Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has dismissed suggestions that he is interested in signing a new left-sided full-back during the January transfer window.

Spurs have played without a natural left-back in their last seven Premier League games, after Benoit Assou-Ekotto joined Queens Park Rangers on loan and Danny Rose injured his foot.

Jan Vertonghen has filled in for Rose, but the Belgian has openly admitted that he wants to return to his natural position at centre-half.

That sparked renewed speculation that Tottenham would make a move for Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao, but Villas-Boas does not believe that his squad needs to be boosted defensively.

When asked whether a left-back was on his shopping list, Villas-Boas told reporters: "No, I don't think so.

"Danny Rose is still out but making good progress on his injury so we're looking for a two or three-week period now finally for his return."

On Vertonghen, Villas-Boas added: "He is a central defender - one of the best in the world. Unfortunately, due to the situation at the moment, he has to sacrifice himself at left-back.

"He knows that as soon as Danny Rose comes back, the place as a centre-back is his again. The good of the team is more important at the moment.

"We understand he is making a sacrifice and that is why we respect him and have made him captain at times this season. But there is no problem."

Spurs have kept seven clean sheets in the league this season, more than any other side in England's top division.