Soccer: Lowe allows Spurs talks with Hoddle

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has now admitted he has given Glenn Hoddle permission to talk to Tottenham about becoming their new manager.

Hoddle is currently locked in talks with Spurs' new owners ENIC at a secret London location.

Although Lowe had originally denied giving Hoddle permission to talk to Tottenham, he has now admitted that the former Spurs midfielder has asked personally to speak to the north London outfit.

In a statement, Lowe said: "The current state of play is that following a formal approach from Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, we have given formal approval this afternoon at 4.45pm, 27 March 2001, for Tottenham Hotspur to discuss with Glenn Hoddle the possibility of him becoming their manager.

"This was at Glenn's request and that of his agent Dennis Roach."

"As a club, we sincerely hope these discussions lead to nothing and that Glenn will complete and indeed extend his contract with Southampton Football Club in what will be a very exciting year for us.

"The decision now rests with Glenn and his advisors.

"This statement is made reluctantly, but as a result of stories eminating from London."