Spurs chiefs deny Ramos job offer but demand top-four finish from Jol

TOTTENHAM have again denied offering Juande Ramos the job as boss at White Hart Lane — but his name is expected to remain linked with eventually taking over from Martin Jol.

Jol held talks with the Spurs board on Tuesday and was told to get the club challenging for Champions League qualification, earning him more time after his position as boss looked fragile.

A meeting between Spurs officials and Ramos was reported in the Spanish media last week — explained as a private matter.

“No individual was or has been offered the position of manager/coach at this club while that position has been held by Martin Jol,” a Spurs statement read yesterday.

There was confusion over Ramos’ comments in Spain yesterday as he explained his situation, denying a meeting with Spurs officials.

However, he was also reported on the Sevilla website to have said: “The offer from Spurs did not interest me, because I am in the middle of great things at Sevilla and we still have much more to achieve.”

Whether Ramos was referring to a hypothetical or actual offer, he has underlined his intention to see the season out with Sevilla before any decision is made.

That will take him to the end of his contract and will give him a tilt at the Champions League after guiding Sevilla to consecutive UEFA Cups.

Such is his reputation, Ramos’ name is likely to still be linked with Spurs.

Jol’s reputation remains intact, despite a lukewarm backing from chairman Daniel Levy after their meeting — effectively demanding Champions League football.

The Dutchman has previously been linked with the Holland job, and a top-four finish would make a dismissal difficult to justify to fans who have a strong bond with Jol.

He admits the pressure is now on him to deliver Champions League football this season.

“The last two seasons we’ve finished fifth — and this season we start with an even better team,” he said.

“So we should be optimistic. Yes, it is pressure to deliver — but that is what we managers should expect.”

“I am an ambitious chairman; we are an ambitious club and we want Champions League football at White Hart Lane,” explained Levy.