Tottenham Hotspur head coach Tim Sherwood has admitted that he still does not know his best team.

Sherwood, who replaced Andre Villas-Boas in December, believes that a lack of a world-class player like former winger Gareth Bale has been the main reason for his side's recent struggles.

"I couldn't tell you my best team, and I don't know whether that's good or bad," Sherwood told reporters. "I have assessed the players more than anyone and I could not tell you the best 11 at Tottenham.

"They are all good, but - and the fans know it themselves - are there any world-class Gareth Bale-type players? No, there are not.

"You always look for a blend, and some of the guys are similar in the way they play. We need different types of midfield player, for instance."

Reports on Friday suggested that former AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri was being lined up as a possible replacement for Sherwood.