Sean Dyche explains pictures of him in a pub as he responds to rumours over Tottenham job

Speculation intensified on Friday after photographs emerged showing Dyche drinking at a north London establishment, prompting social media users to conclude he was meeting with Spurs representatives.

However, the former Burnley and Everton manager swiftly dismissed such suggestions, clarifying that he was merely having a pint of Guinness at a pub close to his property in the area.

Tottenham find themselves in a perilous situation, positioned just one place and a single point clear of the Premier League drop zone with seven matches remaining this season.

The north London club are understood to be weighing up whether to make a managerial change before the international break concludes, with interim boss Igor Tudor's position increasingly precarious following a difficult spell in charge.

Dyche has emerged as a potential candidate should Spurs decide to part ways with Tudor, with his reputation for extracting results from challenging circumstances making him an attractive option.

The Englishman spent a decade at Burnley, achieving promotion to the top flight twice and maintaining the club's Premier League status for six consecutive campaigns.

Recounting the encounter, Dyche laughed as he explained: "That's brilliant. Honestly, I was in a pub just up the way, near my place I've got down there.

"And this guy goes: 'Oh, you're meant to be in talks with Spurs'.

"And I said: 'Well, I'm sat next to you having a pint of Guinness - it's unlikely.

"I said: 'Unless you work for Spurs, and they're at The Seven Stars Pub having a pint of Guinness, it's highly unlikely!"

The manager continued: "[I said] No, I'm not. I'm with you, mate. And I'm on talkSPORT. That's what I'm doing."

Beyond dismissing the immediate speculation, Dyche offered insight into the difficulties managers face when their names surface in connection with vacant positions.

"You get clickbaited to death, don't you?" he admitted. "So no matter what you do, it's a very tricky situation."

The 54-year-old described the impossible balancing act of responding to such questions, noting: "You try and be respectful, because obviously, let's use Tottenham as an example - brilliant club, massive club and all the rest."

He explained that expressing flattery leads observers to conclude he wants the role, while denying interest suggests arrogance.

"Whatever you say [people take the wrong way]," Dyche concluded.

"Because if you say: 'No, I'm not interested', it's as if he's got ideas above his station."