Report: 'Outstanding' Tottenham midfielder is now very unlikely to leave Spurs this summer

Tottenham Hotspur have been moderately busy on the transfer front this summer, getting one signing over the line thus far.

Spurs have signed England youth midfielder Archie Gray from Leeds United, with Wales defender Joe Rodon going the other way.

Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall has arrived at Tottenham after a deal was struck with Djurgardens in January.

More outgoings could be on the cards at Spurs over the coming weeks, with numerous players seemingly surplus to requirements.

However, according to Sky Sports News, an “outstanding” talent who has been linked with a move away is now “very unlikely” to leave N17.

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Oliver Skipp now unlikely to leave Tottenham due to club-trained status

The player in question is Oliver Skipp, who has come through the ranks at Tottenham and is in the first-team squad.

Skipp has been linked with Leeds, who have recently sold Glen Kamara and could do with reinforcements in midfield.

The 23-year-old made 24 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham last season, but just seven of those were starts.

Despite a lack of starts at Spurs, Sky Sports News have reported that Skipp’s “club-trained status means he is very unlikely to leave the club”.

UEFA rules on club-trained players as Tottenham prepare for Europa League

Tottenham are set to play in the Europa League this season, which means they have to abide by the rules of European club competition.

As per the UEFA website, a club can have up to 25 players on their List A of players for the Europa League.

Eight places are reserved exclusively for “locally trained players” and no club may have more than four “association-trained players” listed in these eight places on List A.

List A must specify the players who qualify as being “locally trained”, as well as whether they are “club-trained” or “association-trained”.

A “club-trained player” is a footballer who, between the ages of 15 and 21, has been registered with his current club for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or of 36 months.

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Skipp previously backed for huge future at Tottenham

When Skipp was coming through the ranks at Tottenham, some – including Jose Mourinho and Lee Carsley – backed him for a huge future.

For instance, Mourinho backed Skipp to become a future captain at Spurs, while Carsley said Skipp was “very underrated” and boasts “outstanding ability”.

Although Sky Sports suggested that Skipp will probably stay put, it’s a shame to hear that it’s effectively so they can stay on the right side of UEFA rules rather than because he’s too good to let go.

Hopefully Postecoglou will give Skipp a chance next season and he can go on to fulfil his potential at N17.