Tim Sherwood: 'Erik Lamela has a big future at Tottenham Hotspur'

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Tim Sherwood has insisted that the North London outfit want to keep hold of Erik Lamela.

The winger has been linked with a January move away from Spurs having started just three Premier League games since his £25.7m switch from Roma in the summer.

However, Sherwood has claimed that the 21-year-old will come into the team when the coaches feel that he is "ready to perform".

"He has a big future here, absolutely," BBC Sport quotes Sherwood as saying. "We know what a talented player Erik is.

"We also understand that players need time to settle. We are going to take it nice and steady with him. I really want to put him on the stage when he's ready to perform."

Lamela is said to be desperate for more first-team action as he tries to secure a World Cup place this summer with Argentina.