Tottenham give up on Dembele and turn to Berahino

Mark Holmes

Fulham striker Moussa Dembele’s proposed move to Tottenham has fallen through over the Cottagers’ desire to loan him back.

The 19-year-old Frenchman appeared to be on the verge of a move to White Hart Lane after undergoing a medical at Spurs.

Fulham wanted the teenager to stay on loan at Craven Cottage for the remainder of the current campaign before joining the north London club in the summer, but Spurs wanted to sign him immediately and are now set to look elsewhere for strike cover, with a late bid for West Brom’s Saido Berahino mooted.

Newcastle have already had a £21million offer rejected for the 21-year-old, with Albion chairman Jeremy Peace determined not to sell in this transfer window, but Berahino’s desire to join Spurs could yet see a deal go through should his asking price be met.

Meanwhile, Cottagers captain Ross McCormack looks set to sign a new contract.

The 29-year-old Scotland forward has been linked with a move away from the west London club, but he will pen a new and improved deal on Monday, before the 11pm transfer deadline.