Andre Villas-Boas might just get a second go-around in London to prove he can find success in the Premier League.
A day after Tottenham began its coaching search after parting ways with Harry Redknapp, a third party has reached out to Villas-Boas on Spurs' behalf, according to reports from England. Villas-Boas and Everton manager David Moyes are considered to be the front-runners for the job.
For Villas-Boas, the Spurs gig would be a second high-profile opportunity in England, and it would also give him a chance to manage on the European stage again, with Tottenham automatically entered into group stage of the UEFA Europa League — a tournament Villas-Boas won with Porto in 2010-2011.
Villas-Boas, 34, was axed in the middle of his first season at Chelsea, where his methodology and lineup choices did not go over well with all at the club and led to subpar results. Assistant Roberto Di Matteo took over and guided the Blues to the UEFA Champions League title and the FA Cup while Villas-Boas sat the remainder of the season out.
Here are a few more stories to get your Friday going:
CARROLL GETS START FOR ENGLAND
After seeing Fernando Torres score twice on Thursday, perhaps Roy Hodgson is thinking that Euro 2012 is a platform where maligned-Premier League strikers find their form.
Hodgson is starting Liverpool striker Andy Carroll against Sweden on Friday in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as England shifts to a 4-4-2 with Carroll and Danny Welbeck partnered together up top, according to reports from England. Despite being the tallest team at Euro 2012, Sweden had problems dealing with crosses into the area against Ukraine, allowing Andriy Shevchenko to score twice on headers. Hodgson's hope is that Carroll, who labored through the 2011-12 season with the Reds, is able to replicate those results.
AC MILAN SNUBS LARGE PSG SILVA BID
Paris St. Germain has their eye on AC Milan defender Thiago Silva, but not even a massive transfer offer caused the Italian club to budge on its wish to keep him at the San Siro.
Milan reportedly turned down PSG's bid of €46 million, a statement that Milan really has no desire to lose the Brazilian centerback. Considering all of the other personnel losses Milan have had to endure this offseason it is not all that shocking; however turning down a bid of more than four times what Milan paid for Silva to pry him from Fluminense in 2008 is quite the decision.
OWEN TO JOIN STOKE CITY
For those holding out hope that Michael Owen would make his way to MLS, it does not appear to be happening.
Owen is reportedly going to sign with Stoke City by the end of June. Everton is also said to have interest in the former England standout and Manchester United striker, who has had injuries derail what was on track to being a great career.
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Do you think Villas-Boas is the right man for the Tottenham job? How do you see Carroll faring against Sweden? Think AC Milan is nuts for turning down that PSG offer? Do you think Owen still has anything left in the tank?
Share your thoughts below.