Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has played down reports suggesting Jermain Defoe is keen to leave White Hart Lane and sign for MLS side Toronto FC.
The Canadian side are managed by the former Blackburn Rovers stalwart Ryan Nelsen, who also enjoyed a brief stint at Spurs at the end of his playing career.
The former New Zealand international has declared his interest in signing the striker, who has 18 months left to run on his current deal, but has hardly played in the Premier League this season.
The 31-year-old has been used in Spurs’ Capital One Cup and Europa League games and Villas-Boas insists he still has a crucial role to play at the club.
We want the player to stay on and hold on to those last years of his contract.
Andre Villas-Boas
He said: “I have seen in the press that there is reported interest, but we want the player to stay on and hold on to those last years of his contract. In the end the player is committed to the club and the club is committed to the player.
“The player at the moment is our top goal scorer and he is chasing the European record for the club as well which is important for his individual motivation. I think he is extremely happy, not only because of what he has achieved, but also because of the smile on his face.
“He has had a better start than he had last year. That is an impressive goals tally and he is a player that everyone cherishes.”
Fourth-placed Spurs, who are 11/8 to finish in the Premier League’s top four this season and 6/1 to win the Europa League, can be backed at 10/1 to beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday, with Defoe available at 9/2 to open the scoring against Roberto Martinez’s team.
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Andre Villas-Boas’ side remain in the hunt for a top-four spot.
bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth “We’re currently speculating on his injury of course, but there aren’t too many players in the