Poch: No Chinese takeaway for Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino does not believe any of his Tottenham players would move to China as they value quality of competition over money.

Chelsea midfielder Oscar is set to join Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG in January for B#52million, with the Brazilian reportedly about to earn £400,000 a week.

Oscar will be the latest talent to seal a big-money transfer to China after the likes of Hulk, Jackson Martinez, Ramires, and Alex Teixeira also made the switch.

Tottenham sold Brazilian midfielder Paulinho to Guangzhou Evergrande in 2015 but Pochettino insists his current crop would not be tempted by the mouthwatering financial muscle of Chinese clubs.

“I don’t believe it’s a danger for us,” Pochettino said.

“My players like to play football and like to compete with the best in the world and the Premier League is a place to be competitive.

“It would be strange for me if one of my players decided to move in that direction but it is different circumstances and I respect all opinions.”

Spurs tried to sign Oscar in 2012 before Chelsea gazumped their bid and Pochettino questioned the 25-year-old’s motivation in moving to China.

“I can accept all the decisions but it’s sometimes difficult to understand this type of decision,” Pochettino said.

“Football for me is not only money, it’s to be competitive and for me the Premier League is the most important league in the world.

“It’s not only money, for me it’s a passion. I need to feel the competition. When you’re in the Premier League, you’re competing with the best and that means a lot more than money.”