West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he does not know whether Scott Parker will complete his move to Spurs before the transfer window closes.
The England midfielder did not travel to Nottingham Forest for the Hammers' 4-1 win and may have made his last appearance for the club.
Allardyce said: "It is the closest negotiation we’ve had this summer. Whether it is achievable I’m not sure yet. I’ve had lots of conversations with the chairman and had to break away from that, because the most important thing is this game.
"I will find out later on where this situation actually lies and see where we go from there.
"If he does actually leave in the end then I need to replace him as quickly as I possibly can, with just one player, possibly two.
"I think the negotiation is about where the fee lies and where the replacement lies, because at this late stage. It is very difficult to replace Scott Parker if I’ve got two weeks, it’s even more difficult if I’ve got two days.
"That is one of the key elements and I can’t compromise the club’s position if I can’t find a replacement, which makes a part of the deal more difficult.
"We have a very talented player who has a certain value in our eyes."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here