Carter-Vickers not given a Premier League squad number by Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has not been given a Premier League squad number by manager Jose Mourinho this season, adding further fuel to the speculation that his days with Spurs could be numbered.

It shouldn't come as any real shock for the 22-year-old USA international, as he didn't have a squad number last year, or the year before that in fact, but hopes might have been raised after featuring in Spurs' first team pre-season friendlies recently.

However, that is not the case, as Carter-Vickers is still yet to make a league appearance for the club where he came through the ranks five years ago, playing just four cup games.

He has had temporary stints at Sheffield United, Ipswich, Swansea City and Stoke City, before heading to Kenilworth Road in January.

While at Luton, he might have only played 16 matches, but became one of the stars as the Hatters stayed up, with some commanding performances in the heart of defence.

After admitting that he would like to sign the centre half permanently, Town boss Jones recently appeared to concede defeat in his pursuit, stating: "We'd like to bring Virgil van Dijk if we could, but we have a budget and certain players cost certain money.

“We’ve tried to strengthen in the best way we possibly, possibly could, the board have been fantastic.

“Everyone that I've asked them to try and sign they've gone after it, one we weren't able to secure, but the others we've been able to get."

It now waits to be seen whether Spurs risk the defender running his contract down and leaving on a free transfer next summer, send him out on loan once more, or try to cash in ahead of the window closing next month.