Daniel Levy has denied claims that Tottenham acted maliciously during the summer transfer window.

Reports have suggested that Spurs pursued West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino vigorously throughout, leading Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace to release a statement regarding the matter.

Peace indicated that Tottenham attempted to unsettle their player but Levy has subtly hit back at those claims, falling short of naming names.

"We have never, as a Club, spoken about another team's players and I am not about to do so now. However, I do want to make a few general points regarding transfers," Levy said on the club's official website.

"Firstly, there is hardly a transfer concluded across Europe which doesn't include staged payments. This is particularly so when significant amounts such as £20m-£30m are involved - players don't come cheaply these days.

"Secondly, we do not make anything personal. None of the proposals, discussions or negotiations we undertake involve any personal elements or ego - everything we do is in the interest of what is best for our Club.

"Thirdly, we never make anything public, particularly in the best interests of the players involved. Making aspects such as transfer requests public is wholly disrespectful to a player.

"Our pragmatic player trading has been important in the way we have run the business of the Club and in getting us to the position where we have now been able to start work on a new stadium - the one thing that has the ability to take this Club to the next level of competitiveness.

"I make no apologies for being ambitious for our Club and looking to deliver future success for our fans."