Both Moussa Sissoko and Tottenham Hotspur would almost certainly prefer it if the player wasn’t at the club any longer.

It’s now towards the end of July, and Sissoko has had plenty of time to leave. Earlier in the summer there were leaks of all kinds of clubs having interest in the Spurs flop, even Real Madrid were mentioned, and it was fanciful stuff.

Now reality is beginning to bite, and Tottenham haven’t taken Sissoko on their preseason tour, citing some kind of virus. That was the public explanation, whilst privately Sissoko was told he has too high an oxygen level in his muscles.

The Tottenham midfielder has been left perplexed, because he thinks he’s in top fitness, having managed his own preparation during his holidays, with the intention of being in great shape.

Sissoko’s relationship with Mauricio Pochettino is said to be ‘lukewarm’, and the scenario doesn’t make it sound like a stay is possible.