£31m ace out of squad after Tottenham talks as coach makes transfer prediction

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Antonio Nusa has been left out of the KRC Genk squad for tonight’s game but manager Ronny Deila is confident that a £30 million-plus move to the Premier League will no longer happen for the Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford target. 

Had things worked out differently, had Brentford not been spooked by an issue they discovered during Antonio Nusa’s medical tests, tonight’s Jupiler League clash between Genk and OH Leuven could have been a farewell appearance for the Norway international. 

Instead, Nusa has been left out of the Genk squad entirely, head coach Ronny Deila concerned about what effect weeks of never-ending speculation may have had on a still 18-year-old forward. 

“It’s really been a lot for him the last few days,” Deila tells the Genk website. “So we left him at home today. He is fit, so the intention is for him to be back on Sunday.” 

Tottenham and Brentford held Antonio Nusa talks

Deila’s comments about Nusa’s fitness feel particularly pertinent, given that Brentford appeared to walk away from a potential £31 million deal after growing concerned about what was seen as a potentially ‘serious’ issue, not only with the teenager’s knee but his back as well. 

Tottenham also held talks to bring Nusa to North London before capital city rivals Brentford moved into pole position a few days ago.

Former Celtic boss Deila is now confident that the so-called ‘Norwegian Neymar’ will continue to showcase his twinkling footwork in the blue-and-black stripes until the summer at least, a January departure seemingly now off the cards unless Spurs come calling with an eleventh-hour offer. 

“I do occasionally receive an update on the situation,” Deila adds, speaking to Sportwereld

“He is our player today, and I understand that he will stay until the end of the season anyway. I want nothing more than that, so I can’t be dissatisfied in that respect.  

“Nusa will be there again on Sunday (three days after the window closes).” 

Tottenham are the window’s big spenders so far

Tottenham have already signed Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner from Genoa and RB Leipzig respectively. HITC Football understands that there is still interest in Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher, though Bournemouth have slammed down the shutters on Dominic Solanke with anyone hoping to sign the free-scoring striker needing to part with at least £60 million.