Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has denied reports Mathys Tel initially rejected the club before his deadline day move to north London.
Last week, reports emerged the 19-year-old French forward refused to move to Spurs after meeting chairman Daniel Levy in Germany.
But Tel was pictured flying to London on Monday before completing a transfer from Bayern Munich, joining initially on loan but with Spurs holding a £47.5m option to buy in the summer.
When asked about whether Tel rejected Spurs, Postecoglou said: “I think people need to understand that you are talking about a 19-year-old who has to make a major decision for his career and it’s not that he rejected us or rejected anyone else.
“I think he just wanted to be comfortable with his decision. I don’t think he wanted to be pushed in a certain direction and it’s credit to him.
“I had a conversation with him and it was purely around the football and I think he’ll find a really good place for him here.”
Postecoglou has previously said he only wants to sign players committed to the club’s project, despite them currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table.
When asked if he felt Tel was committed to Spurs, the Australian added: “Yes, 100%. I am more than 100% sure because he took so much time, was so diligent about finding out everything. He had other options so it gave me more confidence that we are getting the right kind of mentality, the right kind of player.
“He is very ambitious. He has a great self-belief and confidence. He feels he can reach the top of the game and he has chosen us which is great vindication of what we are doing.”
Tel could make his debut as Spurs defend a 1-0 lead against Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday night in the second leg of the Carabao Cup.
Postecoglou confirmed Tel and new defensive signing Kevin Danso will be available but key defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero remain out.
