Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lewis Holtby has backed the club's reported pursuit of Louis van Gaal by describing the veteran coach as "exceptional".

The Netherlands boss is heavily tipped to replace manager Tim Sherwood at White Hart Lane once he parts company with the Oranje after the World Cup.

"There is always lots of talk," he told Goal.com. "Louis van Gaal is an exceptional coach, you can't deny that.

"He led big teams to big success. I don't know whether he will be the new coach and of course it is not for me to decide. I don't want to think about it now."

The 23-year-old is currently on loan at Fulham, and Holtby admits that he would like to return to North London in the summer to see out the remainder of his existing contract.

"There is little sense in talking about other clubs since I have a long-term contract at Tottenham," added the German.

"The status quo is that I will go back to Spurs after the summer holidays. I can't tell you what is going to happen until then. My agent takes care of everything and as far as I know his mobile is always turned on.

"I loved playing for Tottenham and I would like to fulfil my contract there. But at first it is important to avoid relegation with Fulham."

The midfielder's current Spurs deal runs until 2018.