Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura could leave the club in January after having loan moves blocked late on in the summer window, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed.

The Lowdown: Loan moves rejected

According to a report by Football Insider, Spurs rejected two deadline day loan offers for the 30-year-old.

Premier League duo Newcastle United and Aston Villa were keen to take the Brazilian on temporary deals for the remainder of the season, but these proposals were knocked back by the Lilywhites, as they consider Moura an important squad player.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s hints at possible Moura exit

Moura’s current deal at Hotspur Way runs until next summer, although it does include an option for a further 12 months.

Consequently, O’Rourke believes that Tottenham could look to cash-in on the winger in January as it could be the last opportunity for them to do so before he is able to leave the club on a free transfer.

Speaking with GiveMeSport about a possible departure in January, the journalist claimed: “Yes, there’s a real chance that he could possibly leave.

“Lucas Moura has been a good player for Tottenham in fits and bursts, but he has maybe not been as consistent as he possibly could be for some Tottenham fans.

“There was interest in him later on in the transfer window, with Aston Villa and Newcastle keen on him, but Tottenham blocked those loan moves.”

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The Verdict: He would be missed

Having joined Tottenham in 2018 in a £25m deal, Moura has gone to become a brilliant servant of the club, most notably with his legendary hat-trick in the 2019 Champions League semi-final triumph over Ajax.

The 35-cap Brazil international has made 204 appearances for the north London outfit, having produced 38 goals and 27 assists during his tenure at N17.

Hailed as a ‘genius’ in some quarters in the past, the 30-year-old has also been labelled a 'nightmare' to play against by team-mate Eric Dier due to his pace.

Therefore, with minimal game-time being granted to Moura (he has played just 12 minutes this season), a move elsewhere would benefit his career in the long run, but his immediate departure would come as a blow to the Tottenham squad.