After losing out on Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, Chelsea broke their transfer record on Real Madrid’s back-up centre-forward Alvaro Morata.

Despite his intense desire to make it at the Bernabeu, Morata knew it was in his best interests to leave Los Blancos. So he did just that.

The Spain international scored more goals in fewer appearances than Karim Benzema last season, but it’s no secret that Zinedine Zidane and Florentino Perez think the world of the French striker and want him to continue as Madrid’s No. 1 centre-forward for the foreseeable future.

Morata, who was also linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, accepted the opportunity to reunite with Antonio Conte this time at Chelsea.

The two men worked together at Juventus and Conte now wants Morata to fill the void left by Diego Costa, who has been deemed surplus to requirements and is expected to rejoin Atletico Madrid.

Pochettino admits he spoke to Morata

However, Conte and Jose Mourinho weren’t the only two managers keen on Morata this summer.

Mauricio Pochettino also considered making a move for the 24-year-old Spaniard, according to the Tottenham boss himself.

What Morata said to Pochettino

However, in a phone call with Pochettino, Morata revealed why he wouldn’t be signing for the north London outfit.

“It’s so difficult to convince good players to come and then be on the bench. Then the problems start,” Pochettino told the Daily Mail before revealing details of a conversation with Morata.

“Morata said to me, ‘Why do you want me if you have Harry Kane?’.

It’s a very fair question to ask. Although Morata is a great striker, Kane is untouchable at Spurs.

Pochettino understands Morata's decision

Pochettino continued: “You know, if you go to try to sign a striker, they will say, ‘Eh gaffer, you want me for what? To be on the bench? Because it’s Harry Kane, I can’t compete with Harry Kane’ or Hugo Lloris or different players.”

Pochettino also strenuously denies suggestions that Spurs have been slow in the transfer market this summer because of Daniel Levy.

“Our fans know that we are not a club today that can compete with Manchester United and City for a player,” the Argentine coach added. “We cannot fight.

“(But) the perception about Daniel is very wrong. The thing is, Daniel is very keen to sign like me. This type of player we are talking about, it’s very difficult. It’s not easy to find.”

Slow summer for Spurs

Spurs are yet to make any signings this summer but have been strongly linked with a move for Everton’s wantaway midfielder Ross Barkley.

Kyle Walker, meanwhile, joined Manchester City in a deal worth £50 million.