Steve Bruce claims that Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy ‘badgered’ him over signing one player six years ago.
Tottenham has missed out on some high-profile acquisitions during Daniel Levy‘s tenure as chairman of the club.
Spurs have previously opted against signing Bruno Fernandes, who joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020.
Of course, there are plenty of other names that come to mind, such as Willian choosing Chelsea over Spurs in 2013, and Sadio Mane signing with Liverpool despite interest from then-Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.
These players went on to excel in the Premier League, much to the dismay of Spurs fans.
Jack Grealish of Manchester City is another recent talent who definitely fits into that group.
The Englishman moved to the Etihad Stadium for a British record cost of £100 million in 2021.
It’s no secret that Spurs wanted Grealish three years ago, but the deal fell through after Villa’s new owners took over.
Now, Steve Bruce, Villa’s manager at the time, has revealed more information about Tottenham’s interest in Grealish.
Bruce claims Tottenham were anxious to sign Grealish.
Bruce told BBC Radio 5 Live that Levy called him about Grealish every day throughout the summer of 2018.
“One of the best things I did in management was not to sell him to Tottenham for £8 million,” Bruce said of Grealish. “Daniel Levy badgered me every day on holiday to sell him when Aston Villa weren’t the best in finances.”
The former Villa manager was then questioned why the Spurs chairman had called him.
“I was the only one left, if you remember when Keith Wyness unfortunately left and the club was in a bit of chaos until the new people came in,” he told me.
“But I think Mr Levy in his own great way was trying to get a bargain and we did all we could to not sell him to Tottenham for £8 million.”
Bruce continued, “I believe he took it, and then the new folks arrived, and the first thing they did was offer Jack a new contract, which he completely deserved.
“The rest is history since then. Also, I have to emphasise that he was a huge Aston Villa fan who enjoyed playing for the club and being the star of the show, which he surely was.”
Tottenham will regret missing out on Grealish.
Grealish went on to win a treble with City after leaving Villa, where he excelled.
Tottenham increased their offer for the winger significantly in 2018, with Villa rejecting a £25 million bid for the attacker.
However, after the club changed hands, the Englishman was simply unavailable at any price.
It turned out to be a stroke of genius for the Midlands club, as they doubled their earnings just three years later.
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