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Frank de Boer is top of Tottenham’s wanted list to become their next manager.

Spurs' director of football Franco Baldini has identified Ajax boss De Boer as the perfect fit to develop young players, play stylish football and show a glittering CV.

It is understood discreet enquiries have already been made to sound out De Boer and his advisers about the vacancy created at the White Hart Lane club on Monday by Andre Villas-Boas' departure.

De Boer’s assistant at Ajax is Dennis Bergkamp - a hero at Spurs' bitter rivals Arsenal - and it remains to be seen whether he would also be part of any potential set-up.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has put Tim Sherwood in temporary charge and is believed to be ready to give him a proper crack at the job.

But De Boer would be their preferred big-name appointment and given any encouragement they may be ready to make a formal approach.

De Boer has been a huge success at the Amsterdam side, winning the Dutch title and adding to his reputation as an outstanding player.

The 43-year-old was sounded out in the past by Liverpool but stayed loyal and Ajax will be reluctant to let him go now.

Our European football expert Andy Brassell has the lowdown on De Boer - and what his appointment would mean for Spurs.