Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood has rubbished reports that Erik Lamela could leave White hart Lane on loan this month. The Argentina international has suffered a frustrating few months in north London since joining from Roma in a club record £30m move in August.
"We know what a talented player Erik is and we also understand how players need time to settle," said Sherwood.
"He's needing that time to acclimatise to a new country. He doesn't speak English and with the tempo of the games, especially over the Christmas period when they come thick and fast, he hasn't been 100 percent fit.
"He's still feeling fatigued in one of his thighs so we are being very cautious with him. We don't want that to turn into a real injury problem so we're going to take it nice and steady with him.
"I really want to put him on the stage when he's ready to perform rather than let people judge him when he's really half-cocked."
When asked if the 21 year old had a long-term future at the club, Sherwood said: "Absolutely, he won't be leaving on loan in this transfer window."
