Vincent Janssen explains how Mauricio Pochettino convinced him to join Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen has revealed that a conversation with Mauricio Pochettino, during a visit to the Spurs training ground, convinced him to move to White Hart Lane from AZ Alkmaar during the last summer transfer window. West Ham and Wolfsburg were also linked with the Dutchman but he insisted that his priority was always to move to North London – despite the fact he could have earned more money elsewhere.

The 22-year-old striker emerged as Tottenham's top target since the beginning of the summer after enjoying an impressive 2015-2016 season with AZ Alkmaar, scoring 32 goals in 49 appearances, including 27 in the Eredivisie to become the top scorer of the tournament.

Janssen himself then claimed that he was also likely to join Tottenham but the move came under scrutiny after it emerged that AZ rejected an opening bid for the striker. It was said that West Ham and Wolfsburg were also ready to battle for his services but the Tottenham eventually won the race by agreeing to pay around €20m for his services.

The Netherland international has now confirmed that other clubs tried to sign him and were ready to pay even more.

Asked during an interview with Helden Magazine if he was surprised by the €20m paid by Tottenham to lure him to North London, he said: "Actually not because there were clubs willing to pay even more money than Spurs but I immediately told AZ: I just want to play for Spurs and not a club that might be offering you more. That was not a club in the desert but clubs from good leagues, such as VfL Wolfsburg and a club in the Premier League."

Yet, Janssen said that Pochettino and Tottenham chief Daniel Levy convinced him to move to Spurs instead, despite the fact he was aware about the completion he faced with Kane.

"I spent a day with my agents visiting London. We had a tour through the wonderful (Tottenham) training ground and spoke extensively with manager Mauricio Pochettino. He said honestly: 'We have Harry Kane but we can sometimes use someone behind him and furthermore we play Champions League, we play so many games that we want an extra striker and you are exactly the type we're looking for.' After that visit I knew I wanted to play for that club, and I was given the number nine which also gave me extra confidence," he said.

"I did not choose (to join Tottenham) for the money. Trust me, I could have earned more elsewhere, even in England. Tottenham chief Daniel Levy also said that they wanted me very much and that I should have pride to be allowed to wear the shirt of Spurs."