Ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Antoine Kombouare has claimed he held talks with Tottenham last summer over replacing Harry Redknapp.
Andre Villas-Boas eventually filled the void following Redknapp's departure - but Kombouare has revealed he met Spurs officials, as well as fellow Premier League sides West Brom and Swansea.
The 49-year-old decided to take control at Middle East side Al-Hilal - but has since left the club and is seeking a new challenge.
"After my sacking from PSG I had a six-month break. Then I wanted to coach in the Premier League, rather than France," he told L'Equipe.
"I had contacts but it was never sorted because I was always the second or third name on the list.
"The contacts? West Bromwich Albion, Swansea and Tottenham. I went to London to meet officials, but it never came to anything.
"I didn't want to join a small club or a small European league, so I finally chose Saudi Arabia.
"Since my departure from Al-Hilal I have had some very serious contacts, but the projects didn't really excite me. I want to manage clubs playing at the top of their league."
