Spurs Transfer Rumors: Two Leave on Loans, but Stars Expected to Remain with Tottenham

Posted Friday, December 30, 2011 by

Now that Tottenham Hotspur are done messing around in Europa League play, it's time for those who won't see time with the first choice lineup to move on for the time being. Don't get too nervous, Spurs supporters, as the club's big name stars won't be going anywhere this winter, or anytime soon if manager Harry Redknapp has his way.

Spurs announced via the club's official website that both Harry Kane and Ryan Mason will join Championship side Millwall this January. The moves are nothing new for either man. Ryan recently returned to Spurs from a loan spell with Championship club Doncaster Rovers, and he had spent time with that particular club over the past two years. Kane was on-loan with Leyton Orient last season.

The Mason loan is hardly a surprise. There were, however, whispers heading into the holiday season that Kane may see some time with Spurs this winter. He impressed many during the fall's Europa League fixtures, netting his first goal with the club in their victory over Shamrock Rovers. Kane also appeared rather raw, at times, showing his youth and inexperience. It seemed clear that, as Spurs attempt to remain a top three squad, Kane just wasn't going to see the pitch with Tottenham this winter or spring.

Parting with these youngsters and losing out on lineup mainstays are not nearly the same thing, and Redknapp has made that very clear over the past week. Reports indicate both Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in acquiring standout midfielder Luke Modric. Spurs turned down a £40 million bid from Chelsea for Modric's services over the summer, and more of the same is expected this January. Sources such as ESPN have quoted Modric as saying "I can say with almost 100% certainty that I'll be staying at Tottenham until the end of the season. I would always say that, theoretically, there is a small chance I could leave, if the club receive a suitable offer and it's one I wouldn't want to turn down, but the reality is that I expect to stay at Spurs until June, and then we will see."

Redknapp is also doing what he can to squash any rumors regarding Gareth Bale. The world class winger who was the star of Tottenham's 2-0 victory over Norwich this past Tuesday has been called "unplayable" by Redknapp, and the manager has also been quoted as saying "if we sell (Bale) we've had it haven't we? If you looking to go somewhere you don't go and sell a player like him."

Spurs aren't merely a team looking to finish in the top four of the Premier League this spring. Third place Tottenham currently trail both Manchester United and Manchester City by just seven points, and Spurs have also played one fewer match than all other title contenders. Keeping Modric and Bale in the lineup is a necessity for Spurs to have a shot at a wondrous winter, and chairman Daniel Levy will be looking to sign at least one of the mainstays to a long-term deal before this coming summer.