Spurs unlikely to offer Dele Alli new contract: Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino said Spurs will not offer Dele Alli a third new contract in 12 months, despite his stellar form this campaign.

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Dele Alli has earned plaudits, drawing comparisons with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. (Source: Reuters)

Tottenham Hotspur will not offer Dele Alli a third new contract in 12 months, manager Mauricio Pochettino has said, despite the young midfielder reportedly attracting interest from clubs across Europe following his stellar form this campaign.

The 20-year-old Alli has earned plaudits in recent weeks, drawing comparisons with England greats Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, as his brace against Chelsea earlier this month took his goal tally to seven in his last five games.

“We cannot extend the contract and improve the salary every few months. I don’t like to talk about rumours. The most important thing is that he is happy and performing well,” Pochettino told reporters on Thursday.

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Tottenham went on a seven-game winless run after beating Manchester City in October and Pochettino urged his side to prove they have learnt to build on impressive victories by picking up a win when they host eighth-placed West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

“Remember a few months ago after City, I think now it’s a moment to show we learned,” the Argentine said.

“We have in front a very tough game and we need to show that we learned from a few months ago. If you remember we dropped our performance a bit after a fantastic victory.

“After Chelsea it’s a great opportunity to show that we deserve it and to keep our momentum is key.”

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Tottenham, who will be without injured winger Erik Lamela for Saturday’s clash at White Hart Lane, are third in the table with 42 points, six behind leaders Chelsea after 20 games.