Tottenham midfielder Erik Lamela wants to quit the club this month, according to the player's father, Jose, and a report in the Metro. Lamela was a club record buy when he arrived at White Hart Lane from AS Roma for £30 million last summer, but has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League. And despite Spurs manager Tim Sherwood dismissing claims the 21-year-old could leave on loan this month, Jose says his son is desperate to leave the White Hart Lane outfit. Lazio and former club Roma are keen on taking him on, and Lamela Snr. told Italian media:
"Erik is not happy and wants to go back to Italy. "He has been linked with Lazio, but I dont know anything about this. Could he re-join Roma? I dont know. "Tottenham does not want him to leave in January."
It was hoped Lamela would fill the boots of Gareth Bale after the Welshman completed his world-record move to Real Madrid last year, but the attacker has thus far flattered to deceive. The Argentina international has made just nine Premier League appearances this season and is yet to score a domestic goal - his one strike so far coming in Europa League competition. There have also been claims the South American is struggling with the language barrier in England, and is finding it difficult to settle down in London. And though Spurs have rubbished speculation he could walk out, Lamela may see things differently as he attempts to recapture form in a World Cup year.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
