Louis van Gaal: 'I turned down Tottenham Hotspur job'

Louis van Gaal has confirmed that he rejected the chance to become the manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

The Netherlands coach was a reported target for the club after they sacked Andre Villas-Boas.

However, it has been claimed that Spurs will hold further talks with Van Gaal in January, despite Tim Sherwood having an 18-month contract as manager.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 62-year-old admitted that he wants to work in the Premier League, but claimed that he rejected Spurs because it was not the correct time.

"You have to give an example to your players that they have to focus on the national team and that is my ambition also," Van Gaal said.

"I have refused [the Tottenham job] but maybe there will come another chance. That is the difficulty with coaching. When you are free, then maybe there are no vacancies. When you are working, then there are vacancies. It is always difficult."

"After the World Cup I shall retire or, if there is a Premier League club, I shall think about it," he added.

Van Gaal has also managed Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar.