Simon Jordan has played down the idea of a fierce rivalry between West Ham and Tottenham, calling the fan outrage over Mohammed Kudus’s potential switch to Spurs exaggerated.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Crystal Palace chairman questioned why West Ham supporters were so strongly opposed to the idea.

Mohammed Kudus transfer talk sparks reaction from Jordan

With Tottenham launching a move for Mohammed Kudus, and West Ham reportedly rejecting a £50 million bid, fans have been vocal in their frustration at the thought of him joining Spurs. However, Jordan says the reaction is overblown.

“Why are you so offended specifically?” Jordan said on talkSPORT. “Are you offended at the transfer, or are you offended at the transfer going to Spurs? There is no massive rivalry between West Ham and Tottenham, is there? They are London football clubs, they are both in the same division, but is there this massive rivalry? I don’t recall a big one.”

Jordan’s take riled up plenty of fans and even sparked backlash in the media, with TottenhamHotspurNews.com branding the comments “clearly a ridiculous” take. They pointed to what they described as a “mutual disdain” between the fanbases, and how much blowback Kudus going across London has triggered, as proof of a proper rivalry.

Tottenham’s Third Bid for Kudus turned down?

Reports indicate West Ham have knocked back big in excess of £60 million from Spurs for Kudus, who impressed during his first season with the Hammers. The player is thought to have an £85 million release clause that is only active during the early days of July, keeping the clock ticking for any clubs keen to strike early.

Spurs are expected to return with an improved offer, with Daniel Levy eager to land Kudus to excite fans and give incoming manager Thomas Frank a key addition before pre-season.

A deal would make Kudus the first West Ham player to join Spurs in over a decade, with Scott Parker the last to make that move back in 2011.

Ongoing tensions between Levy and Sullivan remain

One potential holdup in any Kudus deal comes from the long-running tension between Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. The pair aren’t known for having a smooth working relationship, with that friction posing a challenge for direct negotiations.

Still, Tottenham are believed to be leading the race for Kudus, provided they move fast enough while his release clause is in effect.

For now though, it’s Simon Jordan’s comments that have stirred the most debate, adding another twist to a transfer story that’s already got tempers high on both sides of London.

Related Article: West Ham Slap ‘Tottenham Tax’ on Kudus Deal