Hoddle reveals Rivaldo bid

The World Cup winner was briefly on the market after being released from his contract by Barcelona, but Milan came in with a lucrative offer and he duly signed for the Rossoneri.

Milan always appeared favourites for the former World Player of the Year, but Hoddle has revealed that Spurs came close to snatching him away from the San Siro.

The former England boss said: "We were close to getting him and I know that Daniel (Levy) put in a supreme effort on our behalf. This illustrates the high nature of our ambition and the fact that we prefer to operate away from the spotlight.

"It goes without saying that a player of Rivaldo's quality would have been a major boost to our squad. There are not many players of that class in the world game so when the chance of signing one was there we had to move heaven and earth to try and bring him here.

"Unfortunately it didn't happen this time but the search goes on."

Hoddle hit out at the critics who keep telling him that Spurs need a forward, adding: "People keep telling us we need a forward but they are being naive if they think we don't already appreciate that fact.

"We are well served in defence and midfield with possibly the best squad that this club has seen for some time."

Spurs chairman Levy travelled to Spain to hold talks with Rivaldo, and the player has come out and thanked the North London club for their efforts in trying to sign him.

The 30-year-old said: "I was very excited about the possibility of playing for Spurs and in England. I would like to thank the club for their efforts in trying to sign me."

Hoddle has come under fire for failing to bring in big names this summer, and he will hope the revelation that he tried to land Rivaldo will ease the pressure in the run-up to the new season.