Pochettino could lose key midfield duo amid exit speculation

Oli Fisher

Roma director Walter Sabatini has stirred speculation after stating Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has already agreed an exit.

Roma were a club, alongside Chelsea and Juventus, who were rumoured to be interested in the Belgian, but Sabatini has revealed that a deal for Dembele has already been done.

“[Mousa] Dembele has already been sold, and for a ridiculous price,” Sabatini told Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former AZ Alkmaar and Fulham man was recently in the headlines for all the wrong reasons as he was the subject of an alleged ‘gouging’ incident involving Diego Costa.

He could face a lengthy ban, and now discussions over his future cause further unsettlements in the player’s career.

The news comes as a contrast to what Dembele said in an interview last month, when he seemed to be fully focused on Tottenham.

“Yes, I’m very happy at the moment,” the 28-year-old told Spurs’ official site.

“As a team, we’ve performed well all season and personally, I feel good as well.

“Like I’ve already said this season, to play in this team is a pleasure and football is so much easier with these guys.  I feel good and when we’re doing well, the quality of this team comes out even more.”

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino defended his players’ conduct as they surrendered their slim title hopes in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

“I think even if you play sometimes football with your friends, if you play for the honour, for the beers, or for the sandwiches, you want to win,” Pochettino said.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are lining up an ambitious £6million move for Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason.

The 24-year-old England international has appeared 20 times for the North London club during the 2015-16 Premier League campaign.

The London Standard report that the Lilywhites are expected to reject the bid from the Cherries and ask for more money, while Bournemouth have the player high on their list of priorities as they look to strengthen ahead of another season in the top flight.