Real Sociedad rule out exit for Tottenham Hotspur target Willian Jose

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a fresh blow in their efforts to sign a striker today with confirmation from Real Sociedad that Willian Jose will not be leaving the club before the transfer deadline.

The 28-year-old has been courted by Jose Mourinho's side as they look for a short-term replacement for Harry Kane but balked at the Spanish side's valuation of £25m.

Manchester United are thought to have rejected the offer to take him on loan for the rest of the campaign, giving encouragement to Spurs, who attempted to pursue a loan deal of their own.

In a short statement on Twitter this afternoon, however, Sociedad said: "This last day of the market is about closing the exit of [midfielder] Ruben Pardo from the club. In the winter market there will be no more movements in the current squad."

Spurs have also been linked with a move to re-sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid, although the chances of such a deal are rated as highly unlikely.