Tottenham have rejected three recent approaches for Will Lankshear, with Sporting, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton all seeing moves turned away in recent days.
The 21-year-old striker has become a more attractive target after a productive loan spell at Oxford United last season, when he scored 12 goals in 47 matches and finished with 16 goal involvements. That followed a season at Tottenham in which he scored in the Europa League and made three Premier League appearances.
Why Tottenham's decision matters
The response from Tottenham suggests Lankshear remains in their immediate plans, even if the club are also expected to look for a new senior forward this summer. That broader search leaves some uncertainty around the attack, especially with Richarlison's contract situation still capable of affecting the depth chart.
Lankshear returned to pre-season work at Hotspur Way this week, and Roberto De Zerbi is due to get his first look at him on the training pitches. Later next week, Tottenham's squad is scheduled to fly to New Zealand and Australia for their summer tour.
The club's stance on Lankshear could also have a knock-on effect on Mason Melia, with Tottenham likely to weigh whether he stays with the squad or goes out on loan. For now, though, the message is simple: Tottenham do not appear ready to let Lankshear leave after three new approaches.
