Tottenham wanted Rodgers as their new manager before turning to Mourinho (Mail)

Tottenham have hired Jose Mourinho as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement but had eyed Brendan Rodgers before seeking out the Special One

Brendan Rodgers was Tottenham's first choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino before turning their attention to Jose Mourinho.

The Argentine was axed on Tuesday night following a poor run of form that dates back to last season.

Daniel Levy decided to take the plunge and begun planning for Pochettino's replacement a month ago.

But he was quickly warned off Rodgers with chiefs at Leicester telling Levy it would be impossible to get the Northern Irishman out of the King Power, reports the Daily Mail.

Rodgers has got the Foxes sitting second having impressed massively since joining from Celtic in February.