Saturday 16 May 2015 08:29, UK
Alex Pritchard has held discussions over a new four-year contract at Tottenham after being told he is wanted as a fully integrated member of the first-team squad next season, Sky sources understand.
The 22-year-old, who has thrived on a season-long loan at Brentford and sees his current deal expire in 2016, will be part of the club's pre-season preparations after being assured over his future at White Hart Lane.
Spurs told Pritchard in December he would get the chance to prove himself this summer but his remarkable season in the Championship has led Tottenham to bring forward their decision and attempt to tie him down to a long-term deal.
The move comes as part of Tottenham's renewed transfer policy of developing young players, and the club see Pritchard as someone who can follow the likes of Harry Kane, Ryan Mason, Nabil Bentaleb and Danny Rose in becoming a successful first-team member.
Discussions were held between Pritchard's representatives, head of football operations Rebecca Caplehorn and head of recruitment Paul Mitchell on Thursday, and Sky sources understand Pritchard is keen to make the breakthrough at Spurs.
The England under-21 international recently won Brentford's Players' Player-of-the-Year award and was named in the Championship team of the year after scoring 12 goals in 45 appearances this term.
Brentford's outgoing manager Mark Warburton, who has played a significant part in Pritchard's development this season, believes the youngster will "go on to grace White Hart Lane" and could play for England.
Warburton said: “I think Alex will play at the very highest level, I really do. He’s a very bright British talent and has that edge to his game; the ability, hunger, and desire to keep improving.
“He’s graced the Championship this year and there’s no doubt there is much more to come. He’s still got things to learn. When you go back to a club the size of Tottenham then you’ve got to deal with other hurdles. He’s had a lot of pitch time at Brentford and it’s about dealing with that.”
“But, for me, he’s an outstanding talent. I’d love to see him do well for Gareth Southgate’s side in the Czech Republic this summer."
Pritchard made his final appearance for Brentford as they were knocked out in the Championship play-off semi-finals by Middlesbrough on Friday night, and there is a chance Pritchard could be part of Tottenham's post-season trip to Australia in the final week of May.
There are as yet no plans for any of Spurs' players who are currently out on loan to be part of the tour, which sees them play Sydney FC on May 30. Defender Ryan Fredericks is also still competing in the Championship play-offs with Boro and Aaron Lennon has two Premier League games left with Everton.
