Ranieri Claudio Ranieri has confirmed he has spoken with officials from Tottenham to discuss the vacant manager’s position at White Hart Lane.

But the Italian, who was sacked by Chelsea this week, says he would prefer to return to Spain with his former club Valencia.

“I had a meeting with Spurs and they have a very good project,” he said.

“But Valencia are my former team and if it’s possible I’ll come back with them,” he told BBC Sport.

Ranieri coached the current Spanish champions from 1997 to 1999, guiding them into the Champions League.

Valencia president Jaime Orti admitted Ranieri is a candidate for the vacancy created by the departure of Rafael Benitez, but the he will not be approached until he finalises his settlement with Chelsea.

“There is interest from Valencia,” Ranieri’s Italy-based agent Vincenzo Morabito said.

“We have had talks, but we have not negotiated anything yet because we still have to define the terms of Ranieri’s departure from Chelsea.

“Once this is done, Ranieri will be free to negotiate with Valencia.

“Valencia is his probable destination because it is a big club and one he has coached in the past.”