Arsenal legend Steve Morrow wanted by Tottenham to become new academy boss after helping Saka and Nelson into first-team

TOTTENHAM are considering former Arsenal icon Steve Morrow for their vacant head of academy coaching position, according to reports.

Spurs are on the hunt for a new academy chief following John McDermott's departure after 15 years in the role last month.

The 51-year-old left N17 to return to the FA, saying: "The chance to work at the FA again is one I couldn’t turn down, particularly in this role.

"After 15 years at Tottenham Hotspur, where I've built incredible relationships with the players and the staff, it is a wrench to leave so many really good people but this is a brilliant opportunity."

And according the the , McDermott's replacement could come come from close to home.

Morrow, who played for Arsenal for nine years, was an academy coach with the Gunners until November last year.

The Northern Irishman, 51, was "highly regarded" at the Emirates - but surprisingly departed following head of recruitment Sven Mislintat's exit earlier this season.

Many home-grown stars have begun to shine in the Gunners' first-team of late, having benefited from the tutelage of Morrow.

Bukayo Saka has impressed in particular, while Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah have all played their parts.

Arsenal also received around £50million for academy products in the summer, following Alex Iwobi and Krystian Bielik's moves to Everton and Derby County respectively.

Morrow famously scored the winner in Arsenal's 1993 League Cup triumph, helping George Graham's side to victory before suffering a bizarre injury.

Amid the celebrations Tony Adams attempted to pick Morrow up and parade him on his shoulders.

But the former Gunners skipper botched the celebration, instead dropping his team-mate onto the Wembley turf.

Morrow was rushed to hospital with a broken arm - and didn't end up receiving his winners' medal until prior to the FA Cup final later that season.

Should he be appointed, Morrow will have a big job on his hands at Spurs - with the Lilywhites set to be reliant on youth once again.

Under McDermott, the likes of Harry Kane, Harry Winks, Nabil Bentaleb, Andros Townsend, Danny Rose and Ryan Mason came through and went on to flourish under Mauricio Pochettino.

And with the coronavirus pandemic set to stretch every team's budgets, relying on academy players stepping up will be crucial - with Japhet Tanganga, Troy Parrott and Malachi Fagan-Walcott having debuted this season.