Villas Boas in December following the current Zenit St Petersburg manager’s sacking.

Sherwood has defended his record at Spurs, but that has not impressed chairman Daniel Levy after he failed in his task to capture Champions League football again and suffered embarrassing heavy defeats to the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

Louis van Gaal has already rejected the job in order to take control of Manchester United in the summer, as Spurs look for a proven winner to lead them into the next campaign, with frank De Boer also thought to be high on their shortlist following his achievements with Ajax in recent seasons.

Benitez record speaks for itself with trophies won in every country he has managed in, having landed the Coppa Italia with Napoli this season, while his record in Europe is also thought to be appealing to Levy as he looks for a long-term solution to the managerial post.

Benitez has the extra caveat in that he has Premier League experience after spells with Liverpool and Chelsea, and would be handed a sizeable transfer kitty in order to strengthen the Spurs squad.