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Andre Villas-Boas revealed Tottenham have no plans to change their policy of swooping for players as the transfer window closes.

Last Updated: 21/12/12 at 07:03 Post Comment   

Andre Villas-Boas: No change to the Spurs transfer plans

Andre Villas-Boas: No change to the Spurs transfer plans

Tottenham fans can expect to be glued to their television screens right until midnight on January 31 after Andre Villas-Boas revealed the club have no plans to change their policy of swooping for players just before the transfer window closes.

Transfer deadline day has in the recent past been characterised by late moves in the market from Tottenham, with chairman Daniel Levy renowned for his love of a last-minute deal.

Sometimes the policy has worked. Spurs bought Rafael van der Vaart and Hugo Lloris - two world class players - for a snip at £8million on the final day of recent windows.

But on other occasions - as was the case last August with Spurs' failed 11th-hour bid for Joao Moutinho - the policy backfires.

Some criticised Levy for not coming to an agreement sooner with Porto for Moutinho last summer, but Villas-Boas anticipates any movement the north London club makes in the transfer window when it opens next month will come late on.

"You won't see Tottenham doing anything in the beginning of January, if we do anything," the Tottenham manager said.

"(Buying players early in the window) makes a difference to the preparation in pre-season. But during the season it doesn't have the same effect.

"I think we are comfortable with how things are."

Villas-Boas has already held discussions with Levy over possible targets. Christian Eriksen, Fernando Llorente and Willian have been linked with the club, although it appears Villas-Boas would prefer to move some of his fringe players on before bringing in any new faces.

David Bentley, Danny Rose and Jermaine Jenas are out on loan and could leave the club on a permanent basis in January while Villas-Boas is also keen to reduce his bloated goalkeeping stocks by selling Carlo Cudicini or Heurelho Gomes.

"With Gomes and Cudicini we will listen to proposals," Villas-Boas said.

"(Levy and I) spoke about the January situation and the eventuality that we could look to strengthen the squad to be better. What came out of those conversations was that our level of focus is not to do a lot in January.

"We feel comfortable at the moment. Our squad will become big, even in terms of numbers, with the return of injured players.

"I believe that they will give us an extra edge but I am not ruling out any situation in the market, but at the moment it looks unlikely."

After a rocky start, Villas-Boas has started to win over Tottenham's fans by leading the team on just one defeat in their last seven matches.

The Londoners will move third in the Barclays Premier League if they beat Stoke at White Hart Lane on Saturday and then can then cement their position in the top four through a festive season of favourable fixtures.

The goal, of course, for Villas-Boas is to do what Harry Redknapp could not do last season - bring Champions League football back to White Hart Lane.

Villas-Boas has guided Spurs through to the last 32 of the Europa League where they will face Lyon, it was announced today.

The Portuguese hopes his team can prove they are worthy of a slot in the Champions League by beating a team who have been a regular in Europe's top club competition for the best part of a decade.

Villas-Boas added: "Lyon are used to being in the Champions League and are used to winning trophies so it's an important reference for us.

"If we want to set our targets for Champions League qualification, this is the kind of team we will face, teams with a winning mentality, and that are full of quality players."

Villas-Boas is delighted that Gareth Bale is available for Saturday's game against the Potters after overcoming a hamstring injury.

"We have missed him. He is an important player for us. He can make the difference," Villas-Boas said.

"Players like him can decide a game for you and for us it is a tremendous boost to have him back, no doubt."

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