With regards to World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi, it's not necessarily that he was close to actually signing on the dotted line to become Spurs boss, but more about the fact that the club have actively pursued him on a number of occasions. Lilywhites' chairman Daniel Levy is a huge fan of the Italian and Lippi claims he has spoken to him several times about becoming Spurs manager, but he has ultimately had to decline each time. He explains:
I have been close with several English clubs in recent years. Most recently was Tottenham. But I said no because I didn't understand the language.
The former Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli boss is currently the head coach of Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande - a team he led to the Chinese domestic title last season.
