\section{Eriksen’s future may lie away from Tottenham, says Pochettino}
\textbf{Jonathan Veal}

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino accepts that Christian Eriksen has the right to ponder a future away from the club.

The midfielder has been one of the star players for Spurs over the past few seasons as they have challenged at the top end of the Premier League. But the Dane, who joined the club in August 2013, is reported to be stalling on a new deal.

He is out of contract in the summer of 2020 but if he does not sign a new deal by the end of the current season, Spurs might be forced to listen to offers in order to get true value for the Denmark international.

The 26-year-old (right) would not rule out a move away if the top sides in Europe came calling and is likely to be a wanted man elsewhere.

"I’m not a person that suffers too much in this type of situation because football is dynamic," a relaxed Pochettino said before tonight’s FA Cup third round tie at Tranmere Rovers. "Football is about different circumstances or bad contexts we sometimes cannot manage.

"It depends on many things in this business – different clubs that have interest.

"Of course Christian is such an important player for Tottenham and of course as a person or as a professional coach or manager, you would like to have this type of player with you.

"But in the end it’s a negotiation and there’s different parties that have different interests.

"It will be fantastic if Christian is going to be committed with the club for the long term and if not it’s his right to do what he wants to do.

"He’s happy here, he’s showing his commitment. When things come up happen in between the club and the player, that is not only in our hands." 

The futures of several players at Spurs are likely to come under the microscope this month as a host of exits are expected.

Contracts Fernando Llorente, Vincent Janssen and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou are likely to leave the club, but established midfielder Mousa Dembele could also be on his way out.

The Belgian has only six months left on his current deal and will be free to talk to foreign clubs from this month.

Spurs could listen to offers in the transfer window to get some money for him rather than lose him for free in the summer.

"There is still news," Pochettino said. "No news, no news.

"Again like Christian – a difficult situation – it is not only in our hands.

"In that business there are different parties that are involved, then it is about negotiation, to talk, and see what the different parties want.

"I don’t know if he could leave free in the summer, that is going to be a club decision." 

\section{Freescoring Norwood spurred on to impress Kane}
\textbf{Derren Howard}

Tranmere striker would love to cause a cup shock tonight.

James Norwood, the Tranmere Rovers striker, has scored more goals this season than Harry Kane. But he is the one dreaming of making a name for himself tonight when Tottenham Hotspur visit Prenton Park in the FA Cup.

Norwood has been in fine form this campaign, finding the net regularly and helping fire Rovers up the League Two table.

The 28-year-old striker has already matched the best scoring return of his career and believes he is capable of even more.

"Tottenham have no real weakness and they give very little away," said Norwood. "It is a huge task for us but we are looking forward to it.

"You get the chance to test yourself against the best players in the country and that is what the FA Cup is all about.

"For me personally it is a chance to show what I can do and hopefully make a big impression."

Norwood cites Kane as a player he admires, praising the England captain’s movement and finishing ability.

"He is one of the best strikers in the world," he said. "You watch how he moves, how he finds space and how clinical he is in front of goal.

"If I can take anything from his game it is the way he is always in the right place at the right time."

The forward has already enjoyed memorable moments in the FA Cup and hopes another could arrive tonight if Rovers can upset the odds.

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\caption{James Norwood still favours pink boots, having made the debut wearing them for Tranmere.}
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"There will be a full house at Prenton Park and hopefully we can deliver a performance to be proud of," Norwood added.

"It will be a proud moment for the club, the town and the fans if we can make it a really special night."