Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou DENIES Mathys Tel originally rejected Spurs move before dramatic U-turn amid questions of Bayern Munich loanee's commitment

The 19-year-old forward joined Spurs in a deadline day transfer that will see him spend the rest of the season on loan while the north London side have a €55 million (£46m/$57m) option to buy him on a permanent basis this summer.

However, the deal only went through after Tel reportedly turned down Spurs' initial permanent approach amid interest from Manchester United, who walked away from talks with Bayern due to the German side's excessive demands. Asked if the France Under-21 international had knocked back his team, Postecoglou explained the young forward's thinking.

"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," he told reporters. "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."

Asked if he is convinced of Tel's commitment to Spurs, he added: "Yes, 100 per cent. 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 managed just two starts in his eight Bundesliga appearances this season and heads to Tottenham in search of more playing time. He could make his debut against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.