Glenn Hoddle aims dig at Daniel Levy as he hails Tottenham’s summer transfer business

Glenn Hoddle has praised the significance of ‘balance’ to Tottenham Hotspur’s summer spending spree.

The club legend has also highlighted the importance of getting their business done early, unlike during his own time as manager.

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Hoddle spent two years as boss under Daniel Levy between 2001 and 2003, having been the first manager appointed by the former Spurs chairman.

However, he has revealed Levy would often leave it until late in the summer to secure new signings for his squad.

The 64-year-old left his role in September last year after over 24 years at the club.

This summer has seen Spurs already spend over £200million on new signings for Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

After finishing 17th for a second consecutive season, the north London outfit have also broken their transfer record twice.

Hoddle hails Spurs signings

Joining Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor on Wednesday, Hoddle was asked if last season was a wake-up call following their summer spending spree.

In response, Hoddle admitted on talkSPORT Breakfast: “I think that was, that’s a good word, wake-up call last year following two 17ths in the league.

“You get any worse performance, you’re going down. So I think it was a wake-up call.

“I think they’ve bought really, really well on paper. It looks really good, looks exciting and the key for me is they’ve done it early.

“Daniel Levy liked to leave it late a lot of times, certainly when I was manager there, and there was no real thought about the manager and putting the squad together.

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“You hit the season and you still don’t have your players in.”

As for whether Levy’s approach was his way of saving money on signings, he added: “Yes, I think that was his philosophy.

“And I think this one, De Zerbi has gone in there and said, ‘look, if I’m staying, if we stay up, this is who I want.’

“Identified a few players and they’ve gone out on a limb to get them in. On paper, they look terrific.

“I think as well, there’s a nice balance to it. They’ve spent some money on three players, but they’ve been very shrewd, they’ve got three free transfers as well.

“So the balance of the buying actually financially stands up pretty good, I’ve got to say.”

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Spurs’ summer so far

De Zerbi’s biggest signing of the off-season so far has been the £100million arrival of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

The deal for the midfielder smashed the club-record set earlier in the summer of £85m for Mateus Fernandes.

Meanwhile, Jan Paul van Hecke has also moved to Spurs from Brighton ahead of the new season.

Further free transfers for Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have strengthened the side.

Despite only avoiding relegation on the final day of last season, there is a renewed optimism at the club this summer.

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Spurs are currently unbeaten in pre-season after concluding their tour of New Zealand and Australia by beating Chelsea, despite being down to 10 men, on Saturday.

De Zerbi’s side begin their Premier League campaign away to Brentford on Saturday, August 22.