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Tottenham transfer news: Director makes budget claims as Pochettino waits on deals
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has been assured his transfer kitty won’t be hit by financing Tottenham’s new £850million stadium.
Spurs fans watched neighbours Arsenal struggle to match their rivals as their spending power dwindled following their switch to the Emirates in 2006.
And there are fears Spurs, who are yet to sign a player this summer, could also lose ground with a similar lack of investment following their move.
But executive director Donna-Maria Cullen shot down suggestions funding the 62,000-seater stadium is the reason for their quiet pre-season.
Cullen, one of chairman Daniel Levy’s closest confidantes, said: “Daniel has been quite clear on this but we have always operated on a fairly prudent basis.
Pochettino: After 23 years Tottenham are above all London clubs
Everything we do is about investing in the first team
“And the whole notion of us moving to an increased capacity stadium is to collect the greater revenues from match day that all of the other top-six clubs have been enjoying for many more years than ourselves.
“So you get those revenues coming through and everything we do is about investing in the first team.”
Pochettino signed a five-year deal at the end of last season with the promise that he would have money to spend.
But Levy is refusing to break the bank to sign Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha or Aston Villa starlet Jack Grealish.
Asked if Levy was reluctant to spend on new signings, Cullen added: “No. That is a misconception.
“Daniel works closely with the managers. He identifies targets, works to get them and we are no different to other clubs in occasionally not being able to acquire who might be top of your list. Mauricio is relaxed.”
Pochettino, whose team complete their US tour against AC Milan today, will now be eyeing midfield reinforcements after his injury crisis deepened.
Victor Wanyama has returned home with a recurrence of a knee problem while Moussa Sissoko (hamstring) faces a spell out. Harry Winks (ankle) will miss the start of the season.
Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele are not due to return to training until August 6, five days before their opener at Newcastle, following their World Cup involvement.