Mauricio Pochettino warns Tottenham fans not to expect new signings for a second consecutive transfer window

Mauricio Pochettino has hinted that Tottenham Hotspur may not sign a player for the second transfer window running and even if they do new arrivals are unlikely to play a major part until next term.

The North Londoners surprisingly failed to land a single player in the summer and have instead given opportunities to young players, Kyle Walker-Peters being the latest to be trusted on the biggest of stages.

Now Pochettino has no plans to change his philosophy and bring in players just for the sake of it and is adamant that if he does bring anyone in in January it will be with long term in mind not for a shot at Premier League or Champions League glory this time around.

Tottenham are celebrating after a week where they drew 1-1 in Barcelona to make the last 16 of Europe’s premier knockout competition but Pochettino is confident in his squad.

“Would I be disappointed if we didn’t sign anyone? No, not disappointed,” he said.

“I know very well that January is always difficult. In the same way, if you find some player, look what happened to different players that arrive in January.

“Last season it takes time to understand and to perform, to fit with the team. Sometimes it's better not to sign if you don't find the right player.

“I don’t know if it is better for team spirit not to sign anyone. Sometimes yes, but not in general.”

Pochettino signed Lucas Moura, who scored the equaliser in Barcelona, late last January for £25m from Paris St Germain.

But he only made two league starts last term before emerging an important player for Tottenham this time around.

Pochettino gave Walker-Peters only a second start of the season and his most important game to date when he started in the Nou Camp, in the week he signed a new five-year contract.

The defender was partly at fault for Barcelona’s goal but Pochettino was impressed with his performance and will not send him out on loan for experience, instead planning to give him an extended run in the side.

“Like always, who deserves more is going to play,” he said. “You know me, I am so happy with his performance.

“All the players can struggle sometimes in some actions but the most important is to see the big picture and he was very good.

“For me, what pleased the most in his performance was that from the beginning he started very well, he suffered in this action, and then we concede but he played really well.

“Of course I wanted to protect him in the second-half because he had a yellow card but I am so happy and so proud of how he managed the pressure – I am very pleased and I talk very highly of him.

“Have I ever considered loaning him out? Now, no. Now, for me, he is one of the best options.”

After the highs of Barcelona, Tottenham now get back to Premier League action today with a home game against Burnley as they look to make up the deficit between themselves and top of the table Liverpool.

Pochettino though has sympathy for opposite number Sean Dyche, whose side are only just outside the bottom three in 17th spot after a challenging campaign.

“He deserves a lot of credit,” said the Argentine. “After many years he was involved he is doing a fantastic job of course.

“He deserves amazing credit to manage a club with not too much budget and always performs in a way that got very good results.”