Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman has sought - and been given - assurances from manager Martin Jol that he is capable of securing Champions League football next season.
News of a "full and frank" meeting between the two comes after some bookmakers stopped taking bets on Jol becoming the first Premier League managerial casualty of the season. His position at White Hart Lane has looked precarious since reports in Spain of a meeting between club officials and Juande Ramos, the Sevilla coach, followed back to back defeats to Sunderland and Everton in the opening week of competitive action.
The apparent rapprochement between Jol and Levy suggests the manager could be given this season to deliver, but a contrary message was delivered yesterday by the agent of Juan Roman Riquelme, Fernando Roig, who claimed Tottenham have made a bid to Villarreal for the Argentinian.
If true, the move would appear to back up his view that director of football Daniel Comolli is being allowed to go over his head in conducting transfer business.
Levy said in a statement yesterday that the board "constantly assess our position and performance", adding: "I am an ambitious chairman, we are an ambitious club and we want Champions League football at White Hart Lane "We have discussed all of these expectations with Martin and he has confirmed to me today that he feels he is equipped with a squad and a determination to take on that challenge."
Jol admits there is now pressure on him to deliver after spending around £40m in the summer. "We had a full and frank conversation and I fully understand the ambitions of the club," he said. "It is realistic we should look to challenge for a top-four position and I have assured him Levy and the board that is what I shall aim for.
"Yes, it is pressure to deliver, but that is what we managers should expect. Hopefully all the media will relax now - all I shall be concentrating on is each and every game."
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