As their London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea confirmed this week that their players will take wage cuts, at Tottenham Hotspur such an agreement remains elusive.



Part of the reason why Spurs have not yet reached an agreement, The Athletic understands, is because of a perception among some of the players that they have been undervalued in the past. This is a sentiment that, for some, dates back to the end of the 2016-17 season when the players were disappointed that finishing second did not lead to a big round of pay rises.



Eyebrows were then raised last year when there was no gesture, besides pre-agreed bonuses and an IWC watch each, to mark the phenomenal achievement of reaching the Champions League final. Tough, drawn-out negotiations over contract renewals have been a feature of the Daniel Levy regime meanwhile — though star players like Harry Kane are on hefty wages.



Nonetheless, players are wary of taking wage cuts or deferrals until they are...