The chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) says he would prefer to appoint a British successor to replace former performance director Patrice Hagelauer.

The Frenchman left in December to take charge of France's Davis Cup team, but John Crowther said he hoped his replacement would come from inside the British Isles.

He is hoping to have Hagelauer's replacement installed by the summer, with initial interviews taking place after February's Davis Cup tie between Britain and Australia.

The new director must want to get involved in British tennis in great depth John Crowther

"There are candidates in this country and some well-known ones from abroad," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"But I would like to appoint a British coach because it is important that coaches in this country can aspire to the top position.

"It is not just about ability. We want a thorough team player who can manage and inspire other coaches who are employed by the LTA in clubs and counties.

"They must want to get involved in British tennis in great depth."

Tim Henman's former coach David Felgate has been mentioned as a candidate, but Crowther refused to be drawn on a shortlist of names.

Crowther did not rule out an approach for former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe.

But he said the American - who is rumoured to be considering moving to Britain - would be more likely to fulfill an ambassadorial role.

"John helped us promote our city clubs and did a fantastic job, so in some ways he already has an ambassadorial role," he said.

"Maybe that is something we can build on - it is certainly an idea."