Levy's language barrier

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy insists the club's new manager will speak fluent English.

Levy will appoint a boss this summer and is understood to have made Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni his target.

But Trapattoni does not speak good English and Levy yesterday made it clear the incoming manager must have a strong grasp of the language, implying either that Trapattoni has been asked to improve his English or that he is not Spurs' first choice.

'We have only sat down with one individual and that is the individual we have in mind if his circumstances will allow him to join us,' he said.

'Any manager we appoint will speak English - I think communication is very important,' added Levy, who also confirmed the club still hope to sign James Milner and Paul Robinson from troubled Leeds.