Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has hailed "top professional" Brennan Johnson and insisted he could play at Brentford on New Year's Day despite Crystal Palace's pursuit of the attacker.
Palace and Spurs have reached an agreement for a £35million fee for Johnson, but the Wales international is yet to decide if he will make the move across the capital, with other suitors interested, including Bournemouth.
Frank - as has been his season-long tactic - was eager to not be drawn into speaking about "rumours" but did confirm that Johnson, who scored the winner for Tottenham in the Europa League final in May, had trained ahead of his return to Brentford on Thursday.
"Again, this is the third time I think I've got this question. There's rumours out there, in general I'll not comment on that, no matter if we want to sign or sell a player, or get a staff member in or out. I've no interest in commenting either way," Frank insisted.
"He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace. He trained very well (Tuesday). I expect him fully to be available and able to play against Brentford.
"Brennan is a very important player for us. Sometimes things change if another player comes in. Unfortunately, (Mohammed) Kudus came in for him and played on the right side and has done well.
"So, it's been a little bit more tricky to get enough starts. Brennan started the season also quite well from the left.
"I think Brennan has a lot of attributes, very good running in behind, very good scoring goals.
"That's a good quality, so some of those key things is fantastic, also working hard for the team, but you need more than just 11 players - that's the way it is.
"I think Brennan has been a top professional, is a top professional, trained well today. He's ready for two days' time."
Captain Cristian Romero will return for Spurs after his sending-off against Liverpool on 20 December.
Romero refused to leave the pitch before he stayed by the dugout after his red card, which has earned him a Football Association charge but he can return at Brentford.
Frank added: "He's ready for the game tomorrow. As far as I know it's something that will be decided in early January."
Tottenham remain without several long-term absentees in James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke, but Destiny Udogie is "doing individual sessions" after a hamstring injury at the start of December.
Lucas Bergvall will be assessed after he was forced off at Crystal Palace in discomfort and Frank acknowledged it would not be "business as usual" when he goes back to Brentford for the first time since his departure after nine years at the west London club.
"That one cannot be 'business as usual'. That is special," Frank added.
"Brentford Football Club, the fans and especially the people that I worked closely with, have a special place in my heart."
