Pundit sends transfer message to Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino

Garth Crooks has urged Tottenham Hotspur to resist the “transfer vultures” and keep their impressive squad together.

Spurs are in second place in the Premier League table and four points behind leaders Chelsea with four games to go in the title race.

Only Chelsea have scored more goals than Tottenham, while Mauricio Pochettino has the best defence in the Premier League this term.

Tottenham were 2-0 winners against Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday courtesy of goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane.

Both Alli and Kane have been linked with big-money moves following their eye-catching performances in Pochettino’ side.

Spurs legend Crooks is hoping that the Lilywhites can resist the urge to sell their prized assets in the summer transfer window.

“What Spurs must ensure now is that the transfer vultures do not destabilise this team. If this team can stick together and continue to mature, trophies will inevitably follow,” Crooks told BBC Sport.

“In the meantime, Tottenham’s board of directors must ensure all their players’ contracts are absolutely secure to stop the likes of Manchester United taking Kane or Eric Dier, or Real Madrid trying to take Toby Alderweireld or Alli.”

Alli has scored 17 goals and has made five assists in the 2016-17 season so far.

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His team-mate Kane has netted 21 goals in 26 appearances in the Premier League campaign.

Tottenham finished in third place in the Premier League last term.