Should Spurs offer Erik Lamela a new deal?

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The Tottenham Hotspur man is reportedly on the brink of agreeing a new contract.

Reports from Italy this week suggested that Erik Lamela is close to signing a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old is contracted to Spurs until 2018, but Tuttomercatoweb claimed on Tuesday that Mauricio Pochettino is keen to tie him down until 2020.

Such a move might suggest that Pochettino intends to include him in his long-term plans, but is it time to look higher?

It is obvious that Pochettino loves his fellow Argentine, whom he has undoubtedly transformed into a better player following an inauspicious start to life at White Hart Lane after joining in 2013.

But as Spurs’ aspirations grow, so must the team’s standard and it is growing increasingly difficult to see Lamela doing his bit to help his side reach their ambitions.

The Argentina international has one goal – scored on the first day of the campaign – and one assist in nine Premier League outings this season, creating one big chance. Since joining, he has eight goals and 25 assists in 85 league matches for the North London side and that is partially why he is such a divisive figure among the fans.

Of course, his defensive work and high-energy pressing which he carries out so well must be noted, but this wouldn’t be enough to get him regular football at Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal or United, and yet he walks into Tottenham’s first XI. If he isn’t good enough for their rivals, why is it good enough for Spurs?

These days, the Lilywhites have big ambitions. These days, they are expected to challenge for Premier League titles. As a result, there is, or should be, little room at Tottenham for attacking players who aren’t pulling their weight.

He scored 15 league goals in his last season at Roma, hence the £30 million fee (according to The Telegraph). His stock remains high in Italy, and Pochettino should try flog him to one of Serie A’s elite and use the fee to invest in a winger who can help the North Londoners kick on. Lamela isn’t that man.