Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly made an attempt to bring forward Lewis Holtby's arrival at White Hart Lane.

Holtby has agreed a deal to join Spurs in the summer, but Villas-Boas has been left short of numbers in midfield following the news that Sandro faces a spell on the sidelines after knee surgery.

According to The Guardian, Schalke are open to the possibility of an early move as it will guarantee that the club receive a fee for the 23-year-old instead of letting him leave for free at the end of the season.

Villas-Boas has also reportedly told Tom Huddlestone that he will be staying at the club this month due to Sandro's injury.

Jake Livermore, who was expected to join Queens Park Rangers, is now also expected to remain in North London.