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Spurs cannot afford to lose Defoe - Sherwood

Jermain Defoe has struggled for form and fitness this term © Getty Images

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Tottenham first-team coach Tim Sherwood believes the club would be foolish to let Jermain Defoe leave in the summer, insisting it would be hard to find anyone better "without spending a zillion pounds".

Defoe has become frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunities at White Hart lane, hinting he may be forced to leave the club in the summer to find regular football.

The 28-year-old England striker, who was out for two months last autumn after requiring surgery on ankle ligaments, has made only 21 league appearances this season and seen his goal tally plateau at four.

However, Sherwood believes Spurs, who have been linked with a move for Chelsea forward Didier Drogba, would rue losing Defoe to another outfit, even if Drogba became available.

"We know what quality he possesses, Didier Drogba," he said. "Whether the finances are going to be available for us to achieve that remains to be seen. It'll be a hefty lot of money for a player of his quality.

"It's hard enough to go and sign a player like Jermain Defoe, so you don't want to let him walk out your door readily. He obviously hasn't played as much as he would've liked but that's due to having a big squad."

Unable to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in terms of finances, Spurs will be hard-pushed to add to their squad without digging deep into their pockets. Sherwood has been casting an eye across Europe for players to boost the Spurs squad and he admits it will be a tall order to sign players on the cheap.

"We're not alone when we're looking out for them, though," he said. "It's going to be a bunfight. There aren't any teams who can compete with the financial muscle of the Chelseas and Man Citys - and there's no shame in admitting that.

"It's very difficult to find anyone better than we've got without spending a zillion pounds."

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