'Highly unlikely' Spurs will make signings, says boss Andre Villas-Boas as Tom Huddlestone is allowed to talk to Fulham over move

 
31 January 2013

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas anticipates limited activity at White Hart Lane on the final day of the transfer window - but admits midfielder Tom Huddlestone could leave the club.

Zeki Fryers and Lewis Holtby are the only arrivals so far this month and Villas-Boas does not expect any more.

"We look to be quiet in the market," the Portuguese said. "It's not impossible that a couple of things happen. It's highly unlikely.

"We need to add quality to the squad and our quality to the squad is keeping the players we have now and Lewis arriving."

There could be at least one departure, though. Huddlestone was not in the squad for last night's 1-1 draw at Norwich and has been allowed to speak to Fulham, the Spurs boss confirmed.

Villas-Boas added: "There was an interest from Fulham. I'm not sure if they're going to follow on that interest.

"We've allowed the club to speak to the player. He's a player we rate very highly."

Holtby made his debut as a second-half substitute at Carrow Road and impressed.

Villas-Boas added: "It was extremely good to see him out on the pitch. I think he had the right impact for such a short time."

Spurs were indebted to Gareth Bale for a point as the Welshman's wizardry conjured up an equaliser following a scintillating run, cancelling out Wes Hoolahan's 32nd-minute opener.

Villas-Boas described the goal as "beautiful", but was unhappy with Alex Tettey's attempt to halt Bale at the halfway line.

"Had the boy got on to Gareth's ankle, it's an injury that takes him out for six months," the 35-year-old said.

Opposite number Chris Hughton was perplexed by Villas-Boas' reaction.

"I'm surprised by that," the Norwich boss said. "The way that Bale went past him there didn't seem too much wrong with Gareth Bale to me. I don't think anybody got near him."

Hughton hopes to complete a deal for Leeds striker Luciano Becchio before the close of the transfer window.

The 29-year-old Argentinian has been identified as a player to enhance the Canaries' forward options.

Hughton said: "The clubs are in discussion and that's one that I hope gets done."

Steve Morison could move to Elland Road as part of the Becchio switch, while Norwich remain interested in Celtic's Gary Hooper, but Hughton was uncertain if a move could be thrashed out before the closure of the transfer window tonight.

"We have put in bids for him which have been turned down by Celtic," Hughton said.

A move for Kei Kamara from Major League Soccer's Sporting Kansas City is complete, subject to paperwork.

"I think he'll give us another dimension in the forward area," added Hughton, who insisted signing defender Curtis Davies was not on the agenda.

"I think that's probably speculation because of my association with Birmingham last season," he said.

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