O'Neill in frame for Spurs

Martin O'Neill has re-emerged as a candidate for the Tottenham manager's job as Giovanni Trapattoni continues to stall over the offer to come to White Hart Lane.

The Celtic manager looks certain to leave Scotland at the end of the season but with the futures of Sir Alex Ferguson and Gerard Houllier looking more secure it appears any potential vacancies at Manchester United and Liverpool are unlikely.

Although O'Neill was Spurs' original first choice, the club soon shifted their focus to a continental style management system involving a first team coach and director of football in current acting manager David Pleat, as it was felt the former Leicester boss could not be tempted.

Trapattoni has now been given the chance to replace Glenn Hoddle. But while he has verbally agreed to take the job, the waiting contract remains unsigned.

Spurs had planned to announce his appointment at the end of January with the Italian due to arrive at White Hart Lane after Euro 2004 in Portugal this summer.

But the issue has drifted amid criticism of Trapattoni in Italy over his actions while he is still the national team coach and because the relegation panic which engulfed Spurs in late December has abated with some good results this year.