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Tottenham remain confident that they will succeed with their bid to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, although they are prepared to accept that any deal may be concluded only after the season has started.
Having already sold Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers, Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger has publicly insisted that the France international will start the campaign at St Mary’s.
While not officially handing in a transfer request, Schneiderlin has made it clear he wants to leave and Tottenham are his preferred next club.
Southampton are looking to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer remains a target but the Holland international is also wanted by Queens Park Rangers.
Despite Krueger’s insistence that Schneiderlin is not for sale, Spurs are confident they can get their man but will not match Southampton’s £27m valuation.
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However, it is now looking more likely that Spurs will postpone their interest in Southampton and England striker Jay Rodriguez until January.
Rodriguez, 25, is still recovering from a serious knee ligament injury and Spurs are expected to make their move once he has made a full recovery.
