Manager confirms Tottenham contact but reveals big turn-off over joining Levy
Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui has revealed that he received transfer interest from Tottenham but insisted that he remains focused on his current role.
Spurs have endured an almost three-month search for a new manager after sacking Jose Mourinho. While early candidates such as Julian Nagelsmann came and went, the club looked to have found their man. Paulo Fonseca, who recently left Roma, reportedly agreed a deal in principle with Tottenham last Friday.
Talk of the move has gone quiet since, before dramatic developments on Thursday afternoon; various outlets including journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the deal has collapsed at the final hour.
As a result, ex-Fiorentina manager Gennaro Gattuso has become the favourite to take over from Mourinho.
Before Fonseca and Gattuso, though, reports have revealed that Spaniard Lopetegui had interest from Spurs.
The Europa League-winning boss has now confirmed the claims in an interview with Radio Marca. However, he added that his heart was never in a move to north London.
The 54-year-old said (via Sport Witness): “Tottenham? I am where I want to be. I could have had options.
“Logically, we are very happy and content, with our heads focused on making Sevilla grow and making Sevilla competitive again.
“We’re focused on that; we’re not looking elsewhere. I still have a lot of objectives to achieve.
“The main one is to be able to constantly improve the team, and then the profession gives you different challenges.
“Now my dream is to make Sevilla better, more reliable and to respond to all the excitement of Sevilla fans.”
Lopetegui has experience at both domestic and club level. Most recently, his Sevilla team won the Europa League in the 2019/20 season, beating Manchester United in the semi-finals before winning a thrilling final against Inter.
Before that, the Spaniard managed Real Madrid for a short stint, as well as the Spain national team.
He also won the Under-21 European Championships with his country in the 2012/13 season.
Tottenham eye speedy star’s transfer
Meanwhile, Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey is reportedly a transfer target for Tottenham.
Graham Potter took a chance on Lamptey when he signed the attacking wing-back from Chelsea in January 2020. The speedy 20-year-old impressed for the Seagulls and he started this season in terrific form.
Despite an injury curtailing his progress last term, he impressed with his early displays.
READ MORE: Tottenham ‘interested’ in speedy Aurier replacement, says respected source
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