Tottenham's bid to make Feyenoord general manager Dennis te Kloese their new technical director has been knocked back by the Dutch champions.
The London club were willing to offer a compensation package for the 48-year-old mastermind behind the Rotterdam club’s first Eredivisie title in six seasons. But Feyenoord knocked them back after Te Kloese assured them he would not try to force his departure.
Spurs are looking for a successor for Fabio Paratici after the Italian resigned in the aftermath of a 30-month ban from football following allegations of match-fixing during his time at Juventus. They have also been in talks with Feyenoord coach Arne Slot about becoming their new boss after a fruitless two-month search for a new manager following the departure of Antonio Conte.
Te Kloese admitted: “I am not going to deny that an offer came in, but I will say straight away that it did not make me consider taking things up again with the family and moving. I joined Feyenoord to build something beautiful - and we are doing that together.
“We are off to a great start and want to achieve even more. It would be strange to stop at Feyenoord so soon.”
Te Kloese is just 18 months into his role at Feyenoord after leaving LA Galaxy. He previously worked as the general director of the Mexican FA.
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Feyenoord have won the Eredivisie title on a transfer budget of just £20million and despite the departures of Tyrell Malacia to Manchester United and Luis Sinisterra to Leeds.
Te Kloese has recruited players like Dutch midfielder Mats Wieffer and Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez to bolster Slot’s squad - and his work is admired at the Tottenham Stadium.
Feyenoord reached the Europa League final last season and will bank a £100 million jackpot after qualifying for the Champions League.
Tottenham's chances of landing Slot are much better. The 44-year-old has told agent Rafaela Pimenta that he sees his future in the Premier League and meetings have taken place despite denials from Spurs.
Slot has a £6million release clause in his contract that can be triggered next year - and it will cost Tottenham around £10 million to prise him away from Feyenoord this summer.
