Brendan Rodgers was Tottenham's first choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino before turning their attention to Jose Mourinho.
The Argentine was axed on Tuesday night following a poor run of form that dates back to last season.
Daniel Levy decided to take the plunge and begun planning for Pochettino's replacement a month ago.
But he was quickly warned off Rodgers with chiefs at Leicester telling Levy it would be impossible to get the Northern Irishman out of the King Power, reports the Daily Mail .
Rodgers has got the Foxes sitting second having impressed massively since joining from Celtic in February.
But Tottenham have hired Mourinho, a man who mentored Rodgers at Chelsea , in the hope he can end their 11 year wait for a trophy.
The Special One has rejected several opportunities to get back into management having been sacked by Manchester United 11 months ago, but opted for Tottenham when they came calling.
“I am excited to be joining a Club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters. The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me," said the two-time Champions League winner.
Pochettino led them impressively during his tenure and allowed a host of youngsters to flourish, but had no trophies to show for his efforts.
The warning signs were clear before the Argentine led the north London side out in Madrid before the Champions League final back in June.
Pochettino suggested that, were Tottenham to triumph in the Wanda Metropolitano, he would walk away.
They failed to lift Europe's top prize and his frustrations at the club's efforts in the summer transfer window were clear.
He claimed his job title should be changed from manager to coach given his lack of influence on matters away from the training ground.
It led to the complete breakdown in Pochettino's relationship with Levy and those in and around the club could tell the Argentine's interest had wained.
