Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has suggested that chairman Daniel Levy helped the club create a "shield" to protect the team amid speculation surrounding Harry Kane this summer.
The England captain informed Spurs of his desire to leave in May and although Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed his interest in the striker, an agreement could not be reached between the two clubs.
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Kane confirmed his intention to remain at Spurs on Wednesday and Nuno credits the club for not letting the speculation become a distraction for the rest of the squad.
"I think we've been able to deal well with this situation," he told a news conference on Friday ahead of Sunday's match against Watford. "We cannot control the situation that is happening with the press and expectations and we've been able to create a shield that protects us. We need to keep it simple but nothing can affect our relationship, nothing.
"Common sense says whatever happens outside, you cannot control and your expectations cannot be moved based on what people think.
"This is creating a shield -- a shield that respects dialogue that means what we think and say stays here, just common sense."
When asked whether Levy has helped, Nuno replied: "That's what the shield is being used for so."
Despite Kane's uncertain future this summer, Spurs have enjoyed a fine start to the season and enjoyed wins over City and Wolves in the Premier League.
Kane returned with a double as Spurs overturned a 1-0 deficit to make the inaugural Europa Conference League group stages. They have been drawn with Rennes, Vitesse and Mura in Group G.
Nuno also hinted that Spurs could still be active with transfers before the summer window shuts next week.
"We are still deciding," he added. "What we have [now] gives us enough comfort and confidence to be able to compete in all of the competitions.
"[The squad] needs to be balanced and we are in the process. Each club in each season has its own situation and we have to adapt, be versatile."