OPINION
If you ask anyone who the mastermind behind Tottenham’s rise to power has been, they would give you one of two names.
Those who see results on the pitch as the priority would no doubt be singing the praises of manager Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine transforming their fortunes with his coaching ability, bringing the best out of the players at his disposal.
However, those who think that the football club is more than what happens on matchday might well point to club chairman Daniel Levy as the brains behind the operation, establishing the club as a powerhouse not only in footballing terms but as a business too.
You need only look at the club’s new stadium and the estimated valuation of the Lilywhites to see they are a completely different beast to what they were a decade ago and things appear to be getting better and better, partly due to Levy’s ability to get the best deal for the north Londoners.
However, could the Spurs chief’s reputation hinder the club?
Kieran Trippier is one of those stars transformed by Pochettino but his form has been less than impressive, the Mirror claiming that the full back is not optimistic in staying at Tottenham this summer, the Argentine boss reportedly seeking a new right back which could lead to his sale.
The newspaper had suggested that Premier League rivals Manchester United were keen on the England international but the same publication have now claimed, in their live transfer blog (02/06, 18:41) that the Red Devils have turned their attentions to Aaron Wan-Bissaka instead.
It is stated that despite having seen Trippier as their top target, Daniel Levy’s reputation in negotiations has turned their rivals’ attentions to the Crystal Palace man and they will likely not be the only side to avoid Levy in the boardroom.
Trippier’s poor form coupled with the Tottenham chief’s desire to milk every possible penny is a recipe for failure – no one is going to want to talk to Spurs over a bang average full back when they know Levy is not going to budge.
It is going to frustrate the Lilywhites and maybe Levy will have to accept a cut price to move the club forward.