Pochettino dismisses talk of Real bid for Harry Kane

MAURICIO Pochettino dismissed talk of a potential £200-million (R3.36-billion) Real Madrid bid for Harry Kane after the England striker scored his 99th Premier League goal, in a 1-1 draw at Southampton.

“I’m not going to speak about rumours because if I give information about one rumour, I have to do it at all press conferences.

“It’s not my problem to talk about rumours,” he said.

Pochettino said he did not expect to sign any new players this month after seeing his team miss the chance to move back into the top four when they were denied by a spirited Southampton.

“I am not concerned about that. I know very well it will be difficult to add quality to the team in this period. If something happens and all the conditions are right to sign a player, then perhaps. “I am relaxed, calm.” Spurs’ buildup was hampered by a flu virus that saw Hugo Lloris and Christian Eriksen miss the game.

Pochettino said that other players were also affected with illness, but refused to say who.

“A few players were affected last week, but it’s not an excuse,” he said.

“I think the game was even. Full credit to Southampton because I think they fight and played well.

“In the end, if you analyse the game, it is a fair result.

“Of course the pitch didn’t help us but it’s the same for both teams.”

Southampton started well and created two good chances down the left flank, before Ryan Betrand’s cross from that area was turned past his own goalkeeper by Davinson Sanchez.

Tottenham did not waste any time in replying. Eric Dier had already struck the base of the post before Kane headed in Ben Davies’s corner just 197 seconds after the Saints had gone in front.

But despite their lowly position, Mauricio Pellegrino’s men refused to be cowed and ought to have retaken the lead when Jack Stephens headed over James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick.

“They don’t fight just for me, they fight for themselves, for the club,” Pellegrino, who insists he does not fear for his job, said.

“When you lose, you have to win a game, when you draw you have to win a game, when you win, you have to win a game. It’s part of life.

“They don’t fight just for me, they fight for themselves, for the club.”

The Saints manager is expecting new arrivals at St Mary’s as the club continues to be linked with Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Promes and Moncao Striker Guido Carrillo.

“Hopefully, next week will be a good week for us but in the market everything can change in one second,” Pellegrino said.

In the closing minutes, 17-year-old striker Michael Obafemi came a whisker away from connecting with Dusan Tadic’s cross while fellow substitute Sofiane Boufal saw his goal-bound effort brilliantly blocked by Sanchez.

At the other end, Dele Alli suffered the same fate, with Stephens blocking his close range effort before Kane missed the chance to become the 27th player to score 100 Premier League goals as he fired just wide of the far post.

“Even until the end, we could lose, we could win, but I think we are in the right path,” Pellegrino said.

“I am sure we will improve.”