Brighton offering Tim Sherwood a face-saving exit from Spurs?

Oscar Garcia tendered his resignation as Brighton and Hove Albion boss, and the club board took it after another Championship play-off semi-final exit. Coral’s strong 6/4 favourite to take over from the Spaniard is Spurs head coach Tim Sherwood.

Despite signing an 18-month contract to succeed Andre Villas-Boas at White Hart Lane in December, it is widely anticipated that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will ditch Sherwood this summer, so an approach from the Seagulls could help both parties save face.

Garcia quit south coast side Albion after Derby County destroyed them 6-2 on aggregate, including an abject 4-1 second leg defeat at Pride Park. “The club has been aware of my thoughts for several weeks,” he said. “I have enjoyed my time with the club but, although I do not have any immediate plans, I have decided to move on.”

Sherwood may share similar sentiments to ex-Barcelona player Garcia, especially after saying he felt like “a supply teacher” at Spurs. Ajax boss Frank de Boer is odds-on to replace the Premier League title winner with Blackburn Rovers at 10/11 as Tottenham manager.

Former Cardiff City coach Malky Mackay is the distant 6/1 second-favourite to take over at Brighton, but is also linked with higher profile jobs at West Bromwich Albion and old side Norwich City.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe comes next at 12/1, but struggled when he left the Cherries for Burnley before returning south, and appears comfortable to come again at Dean Court, after just missing out on the play-offs this term.

Ex-Norwich manager Chris Hughton (also 12/1) and Celtic coach Neil Lennon (a 16/1 shot to join the Seagulls) could also be considered, alongside Paul Clement (16/1) – Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at Real Madrid. Other bosses with Championship experience, including Roberto Di Matteo, Dave Jones and Gianfranco Zola, are all 20/1 to take the reins at Albion.

Rene Meulensteen (25/1) and Mike Phelan (50/1), both protégés of Sir Alex Ferguson, join former Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool boss Paul Ince (50/1) as outside shouts.