Tottenham boss Antonio Conte insists there was no chance of selling Matt Doherty last summer.
The Republic of Ireland fullback has battled for minutes this season.
However, Conte says Doherty remains a required player, stating: “Doherty played every game last season and now I don't see what it takes to start him.
"I'm not a fool. I don't want to lose."
Doherty has a deal at Tottenham to 2024.