Spurs board lean towards Souness

Graeme Souness edged closer to filling the managerial vacancy at Tottenham yesterday after an increase in boardroom support for the Blackburn boss.

With Martin O'Neill running out of time after being set a deadline to secure his release from Celtic and Spurs wary of a compensation wrangle with Charlton over Alan Curbishley, the odds are shortening on Souness succeeding the sacked Glenn Hoddle.

Spurs would still have to free him from his contract at Ewood Park but they would meet less resistance than Charlton are expected to mount.

Souness would like the job, and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy 'strongly fancies' the idea of appointing him.

Nigeria have held talks with Bryan Robson about taking charge of their team. Robson will also be interviewed for the vacant Reading job today.

Another candidate, Lawrie Sanchez, was sacked as Wycombe manager following last night's 2-1 defeat at Tranmere.