Mousa Dembele and Gonzalo Higuain Reject Tottenham Hotspur Again

Tottenham Hotspur have had their interest in both Mousa Dembele and Gonzalo Higuain quashed, leaving the North London club more desperate than ever to keep star midfielder Luka Modric.

Modric is being actively pursued by a number of clubs and, for the right price, might have seriously been considered as a transfer option, despite starring for Spurs during the season. However, now that both Dembele and Higuain have ruled out a move to White Hart Lane, the inclusion of Modric in Tottenham's squad next season is of paramount importance.

The Daily Mail reports that Higuain—who struggled to maintain his place in the Real Madrid starting lineup—has rejected Spurs' bid, opting to remain with Los Blancos. The 24-year-old has received the full support of manager Jose Mourinho and, with the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League unavailable at White Hart Lane, chose to continue on with his current club.

They also report that Fulham midfielder Mousa Dembele has confirmed his commitment to the Cottagers next season—rebuffing interest from Tottenham, as well as Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. 

Dembele starred for Fulham during the season and, speaking with the Daily News, cited his strong relationship with manager Martin Jol as the driving force behind his decision to stay:

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"I'm very happy to stay at Fulham—especially because of the boss. I think it's very important to have the backing of the manager, and he's a coach who gives me a lot of confidence. That's why I feel I owe it to the gaffer as well.

I think every player needs that, and I'm no different. I go to training every day and work with joy. It's a fantastic club and I'm not in a hurry to move anywhere.

I'm also very happy with the way the season went. The club is doing very well and we have a very strong team with good players"

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Tottenham's recent dismissal by both players must surely increase the anxiety levels of the club, who are already dealing with a potential move by Gareth Bale, as well as the uncertain future of manager Harry Redknapp. 

Throw into that mix the ever-growing tension surrounding Luka Modric and whether or not he'll remain with the club, and Spurs appear to be in for many more restless nights during the summer transfer window.

What do you think of Tottenham's current progress during the transfer window?

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