Tottenham rejected the chance of signing Manchester City stars Elano and Martin Petrov in the summer, it has been revealed.

The Observer says the board refused to purchase Petrov (Atletico Madrid) and Elano (Shakhtar Donetsk) despite Tottenham being offered first option on the left-winger and Brazil playmaker.

Both went to Manchester City, proving central to the club's fine recent form. Last night, Spurs denied blocking moves for Petrov and Elano.