Tottenham Transfer News: Spurs Tell Italian Clubs Erik Lamela Isn't Available

Tottenham Transfer News: Spurs Tell Italian Clubs Erik Lamela Isn't Available

Wednesday, 1 January 2014

Erik Lamela, who has made just nine Premier League appearances in his first season with Tottenham, is a prime target for a loan back to a Serie A club this January. However, the Spurs are making it clear he isn't going anywhere.

The Daily Mail's Matt Barlow has the news:

Tottenham have told Inter Milan, Juventus and Roma that Erik Lamela will not be available on loan this month.

There have been plenty of interest from Italy’s biggest clubs in the Argentine winger, who cost Spurs a club record £30million when they signed him from Roma in the summer.

A money-back offer may tempt them but that is not expected to come from Italy during this transfer window.

The 21-year-old Lamela was a massive summer signing, but has yet to adjust fully to European competition, scoring just one goal—which came in November against FC Sheriff in the Europa League—in 15 appearances (eight starts) across all competition. 

That comes after he scored 15 for La Maggica last season. 

All things considered, it's not exactly surprising that Serie A clubs are inquiring about the availability of the young Argentine just four months after he left Italy. 

Still, you can also see why Tottenham isn't keen on shipping out their hefty investment.

First, don't think for a second that this is a kid who isn't motivated to have success in England. 

Moreover, there's a reason Tottenham doled out a record fee for Lamela. He's a talented player and has already shown some of that promise with the North London outfit.

Besides, it's not always a seamless transition—especially when you're dealing with a 21-year-old moving from Italy to England. These things take time, and sending Lamela to the Serie A would undoubtedly halt whatever progress he may be making.

Lamela's start with Tottenham hasn't gone according to plan, but he is part of the club's future and it doesn't sound like the Spurs are intent on changing that.