Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Manchester City signing Dele Alli following comments made by former Barcelona star Xavi, even though they have been rubbished by Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The Spurs boss was left fuming after Xavi stated that his former Barca boss Pep Guardiola was looking to take him to Manchester City this summer.

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Xavi was quoted as saying: “I speak with Pep, and I know he thinks it is important to sign English players. I am sure in the summer he will look also across Europe for players to improve the squad, but also I expect him to look in The Premier League as well.

“At the moment the best English player there is and also one of the best in Europe is Dele Alli. We are looking at a very special player.

“I am sure it is not going to be a player that Tottenham will want to let go, but we know Manchester City have big resources.”

Pochettino responded with anger directed at Xavi, who he sees trying to unsettle one of his biggest stars.

“He’s in a period when he loves to talk, he’s in Doha [playing for Al Sadd] and listen, he was Barcelona player, he’s my enemy,” said Pochettino of Xavi ahead of his side’s trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

“He tried to destroy our focus to win because he hates me because he’s Barcelona – player, fans, you know.

“I know him [Xavi] very well, I played against him a lot and when I was a manager [at Espanyol].”

Our Football Insider Graeme Bailey told us that he cannot see Dele Alli being allowed to leave Tottenham any time soon.

“I just can’t see this – yes Manchester City will be interested, but so will Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona etc – who would not want him?” Bailey told TheGamblingTimes.com.

“But no, this summer there will be no move for Alli – now way.”

Ladbrokes have reacted to the news by cutting Alli to 3/1 to make the move to The Etihad.

“Xavi and Pochettino might be at loggerheads over Alli’s future club, but punters reckon the Barca man could be on to something here and have piled into City’s odds accordingly,” said Ladbrokes spokesperson Jessica Bridge.

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