• Tottenham unlikely to swoop for any new players

LONDON: English Premier League title contenders Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to make any transfer deadline-day signings, said manager Mauricio Pochettino.

“We are open but it’s true we don’t have much time,” Pochettino told a news conference.

“Like I said a few weeks ago it would be difficult for us to have some possibility to sign a player.”

Tottenham’s defence, the second tightest behind leaders Chelsea’s in the Premier League, have been stretched by an ankle injury to Belgium international Jan Vertonghen that could rule him out for six weeks, although they have cover in Kevin Wimmer.

Their attacking options are less plentiful should top scorer Harry Kane suffer any injury although it looks as though he will be expected to carry the burden.

“If you need to strengthen some positions, to improve the squad, we have targets and players and then it’s about many things that need to be in place,” Pochettino said.

Tottenham are nine points behind leaders Chelsea after a superb run which has earned them 22 points from a possible 24.

But according to sources Spurs are wait in the wings to make a deadline day swoop for Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez.

The striker has enjoyed and extended run for the Saints recently in the absence of injured Charlie Austin.

But the imminent arrival of Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini and the return of Austin could see Rodriguez fall down the pecking order.

It is understand that there will be showdown talks to establish where the former Burnley striker fits into Saints boss Claude Puel’s plans for the rest of the campaign.

West Bromwich have also shown some interest but Pochettino is big admirer of the 27-year-old striker.

The pair worked together at St Mary’s and the north Londoners could test Saints resolve with a deadline day swoop. — Agencies