Mourinho suggests Spurs midfielder is in his plans despite exit rumours

Jose Mourinho has suggested Victor Wanyama is in his plans despite reports linking the Tottenham midfielder with a deadline day transfer to Celtic.

On Thursday, the Mirror claimed Celtic are eyeing a reunion with Wanyama, who is apparently valued at £8 million by Spurs. But there has been little in the way of developments on deadline day so far.

In his press conference – which you can watch here – ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash with Manchester City this weekend, Mourinho was asked about Wanyama’s future amid ongoing rumours of an exit.

The Spurs boss admitted it will not be easy for Wanyama to win his place back but suggested the Kenyan will be in contention for selection if he stays put beyond Friday’s deadline.

“If he is not playing it is because in my eyes, and that is always different but in the end always the head coach that makes the decisions,” Mourinho said (via Football London). “In my eyes I see more the team going to the future with young Winks, English, young, national team player. I see more the team going in that direction.

“A great investment on Tanguy Ndombele which sooner or later has to arrive to certain levels of performance. So it is not easy for Victor. But staying with us, if he stays and normally he stays, working hard like he does every day, untouchable on his commitment and professionalism. If he stays with us he is always on my plans.”

Wanyama hasn’t played a single minute of football for Tottenham since Mourinho was appointed in late November. He has fallen behind Harry Winks and Eric Dier in the pecking order for the holding midfielder role – that’s despite Winks’ limitations as a defensive player and Dier’s struggle to regain his best form.