Hoddle says yes to Tottenham

He also said he was planning to talk to the Premier League about the way Tottenham conducted their negotiations.

Southampton say they are holding Hoddle's registration until such time as compensation is agreed for the 15 months remaining on his contract. But it seems Hoddle enforced a clause in his existing deal which allows him to quit in return for paying compensation of £750,000.

During talks, Lowe had made a last-ditch appeal to convince Hoddle to stay, adding: "I spoke to Glenn at length and reminded him how much we have got going for us here.

"It was always going to be his decision but we will deal with it. We will maintain our progress but we haven't anyone lined up yet."

Gorman emerged from a meeting with Lowe at The Dell this morning to reveal that he would be teaming up with Hoddle again.

"I've just been in with the chairman," he said. "I've asked for permission to go with Glenn and the chairman has accepted that. I know Glenn was sorry to leave this club and so am I.

"I spoke to Glenn last night and then again this morning when he asked me to join him at Spurs.

"Everybody thinks we have left Southampton in the lurch but that is not the case. We came here to do a good job and that is what we have done. I have always regretted leaving Spurs, where I was a player. That is why I am excited about going back."

Tottenham released a holding statement to the Stock Exchange this morning confirming their ongoing discussions with Hoddle. The company's share price had gone up to 52 pence, up half a pence in the course of trading today.

Tottenham Action Group spokesman Mark Jacobs is convinced the 42-year-old former England coach is the right man for the job.

He said: "He knows the club inside out and understands the history, heritage and tradition. He would probably be number one choice for most Tottenham supporters."