Mathys Tel has said joining Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day was "the best option for me" after Manchester United considered a late swoop for the Bayern Munich forward.
In a surprise turn of events, Tel sealed a move to Spurs on Monday evening, just 72 hours after it was reported that he had turned down the opportunity to join the Londoners.
The Manchester Evening News reported on Sunday that Tel, 19, had emerged as an option for United amid their search for a striker in the closing stages of the window. It is understood the Reds were considering a bid to sign him on loan for the rest of the season.
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However, Tottenham emerged as the winners in the race to sign the Frenchman, who was also also linked with Arsenal. He has joined the club on a loan deal until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Addressing his decision to join Spurs, Tel told Tottenham's club website: "Why I chose Tottenham? It was the best option for me.
"I'm ready to play, I'm here, I'm ready to grow. It was the best option for me and now I'm very happy. I felt the commitment, I spoke with the President, the team manager, the coach and as I said, that was very important for me."
The youngster, who has not scored a goal since last May, decided to seek advice from former Spurs duo and current Bayern players Eric Dier and Harry Kane before settling on a move to north London.
"They said, if you want to work here, you have everything," Tel added. "You can enjoy it.
"That's good for me, because it's a good opportunity to work, to learn every day... that's what they told me."
Tel could make his Premier League debut for Spurs when United visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 16.
