Defoe wants Ranieri as Spurs boss

Jermain Defoe today told Tottenham that Claudio Ranieri would be a hit with the players if they appointed him as their new manager.

Spurs, who sacked Glenn Hoddle after six matches into the season, have been linked with a string of high-profile managers since his departure.

The club have slumped to 16th place in the Premiership under acting manager David Pleat and only survived the prospect of an eleventh-hour relegation battle thanks to Leeds United's inability to beat Bolton last weekend.

Ranieri's future at Chelsea came to an end last night after the defeat by Monaco.

But Defoe, battling for a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal this summer, believes Ranieri would be the perfect choice for Spurs.

Defoe said: "I think it is unbelievable that he will go from Chelsea. He is a great manager and he has done well there. It is really strange and I don't think it is fair.

"But if Tottenham get Ranieri that will be great for the club because he is a great manager."

Defoe added that he has not given up on a place in England's squad. He enjoyed an impressive debut when coming on as a substitute for the injured Darius Vassell during the 1-0 defeat by Sweden in Gothenburg last month.

"If I do go it will be a dream come true but I will be ready for it," he told BBC Radio London (94.9).