Tottenham round-up: Pochettino bombshell; Bruce discusses Grealish speculation; Alderweireld desperate

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Mauricio Pochettino’s quotes won’t have pleased fans

Tottenham have been one of the least active sides in Europe when it comes to transfers this summer but coach Mauricio Pochettino has hinted that even with less than a week to go before the deadline, a raft of new additions is unlikely.

“We are working so hard but still, we are like we were on the first day of the transfer window, with no signings. I think I’m not the person to explain this. Of course people expect the manager to explain it. But in this situation, for different reasons, it has been difficult to add players who can help us”

ESPN reported on Pochettino’s press conference.

Before facing Spanish side Girona on Saturday evening, Pochettino made his feelings on the situation public with the likes of Jack Grealish having been linked with a move to the club.

Steve Bruce says a deal is some way off for Jack Grealish

Despite such rumours, Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has spoken out publicly on newspaper talk linking the midfielder with a move to Tottenham. According to the coach, no formal bid has been made for the young talent and a deal is further away than many may believe.

“At the moment, Spurs haven’t got anywhere near what the owners want to even consider, so there’s not a discussion to be had. I don’t think we’ve had a formal bid. The one thing that the owners have made pretty clear is no one is for sale. We don’t want to lose our best players.”

Bruce was quoted by The Guardian.

Villa’s Championship season kicks-off this weekend with Grealish expected to have a part to play for the Villans regardless of such rumours about his future.

Toby Alderweireld could run down his contract

Another player who could be on the move is defender Toby Alderweireld. The Mirror now believe that his stand-off with the Lilywhites could take a twist with the Belgian so desperate to join Manchester United that he will see out his contract for a further year and move for free.

The Red Devils have baulked at Tottenham’s valuation of the defender at £75 million according to the claims, but could be more keen to invest and meet his wage demand if there was no transfer fee to negotiate.