‘I never thought about quitting Tottenham’, insists Lamela

Tottenham winger Erik Lamela says he never considered leaving the club in the summer despite being heavily linked with a return to Italy.

The former Roma man had struggled to settle in north London and was rumoured to be the target of Serie A sides Inter Milan, Napoli, and Fiorentina.

But he looks revitalised under new manager Maurico Pochettino and has hit the ground running this season, with the 22-year-old on target for Argentina on Wednesday night.

And Lamela insists he is keen to star for Spurs in the Premier League.

"I never had any doubts about my future," he told Corriere dello Sport after the international friendly against Germany

"I read a lot of things in the newspapers and perhaps there were a few enquiries from clubs, but I had no direct contact or doubts about my future.

"Last season was complicated for me because of injury, but I feel good now.

"And I have to thank Tottenham for their help and patience - they have always shown faith in me.

"Now I am on the right path and I want to impose myself in the Premier League."

Chelsea star close to signing new deal

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is close to signing a new deal at the club after ousting Petr Cech as No 1.

The Belgium international still has two years remaining on the contract he signed when moving from Genk in July 2011, but is already on the verge of extending it to ward off any interest and reward his early form.

"It's not yet signed," Courtois said.

"I am here [in Belgium] with the national team so it is difficult, but when I am back at Chelsea I will probably sign the new contract."

The shot-stopper has started the first three Premier League games of the season but Cech has so far remained to fight for a place in the first XI.

Inter Milan failed in deadline day move for Liverpool striker

Inter Milan failed with a deadline day move for Liverpool forward Fabio Borini, according to sources in Italy.

Borini was expected to leave Anfield on Monday and came very close to a move to QPR, only for the player's wages to scupper the transfer.

However, according to TMW, QPR were not the only ones who failed in a late bid for the Italian attacker.

Inter Milan reportedly offered to take Borini on loan for the season, with a view to a permanent deal next summer.

But, Liverpool showed no interest in the proposal as they were focusing on QPR's bid of £10million for the 23-year-old.