Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has moved to play down his side’s chances of breaking into the top four next season.

The White Hart Lane outfit finished fifth last term, but they were six points behind Newcastle United in fourth.

Spurs secured qualification to the Europa League as a result of their Premier League place last term but the club’s target is Champions League football.

Pochettino, however, believes a top-four finish for his side will be a huge ask next season given the summer spending of their rivals.

He told Spanish radio station Onda Cero: “You just have to look to the investments made by Liverpool, Manchester City, [Manchester] United, Chelsea or Arsenal during this summer.

“We have five teams above us when it comes to spending. We finished fifth last season but our project is different to their project.

“We have young boys, mainly English people and what we are trying is to create a team for the future, to set the base of the following years.”

Regardless of Pochettino’s comments, regular Champions League football is certainly a target for the club and it would come as no surprise to see at least a few more new faces brought in before the transfer window closes, with QPR hotshot Charlie Austin a reported target.

However, this summer he may have to offload some of his current squad first and that has proved difficult for the former Southampton manager.

The likes of Benjamin Stambouli, Etienne Capoue and Paulinho have been moved on, but as yet the club are still paying Emmanuel Adebayor’s huge wages and a switch to Aston Villa has seemingly broken down for the striker.

If Adebayor can be sold, Pochettino may have the funds available for a marquee capture that could bolster their top four hopes.

Spurs are 7.50 to secure a top four finish and 5.50 to take all three points when they travel to Manchester United for their opening fixture on Saturday.