Tottenham are reluctant to allow Bryan Gil to return to Valencia on loan before they have lined up a replacement.
The Spanish club are pushing to re-sign Gil for the remainder of the season after the winger impressed on loan in the second half of last term.
But Antonio Conte would want a replacement for the 21-year-old and Spurs are conscious that it will not be straightforward to sign a forward of the required quality who is willing to be a bit-part player.
Gil has been on the bench for Spurs' first three games of the season but is competing with Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Lucas Moura for a place in Conte's front three.
Conte is understood to regard Gil as a talented player but has previously expressed concerns about his suitability for the Premier League.
Gil would like to return to the Mestalla and talks have taken place between the clubs over a season-long loan deal which would not include an option to buy.
Speaking last week, Valencia boss Gennaro Gattuso confirmed the club's interest in re-signing Gil but when asked about his compatriot's comments after Saturday's win over Wolves, Conte said: “I was very clear in my press conference before this game.
“The squad is this and if someone goes away then another has to come. This has to be very clear for everybody. Otherwise we stay with this squad and we continue our path with these players, this squad.
“But if someone has to go away, along another must come. This is very clear for me, for the club, but we are totally agreed on this aspect.
“[Gil's future] is not my task. About the transfer market you have to speak to the club. I think we have to respect their role.”
