Striker hopes dashed, captain could cash in and possible exits for Erik and Eric

In yesterday’s blog I analysed the pros and cons in signing West Brom’s Saido Berahino. Reaction from the comments suggested we’d be better off sticking with Harry Kane, as the Baggies frontman was more trouble than his worth, especially for a fee of £25m.

Today, Albion’s boss Alan Irvine dismissed speculation regarding an exit for his player, telling journalists: "We have had no enquiries whatsoever. We may well get some offers for Saido and if we do the club will deal with them.

"The chairman has already said he doesn't want to sell Saido in January so I'm guessing nothing has changed as far as that is concerned."

First Berahino now Burnley man and Bony

Not only has Berahino been ruled out of a move to WHL, The Times report that the club has been dealt another blow in their hunt for a striker – this time by Burnley frontman Danny Ings.

The Times suggest that the 22-year-old Ings could be available for as little as £360,000 in the summer, prompting interest from not only ourselves but Liverpool, Newcastle and Ajax. However, in a turn of events Ings has committed his short-term future to his current club, informing suitors that he will see out his current contract with The Clarets – a contract that runs until the end of next season.

Admittedly, missing out on Berahino and Ings won’t upset Spurs fans too much considering the general consensus is that both players would struggle to improve our current squad.

However, a more familiar name and one that has been known to cause excitement and optimism – Wilfried Bony, has also had links with our club severed. Sky Sports journalist, Lyall Thomas, tweeted of Bony: “Info on Bony; No offers/ approaches for January. Striker almost certainly at Africa Nations Cup. Signed new deal in Nov.”

Leader to leave?

Mauricio Pochettino surprised all when he announced Younes Kaboul as Spurs captain. The problem for fans was that it was expected the Frenchman would be more inclined to be in the starting XI – even though his form should suggest otherwise.

Kaboul is understood to be disappointed with his recent lack of game time, as his Head Coach has seemed to have settled on the defensive pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Federico Fazio. On Kaboul’s exclusion, Pochettino told journalists: "It's a football decision. No other explanation. When you decide to pick the starting XI it's not because he's captain or his name is different from another.

“You pick the player because it's your job and it's my decision. The captain means that you are a leader but because you are a captain you are not sure of starting XI. I am the head coach and I decide the players for each game."

As a result of these quotes, which suggest that Kaboul is unlikely to feature anytime soon, the British press are suggesting Spurs could be tempted to cash in on their captain – whose current contract expires at the end of next season.

Eric and Erik to go on loan

The Evening Standard have reported that Eric Dier could be on his way out of White Hart Lane – on a short term loan deal.

It is accepted that Spurs believe in Dier, having invested £4million to bring the 20-year-old back to England last summer, but with a settled centre-half pairing, as well as Kyle Walker and now Deandre Yedlin fighting it out for right back – a starting spot could be out of his reach.

Pochettino and Spurs would be happy to allow him to go elsewhere for the remainder of the campaign in order to accelerate his development, although this will depend on other transfers.

The other Erik, this time Lamela, could also be involved with a loan switch – according to the Standard’s Tom Collomosse. In his transfer round-up of Spurs news, Collomosse believes that although unlikely, he would not refuse to rule out a loan move to Italy for Lamela for the rest of the season.

 

Do not listen to a word Collomosse says - it is utter nonsense. Lamela is not going out on loan. Collomosse also stated that Tottenham are looking to move Naughton and Paulinho. There isn't a person on the planet who does already know this. The man is a lazy journalist who is stealing a living.

 

Paulinho???? I thought he had left already???!!!!!

 

Lamela is in the wrong country. Italy or Spain more suited to his "talents."
Loan with a view to a sale for Lamela top priority.

 

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