Andre Villas-Boas has dismissed reports linking Jermain Defoe with a move to the MLS and expects the England striker to play out the remainder of his contract at White Hart Lane.

Toronto FC manager and former Tottenham teammate Ryan Nelsen admitted this week that he would love to bring Defoe to BMO Field.

The forward has 18 months left to run on his contract in north London and has voiced his frustration at a lack of first-team football ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

But Villas-Boas does not want to let the club’s leading goalscorer leave the club.

"I have seen in the press that there is reported interest (from Toronto), but we want the player to stay on and hold on to those last years of his contract," the Spurs boss said.

"In the end the player is committed to the club and the club is committed to the player."

Defoe has scored eight goals this season and equalled Martin Chivers’ club record of 22 European goals when his deflected effort helped secure a 2-0 win at Sheriff Tiraspol last month.

"The player at the moment is our top goal scorer and he is chasing the European record for the club as well which is important for his individual motivation," Villas-Boas said.

"I think he is extremely happy, not only because of what he has achieved, but also because of the smile on his face.

"He has had a better start than he had last year. That is an impressive goals tally and he is a player that everyone cherishes."

"I'm fine with this," the Portuguese said.

"I have no problem (with it). In the end situations like this can happen."