Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that he "cannot guarantee" that Dele Alli and the rest of his key players will be at the club next season, reports The Independent.
What's the word?
Dele Alli has been in strong form this season, scoring 16 goals and creating five assists in 31 Premier League appearances.
It would not be unusual for the talented 21-year-old to be catching the eye of other clubs, and Barcelona legend Xavi has fuelled speculation with his latest comments.
The Spaniard told The Sun that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is keen on signing English talent and suggested that Alli could be on his wishlist.
Pochettino has given his response to the transfer rumours, claiming that he cannot be definitive when it comes to the futures of any of his star players.
According to The Independent, Pochettino said:
"I cannot guarantee anything in life. The most important is to enjoy the present. I am so sad, we have to enjoy the present and not think about the future.
"In the future we take the best decision for the club. After three years you can see how the team is improving every year and all our decisions so far are good. Trust in the club that we will take the best decision for the club to achieve, to improve next season again, that's most important."
Should Spurs fans be worried?
It is never very encouraging when a manager does not rule out a move away for one of the club's prized assets.
Having said that, Pochettino is just speaking honestly. Everyone knows how unpredictable football can be, particularly when it comes to the movement of players in the transfer window.
There are no indications that Alli is unhappy at White Hart Lane, and there is no reason why he would be considering that he has cemented a first-team place at a top English club at the tender age of 21.
He is also part of a club that are pushing for the Premier League title, and if he did move on to a so-called bigger outfit, there is a danger that he will not be first choice.
It is unclear whether Alli would have his head turned if other clubs came calling, but he only signed a new six-year deal nine months ago, so Spurs would be in a very strong position in that regard.
https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/alli-gerrard.mp4