Ajax left-back Urby Emanuelson has been told to forget about a move to Tottenham in January after Spurs' bid for the Dutch star was rejected.Technical director Martin van Geel confirmed the Dutch giants had rejected an official approach from the Premier League club earlier this week.

He added: "We don't have that many defenders this season so we will not agree to let a player like Emanuelson go in the winter break."

It has been reported Tottenham would be prepared to pay around £7million for Emanuelson, who has played mainly in midfield under coach Adrie Koster, with the player's agent claiming a January move was "a possibility".

Spanish side Valencia have also shown an interest in the 21-year-old, but have not made an official bid.

Emanuelson, who can also play at left-back, has made 73 appearances and won two Dutch Cups. He was part of Holland's Under-21 European Championship-winning side and has 10 senior caps.

Spurs had turned their attentions to Emanuelson after long-term injuries to Gareth Bale and Benoit Assou-Ekotto left Lee Young-Pyo as the club's only fit left-back.

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