Benfica manager Bruno Lage has confirmed that Gedson Fernandes was not involved in training as he nears a move to Tottenham.
The 21-year-old is expected to complete a move to Tottenham , with Jose Mourinho's men set to beat London rivals West Ham to his signature.
It is understood that the Portuguese midfielder has travelled to London for a medical ahead of a proposed 18-month loan deal to join Tottenham, with Spurs then set to have the option to make the move permanent.
And Lage has all but confirmed that a deal is close, with an admission that Fernandes is not involved in his plans for the Portuguese cup quarter-final against Rio Ave on Tuesday.
"Market questions will arise and there will be many," Lage said, speaking at a pre-match press conference.
"Today I speak only of the players who train with us. Gedson did not train with us."
However, Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho has not given away anything about the potential deal to sign the Portuguese midfielder.
Mourinho could not escape questions about the potential signing during his press conference ahead of the FA Cup third round replay with Middlesbrough, but the Tottenham boss said that transfers were not on his mind.
"I am waiting for news. News can come or not," he said.
"I'm more worried about Middlesbrough than the market. Even if you get a player you cannot play him in a replay.
"So in this moment I'm not interested in Gedson or any kind of player."
