Andre Villas-Boas had wanted to leave Tottenham since Paris Saint-Germain expressed an interest in him in the summer but did not want to walk away from his contract until the club were ready to part ways with him, sources close to Spurs told BT Sport.

Tottenham have known of Villas-Boas’ unrest for months and have been making plans to secure a successor since he told them of his desire to leave but they are yet to finalise a deal for a replacement.

The Portuguese parted company with Tottenham today in the wake of the club’s humiliating 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool, despite telling a post-match press conference yesterday he had no intention of walking away.

White Hart Lane bosses will turn to Tim Sherwood to lead the side in Wednesday’s Capital One Cup quarter-final clash against West Ham, but behind the scenes the club are working overtime to sign up former England manager Fabio Capello, who worked alongside technical director Franco Baldini while at the FA.

Sources close to Tottenham say Capello is the outstanding candidate for the vacancy but supporters are calling for former Spurs and England boss Glenn Hoddle to be installed immediately, in what would be an interim role.

“ Supporters see Glenn Hoddle as the best man in the short-term."

BT Sport contacted Hoddle but he declined to comment on any speculation on his future, that also sees him linked with the West Brom job. It is understood, however, that his heart lies with Tottenham and he would have no hesitation in choosing them over the Baggies.

Capello is currently manager of Russia and is set to lead them to the World Cup finals in Brazil this summer, meaning an interim would need to be in place until July at the earliest.

Supporters see Hoddle, who was a White Hart Lane favourite during his playing days, as the best man for the short-term job, despite his failure as manager during his two-year spell at the club between 2001 and 2003.

Former Spurs and England striker Gary Lineker is also backing Hoddle, tweeting: "AVB has been sacked by Spurs. Would love to see Glenn Hoddle given another chance at this level. Has a brilliant football mind."

Tottenham announced the departure of Villas-Boas in a statement on Monday morning.

It read: "The club can announce that agreement has been reached with head coach, Andre Villas-Boas, for the termination of his services.

"The decision was by mutual consent and in the interests of all parties."