Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has said he would not swap midfielder Giovani Lo Celso for Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes has been influential in United's 15-game unbeaten run and scored a double in their 3-0 win over Brighton on Tuesday.
- What did you miss? The latest from Europe's top leagues
- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
The Portugal international was close to joining Spurs last summer but a deal failed to materialise and Mourinho said he would prefer Lo Celso over United's new recruit.
TOP FOOTBALL NEWS
⢠Pep: Sancho won't replace exiting Sane
⢠Klopp: Liverpool will attack title next year
⢠Saka signs long-term deal with Arsenal
⢠Griezmann's family criticise Setien
⢠Bayern sign teenager Kouassi from PSG
⢠Sources: MLS MVP Vela may miss tourney
"I don't know anything about that, but if that is true, and if Giovani Lo Celso was the player that came to Spurs [instead of Fernandes], then I would say I wouldn't change Giovani Lo Celso for any player," he told Sky Sports.
"[I wouldn't swap Lo Celso] for any player. It's not just for Bruno, but for any player. When I arrived I went in other directions and he did exactly what I love a player to do: 'I'm going to show you.'
"[There was] no spoiled kid reactions, no crying, no moaning, no agents and family throwing messages to the press and to the social media. It was just between him and me: 'I'm going to show you,' and he showed me step-by-step."
Lo Celso has been one of Spurs' standout performers this season despite only scoring two goals in all competitions.
Editor's Picks
- Mourinho: Spurs don't need a big summer spendFernandes 9/10, Greenwood 8/10 as United pull close to fourth-place ChelseaKane, Lo Celso both 8/10 as Spurs finally snap winless run
2 Related
Mourinho also addressed his relationship with club record signing Tanguy Ndombele who has not featured since the Premier League restart.
Sources told ESPN that Ndombele clashed with Mourinho in a training session last week and never wants to play for him again.
"I know when I arrived there were problems. Injuries, small injuries, physical condition and that broke that initial impact when a player starts working with the manager and it broke the immediate impact you can have with other players," Mourinho added.
"[I have] no problem with Tanguy. He's in a big club where you have to compete with other guys, he's an option for me, a very good player who will probably be playing at Sheffield United, will probably be playing the next match.
"There is no problem, there is no story. We are a big club with very talented players."
Spurs return to league action with a trip to Sheffield United on Thursday.
Source: espn.co.uk