FORMER Spurs and Fulham manager Martin Jol has emerged as a surprise candidate for the vacant Latics job.

Jol spent three years at White Hart Lane from 2004 and oversaw the side’s best run since the 1992-93 season, when Spurs won five Premier League games in a row, earning him the manager of the month crown for December 2004.

In the summer of 2011, the Dutchman replaced Mark Hughes at Fulham, following a spell in charge of Ajax, and spent two and a half years at Craven Cottage.

The 65-year-old’s last managerial role was with Egyptian Premier League club Al-Ahly. They went on to be crowned 2015-16 champions but Jol was sacked the following August.

Now there is speculation that he could end his managerial hiatus at Boundary Park following Keith Curle's departure as head coach this week.

Academy manager Selim Benachour has been placed in interim charge of the first team ahead of tomorrow's derby at Salford City.