POCH: MY FEAR OVER WINDOW PAIN

MAURICIO POCHETTINO fears the new early transfer deadline could see foreign clubs destabilising Premier League A-listers. The Tottenham boss (left) is confident of keeping Harry Kane – but he believes other clubs could be left with unhappy players. Pochettino said: “Every single player is going to react in a different way. It is a massive advantage for the rest of Europe. We will see how it works but you have the risk that things will happen and it will be difficult for you to react. I don’t believe it is a good idea to finish the transfer market before Europe does.”

Premier League clubs voted this season for future summer transfer windows to close on August 9, before the new campaign begins.

But French, German and Spanish clubs will still be able to buy and sell until August 31. It means top-flight clubs here could be left unable to replace star players.

Ironically, Spurs are among the 14 clubs that backed the changes. Manchester United, Manchester City, Watford, Swansea and Crystal Palace voted against, while Burnley abstained. Leicester boss Claude Puel faces a fight to keep his job, with tomorrow’s clash with Tottenham potentially his last in charge.

But the Frenchman is feeling upbeat after Wednesday’s 3-1 win against Arsenal, following a 2-0 defeat to West Ham. He said: “From the kick-off we put on the pitch more desire, energy, togetherness, and after we put our play in place.

“I am happy about this game because our last game it was not us – too poor, too boring.”