Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has defended his decision to listen to offers for Michael Dawson.

He believes four central defenders will be sufficient for him to meet the top four target set when he joined the club this summer.

Villas-Boas said: "Is it a gamble? I don't think so. It's OK with four (central defenders). (Top four was) what was proposed to me and that's what I accepted.

"When I spoke to the player we had a good conversation because Michael has, obviously, high expectations to play. What I told him is I can't promise any player that he will be playing in two weeks' time, three weeks' time, four weeks' time.

"It was nothing to do with his injuries last year. Michael is a player of immense human dimension and an extremely good player.

"We would listen to offers but if the scenario in the end of the transfer window ended up with Michael staying, it would be an extremely good privilege for us."