Ange Postecoglou has played down concern over transfer allegations that have emerged surrounding Jermain Defoe’s move from Tottenham to Portsmouth in 2008 and says it is ‘not across my desk’.
Last week, an investigation by The Times revealed that Spurs had dealt with an unlicensed agent when Defoe made his move to Fratton Park 15 years ago – a rule breach which has led to clubs being docked points and handed fines in the past, with relegation even a potential punishment for more serious offences.
The Football Association decided not to take any action against Tottenham at the time but have now confirmed that they will review the case, with not all details of the inquiry having been made available.
Postecoglou was actually coaching in the Greek third division when the Defoe transfer took place and he says the issue is not something that concerns him, with his only focus being on the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday.
Asked about the allegations, the Australian replied: ‘And? In 2008? I think I was maybe coaching Brisbane Roar mate, so fair to say I wasn’t around then!
‘And really, if you think that’s coming across my desk… people are keeping a fair bit away from me at the moment because of what’s really important and that is we’ve got a big game on Sunday, with the issues we’ve got around the team tomorrow, that’s where my focus is.’
Pressed further on the issue as the only representative of the club made available to speak about it, Postecoglou continued: ‘And I think I’ve answered it. It’s not across my desk mate.
‘For me to give you an answer would mean me sitting down with whoever is doing the investigation, whoever has all the information here, you know how many hours?
‘I don’t know if you’ve spent any hours doing that but I don’t have that time in my day to be assessing those kinds of issues.
‘With those kinds of things, any of those issues, there are those responsible, maybe I’m the spokesman, but I’m the spokesman for the football club in terms of the football.
‘I would hate it absolutely if you got a lawyer out here and he started talking about what sort of formation we should play at the weekend.
‘I’ll keep my mouth shut with those things, not for any other reason, but I respect the space that other people are in and that I’m in.
‘If you’ve got real questions about that, there are probably better people to ask than me.’
Tottenham have a number of injury and suspension issues to deal with ahead of the visit of Villa on Sunday, with Cristian Romero, Yves Bissouma, Micky van de Ven and James Maddison all unavailable.
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