Tottenham Transfer News: Steaua Rule out Summer Sale of Vlad Chiriches

Tottenham have been dealt a blow after Steaua Bucharest insisted defender Vlad Chiriches will not be sold this summer, reports SkySports.com.

Chiriches is one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents, and it was felt that he was on his way to Tottenham.

The prospect of a deal being done was increased when Tottenham sold Steven Caulker to Cardiff City this week.

A spanner was thrown in the works when Steaua owner Gigi Becali stepped in to insist Chiriches would be remaining with the club. Becali is currently serving a prison sentence and is reported to have made the statement from his cell.

Chiriches is eager to move on, and his agent Ioan Becali moved to ease Tottenham fans’ fears by stating a deal was 99 percent done, as reported by the Express’ Ben Jefferson.

However, Steaua are battling to secure their place in the group stages of the Champions League and have stressed that the 23-year-old will not be sold in this summer’s transfer window.

SkySports.com quote Steaua general manager Mihai Stoica as saying:

"

There is indeed an offer for Chiriches, the highest ever received in Romanian football.

But until winter he will not leave under any circumstances. This could be a blow to Chiriches, but he should understand. He owes a lot to Steaua.

Things are good, we are in qualifying for the Champions League. We are in good shape.

"

With Caulker gone and Jan Vertonghen facing a fight to be fit in time for the start of the new season after damaging an ankle in preseason, Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is short of defensive options.

The Express reported that a fee of £6.9 million had been agreed for Chiriches before Steaua went cold on the deal.

Villas-Boas has until September 2, when the transfer window slams shut, to contemplate an improved offer.