Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been given assurances by Martin Jol during a "full and frank" meeting that his aim for the season is to qualify for the Champions League.

Jol's grip on his position as boss at White Hart Lane has looked fragile since reports in Spain of a meeting between Spurs officials and Sevilla boss Juande Ramos, compounding the club's poor opening week of the Premier League.

Levy admitted in a statement that the board "constantly assess our position and performance", and underlined his determination to finish in the top four following his meeting with Jol.

The support for the Dutchman from his chairman suggests Jol could be given this season to deliver.

"We have had two good, progressive seasons with fifth place finishes," said Levy. "I am an ambitious chairman, we are an ambitious club and we want Champions League football at White Hart Lane.

"We, the board, owe it to the club and the supporters to constantly assess our position and performance and to ensure that we have the ability to operate and compete at that level.

"We have made a massive investment in the squad and as a result we have the best squad of players this club has had for over 20 years and they are equally hungry for success and silverware.

"For that we need our management and coaching standards to be of the highest quality such that players can fulfil their potential and we can compete with the best.

"We have discussed all of these expectations with Martin and he has confirmed to me today that he feels he is equipped with a squad and a determination to take on that challenge."

Jol admits there is now pressure on him to deliver Champions League football after spending around #40million in the summer.

He said: "We had a full and frank conversation and I fully understand the ambitions of the club - they are the same as those of the supporters.

"He has put a lot of hard work into this club and with the squad of players we have assembled, it is realistic that we should look to challenge for a top-four position and I have assured him and the board that is what I shall aim for.

"The last two seasons we have finished fifth and this season we start with an even better team. So we should be optimistic.

"Yes, it is pressure to deliver, but that is what we managers should expect. Hopefully all the media will relax now — all I shall be concentrating on is each and every game."

Earlier in the day, some bookmakers refused to take bets on him being the first Premier League casualty of the season.

Sevilla, Ramos and Tottenham have played down the significance of the alleged meeting last week and the Spanish club want their coach to remain for at least the year he has remaining on his contract.

Ramos has the chance to impress in the Champions League this season. There is a contrast, however, between Sevilla and Spurs in the transfer market.

While the Spanish side appear to be struggling to keep Daniel Alves at the club, Levy has been determined to keep his best players at the club.

Dimitar Berbatov's agent, Emil Dantchev, has denied a breakdown between the Bulgaria striker and Jol having any bearing over the past week.

"I can tell you for sure that there is not a problem," said Dantchev. Jol certainly is a popular figure among players at White Hart Lane, with the young squad impressed with his manner and man-management.

Meanwhile, Juan Roman Riquelme's agent has claimed Spurs have made a bid for the Villarreal playmaker.