Spurs Ponder AZ Raid

AZ Alkmaar director of football Martin van Geel is a candidate to adopt a similar role at Tottenham.

Spurs, seeking a replacement after suspending Chelsea-bound Frank Arnesen, are considering a move for the AZ official.

The Dutchman, in his mid-forties, has helped oversee a successful season with the Eredivisie club as they reached the semi-finals of the Uefa Cup.

Van Geel lists Ajax and Feyenoord among his former clubs from his playing days and is reputed to be an expert in exploiting the Bosman free transfer market.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy (pictured) is committed to continuing his continental-style management system at White Hart Lane as it was showing real signs of potential once Martin Jol stepped into the breach to replace Jacques Santini last season.

Jol is well liked by the supporters and could be attracted by any prospect of working with a fellow countryman.

The North Londoners are unlikely to rush into a replacement for Arnesen, particularly as talks are still ongoing in a bid to ensure they are adequately compensated for losing the Dane to Stamford Bridge.