Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has played down reports linking Erik Lamela with a loan move away from White Hart Lane in the January transfer window.
The Argentina international, who joined Tottenham from Roma for a club-record fee of £30 million in the summer, has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular for the North Londoners due to injury and poor form.
In 17 appearances across all competitions for Spurs in 2013/14, Lamela has tallied just one goal and three assists.
The highly-rated 21-year-old winger is reportedly unhappy in England and would like to return to Italy amid reported interest from S.S. Lazio.
However, Sherwood is unwilling to allow Lamela to leave the club on loan in January.
“We know what a talented player Erik is and we also understand how players need time to settle,” said Sherwood via Sky Sports.
“He’s needing that time to acclimatise to a new country. He doesn’t speak English and with the tempo of the games, especially over the Christmas period when they come thick and fast, he hasn’t been 100 per cent fit.
“He’s still feeling fatigued in one of his thighs so we are being very cautious with him. We don’t want that to turn into a real injury problem so we’re going to take it nice and steady with him.
“I really want to put him on the stage when he’s ready to perform rather than let people judge him when he’s really half-cooked.”
When asked if Lamela had a long-term future at White Hart Lane, Sherwood said: “Absolutely, he won’t be leaving on loan in this transfer window.”
Despite his well-documented struggles this season, Lamela is priced at 11/5 to score at anytime against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Wigan sign Tyias Browning from Everton
Wigan Athletic have completed the signing of England youth international defender Tyias Browning from Everton on a one-month loan deal, according to the club’s official website, Wiganlatics.co.uk.
Browning, 19, is Uwe Rosler’s first signing as manager of Wigan.
The England Under-19 international, who can play centre-back or full-back, put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension at Goodison Park in the summer but has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Toffees.
“It’s great to get my first loan experience at a young age, and I’m pleased it’s at Championship-level where I know I’ll really be tested,” said Browning.
“The aim is to help the team and get as many opportunities as possible; I’ve met the rest of the squad and they’ve all been great in helping me settle in.
“I know one or two of them already; I went to school with Lee Nicholls and Jack Phillips so that helps a bit, but everyone’s been very welcoming.
“Primarily, I play as a centre-half, and I can play at full-back as well, but wherever the Manager wants me to go in I will do and give 100% for the team.”
Wigan Athletic (9-6-8) will host 16th-placed Bournemouth (8-6-10) at the DW Stadium on Saturday.
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