Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has responded to fresh speculation linking midfield ace Dele Alli with a move to Bayern Munich in the summer.
As reported by The Sun, the England international was the subject of interest from the Bavarian giants with claims that Spurs would demand over £85m before considering selling one of the most prized assets.
However, based on Pochettino’s comments, which come as no real surprise, neither he nor the club intend on losing their best players with Alli quickly establishing himself as a key figure for both Spurs and England.
“That [rumours] always happens when the players are good or when the coaching staff is good, when things are going well,” he told the media, as reported by Sky Sports.
“But he is very happy with us and Tottenham are creating a very good team and philosophy.
“He’s enjoying his time here and there’s no reason to be worried by that information.”
Meanwhile, in more pressing matters, the Argentine tactician has a dilemma on his hands which could force him into a tactical switch this weekend against Middlesbrough.
With Danny Rose expected to be out for a significant period of time, it could force Pochettino into a bit of tinkering as he went on to suggest that he could revert back to a back-three in the coming weeks but wanted to play his cards close his chest and not give his opponents any indication of his plans.
“It’s an option [back three], we’ll see tomorrow. I never like to explain the day before to you but it’s an option to play three at the back or four.
“We have different players who can play the position. We have Kevin Wimmer and Ben Davies with Toby and Eric Dier. For me it’s not important the formation, it’s important how we develop our philosophy on the pitch.”
Having dropped points at Sunderland in midweek, Tottenham can ill-afford another disappointing result this weekend with Chelsea and Arsenal clashing above them while the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City are within striking distance.
In turn, whether it’s a three or four man defence, or regardless of speculation about his top players, Pochettino will be fully focused on Saturday and getting all three points.