Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Aston Villa winger Jacob Ramsey.
Villa manager Unai Emery has poured cold water on speculation linking the talented 22-year-old with a mid-season exit, insisting he remains a key part of the squad.
Ramsey has struggled to make telling contributions to Villa’s endeavours this season, especially after recovering from a foot injury in December.
The Birmingham-born forward has featured in Emery’s starting line-up in only six of his 14 fixtures across all competitions, bagging one goal.
Despite his recent struggles, Ramsey has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, particularly Tottenham, who are keen to bolster their attacking ranks this month.
The north London outfit have already signed Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig for the remainder of the season, but Ange Postecoglou will need more firepower to maintain a top-four charge.
Unfortunately for the Australian tactician and Spurs, they’ll have to look elsewhere for reinforcements as Emery has no intention of letting Ramsey leave the club this month.
“Jacob Ramsey is a very important player,” Emery told Sky Sports ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
“He grew up here in the academy, and his progress is getting better. His level is increasing a lot. I want to keep him here with us.
“There has been some movement around him with some teams involved in the possibility of signing him because he is a big potential player. I want to keep him here 100 per cent.”
Tottenham are also on the cusp of missing out on yet another promising talent in Antonio Nusa, who is in talks to join Brentford. But they’re still in with a chance as the deal is yet to be finalised.
Spurs have also been linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is anticipated to cost an identical £50 million figure quoted for Ramsey.
Gallagher is one of several potential last-minute deals to keep an eye out for, given Chelsea’s willingness to cash in as his contract runs out at the end of next season.
Stats from Transfermarkt
