Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez admits he almost signed for Tottenham.

Perez says that he was told he was too important to the Magpies to be allowed to leave St James' Park.

Perez, speaking to Marca, said: “There was interest from Tottenham, especially Pochettino. It's a very nice compliment for me.

“In the end it did not work because Newcastle considered me too important and would not let me leave."