Steve Hitchen was confirmed by Mauricio Pochettino today as a new member of his club's scouting staff and the Tottenham Hotspur boss has given a strong indication as to how the scout will have to work.

The 40-year-old began work on Monday as Spurs' chief scout, his second spell at the club having previously been looking out for players for the north Londoners in France.

When asked ahead of the clash at Liverpool on Saturday how the club manages to compete with other richer sides like the Manchester duo and Chelsea in the transfer market, Pochettino explained exactly how it's possible, especially with the costs involved in building Spurs' brand new 61,000 seater stadium next door to White Hart Lane.

In recent seasons, Tottenham have overachieved with their wage bill and transfer spend compared to their rivals and Hitchen, in his remit as chief scout, will have to work with the parameters set up by the club.

Steve Hitchen during his playing days at Macclesfield Town

"It’s always important [to compete differently]. We talk a lot about that with the chairman, with Daniel [Levy]. How important it is for us" said Pochettino.

"It’s true that we are in a position where it is difficult to compete with the big clubs that in the last five to ten years have invested a lot of money every season.

"That’s why we need to be creative, smart and clever. Not too clever because when you try to be too clever it’s not good. But it’s important to be creative."