Tottenham sack Andre Villas-Boas

The 36-year-old was in charge at White Hart Lane from July 2012 and he leaves with Spurs in seventh position in the Premier League, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal, and five points off the final Champions League spot occupied by Manchester City.

Former England manager Fabio Capello was named the early bookies' favourite at 4-1, with ex-Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink 9-2 and Michael Laudrup and Tim Sherwood 7-1.

A statement from Spurs 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. We wish Andre well for the future. We shall make a further announcement in due course."

Villas-Boas had said he wouldn't quit after his side crashed to the Reds, their worst home defeat in 16 years. Spurs have won just one of their past six home league games and were beaten 6-0 at Manchester City last month.

Villas-Boas spent £105m spending during the summer transfer window following the £85m sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.

Former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker has called for former boss Glenn Hoddle to be appointed as the club's new manager.

"Would love to see Glenn Hoddle given another chance at this level. Has a brilliant football mind," Lineker wrote on Twitter.