Often there's no smoke without fire, and I think it's a strong possibility that Chelsea are making attempts to lure Pascal.

To my mind, and I've written on this forum before about this topic, we should resist any attempts. He is an integral part of our team, is arguably the best right-back in the Premiership, and is versatile enough to fill any of the back four positions.

Just as important is the fact that Chelsea are beginning to take notice of Tottenham's growing potential and so would see the opportunity to not only sign a top defender, but also to weaken a rival.

I know money talks but considering that we are in Europe again, have spent heavily on new talent and have a competent manager and settled squad, I really see no reason for Pascal to demand a move. However, in reality we are unlikely to finish above Chelsea and the lure of CL football is becoming increasingly important. At 28 perhaps he sees at as a last move. So it's a catch 22.

I would like to see us hold out as Valencia are doing with Alves. If they really want to sign him, then it should be on our terms. I reckon no less than £15M or perhaps a deal can be brokered involving Wright-Phillips, etc.

Either way, and I know I've rambled a bit here, I'll now leave you with one word that seems to mean so little in modern day football and might be the key to any deal... Loyalty.

Excellent post, and I pretty much agree with everything you've said. However, I'd like to add a comment on the loyalty issue.

It might not seem much to a footballer in this day and age of money and CL football, but I believe this is a perfect opportunity for Pascal to prove all his detractors wrong by showing loyalty and staying at Spurs.

Maybe I'm being overly optimistic in believing that a footballer can think this way.