Murphy denies demanding first-team spot at Spurs

New Charlton signing Danny Murphy has hit out at claims that he snubbed a move to Tottenham because he was not guaranteed a first-team place at White Hart Lane.

Murphy was widely tipped to sign for Jacques Santini’s side before being unveiled at The Valley after a £2.5m (€3.7m) move today.

But the former Liverpool star, who put pen to paper on a four-year contract for Alan Curbishley’s side, moved to quash rumours he moved to south London to guarantee regular football.

He explained: “I didn’t make any demands to Tottenham. They were nice people and honest and straight but I made a decision for my reasons and I wanted to work with this manager.

“Tottenham could still be in a transitional period and I don’t know why they came out and said what they did.

“(Spurs’ sporting director) Frank (Arnesen) seemed like a lovely bloke and it’s yesterday’s news as far as I’m concerned. I’ve made the decision now and what they do is up to them.”

The 27-year-old, who boasts nine England caps to his name, made 249 appearances for Liverpool – scoring 44 goals.

He had two years left on his contract only to be told he was surplus to requirements by new manager Rafael Benitez.

Charlton boss Curbishley added: “We’re trying to improve every year and that’s how I sold it to Danny.

“Everyone talks about Tottenham and I don’t know why. They should be talking about us.

“Spurs were a little bit naïve and a little bit spiteful to be honest.

“We agreed a fee last week with Liverpool but in football things get out and he spoke to both clubs, and yesterday he made his decision and things come out in the press which aren’t really true.”