Mauricio Pochettino has moved to reassure fans that Tottenham will remain strong contenders for a top-four finish even if they do not sign a new striker this month.

Spurs have only one orthodox centre-forward – Harry Kane – and are seeking to bring in a new one this month, with Saido Berahino of West Brom and Fulham’s Moussa Dembele on their radar.

But Pochettino warned that he would turn down the chance to sign any player who might compromise Spurs’ team spirit, however talented they might be. He said: “There have been a lot of rumours since the beginning of the season.

“Our supporters need to understand that we have a project, and projects are different at different clubs. The market is very difficult in winter and our power is in the changing room, within the squad and the team.

“It’s not about having one player more or one player less. It’s important that if, in the end, we find the right player who can help us, he will come – but if he doesn’t, it’s not a big worry for me.

“I can understand people are concerned that we need one more striker, but we are very confident in following the same direction as the first half of the season.”

Spurs face Leicester for the second time in four days tomorrow/on Wednesday after the sides drew 2-2 in their FA Cup third-round tie at White Hart Lane last Sunday.

Leicester are four points above fourth-placed Spurs in the table and both teams are likely to field their strongest possible starting XIs after resting numerous players for the cup tie.

Pochettino added: “It’s important to win the game to be in the top four and to be higher in the table. It’s a very important game but the squad believe in themselves.

"If we are in this position after the first half of the season, it is because the players believe, and the feel they can beat any team."