Erik Lamela
Lamela wants a return to Italy.

Erik Lamela wants to leave Tottenham and return to the Serie A, the forward's father has confirmed.

The former AS Roma star has struggled in the Premier League following his record transfer to White Hart Lane during the summer transfer window, prompting speculation the club will send him out on loan for remainder of the season.

Possible moves to Inter and Lazio has been suggested and although the 21-year-old would relish the opportunity to return to Italy, his father has insisted Tottenham will not sanction such a move at this stage of the season.

"He would like to go back to Italy, but he won't be leaving Tottenham in January," Jose Lamela was quoted as saying by Tutto Mercato Web.

After quizzed on reports suggested Lazio were looking to sign his son, Jose Lamela added: "Of the interest of Lazio – I know nothing."

It was reported earlier this week that the Argentine's representative had travelled to Rome to hold discussions with Inter to discuss his client's immediate future. But although his impact at the club has been almost non-existent, reports have suggested Tottenham will block any attempts by the player or his representatives to engineer a move back to Serie A.

Lamela has made just nine appearances for Spurs following his move to London, only one of which has come under the club's new head coach Tim Sherwood.

The Argentine has been struggling with a thigh complaint that saw him miss his side's 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup, but completed 90 minutes in a behind closed doors game for the club's Under-21 side against their Charlton Athletic counterparts on Tuesday afternoon.

Lamela found the net along with Lewis Holtby in a 10-6 win for Spurs, while Nacer Chadli grabbed a brace and academy product Jon Obika netted the other six.

Tottenham