Legendary Spurs, Chelsea and England striker Jimmy Greaves has been taken to hospital after suffering from an unspecified illness.

The 80 year-old had previously been admitted to hospital after having a mild stroke in 2012, followed by a more severe stroke in 2015.

There is no indication that his hospitalisation is in any way connected to the coronavirus.

In a statement released by Tottenham, they said: "We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital.

"We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family."

A follow up message from Greaves' friend Terry Baker said: "We will release a statement tomorrow regarding the condition, please please respect the family and if you are press do not phone his home tonight.  His current condition and prognosis will be revealed mid morning tomorrow.

"If you love him like I do, have good thoughts for him as you go to bed tonight. He is my biggest hero of all time and as lots of you know I kind of lived your dream by becoming best friends with him for over 20 years. He has endured a very difficult five years since his massive stroke in 2015 so spare some time to think of my lovely mate tonight. And watch this space for an update tomorrow."

Greaves is Tottenham's all-time leading scorer with 266 goals from 379 appearances and is also seventh on Chelsea's top scorers list with 132.

He was a part of England's 1966 World Cup winning squad but missed out after the group stage games due to injury.

Despite recovering in time for the final, he was left on the bench for Geoff Hurst who scored the vital hat-trick to help Alf Ramsey's side lift the trophy.

Greaves scored 44 goals in 57 appearances for his country, the fourth highest tally for an Englishman behind only Wayne Rooney, Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker.