Erik Lamela is keen to stay at Tottenham for another year after finally earning a regular starting spot this season.

After two disappointing seasons since his club record move from Roma Lamela came close to a move to Marseille during last summer’s transfer window, only for the collapse of Spurs’ deal for Saido Berahino to offer the Argentine winger a final opportunity to make the grade.

Lamela has firmly grasped that chance this season, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions as Tottenham embarked on an unlikely title challenge which, though ending in disappointment at the hands of Leicester, will provide them with a first appearance in the Champions League since 2010/11.

Argentina manager Gerardo Martino has evidently noticed Lamela’s improvements over recent months, naming him in the preliminary squad for the Copa America Centario.

Tottenham vs Southampton: Player Ratings 12 show all Tottenham vs Southampton: Player Ratings 1/12 Player Ratings? Who impressed at the Lane? 2/12 Hugo Lloris: 5 The Frenchman had little to do throughout the game but was at fault for Steven Davis' equaliser on the half-hour mark and will be disappointed with himself. 3/12 Kyle Walker: 5 Although Dusan Tadic proved to be a little workshy in regards to tracking back Walker rarely got the better of the Serbian midfielder, who was a constant threat. 4/12 Toby Alderweireld: 6 Caught out by Shane Long's pace on a couple of occasions and did not cut the composed figure which has earned him so many plaudits this season. 5/12 Jan Vertonghen: 6 Stepped out from defence confidently whenever the opportunity arose but, like Alderweireld, struggled to cope with Shane Long's speed. 6/12 Danny Rose: 6 The full back was charged with stifling an in-form Sadio Mane and won his individual duel. Far from flawless, but refused to give up on a number of lost causes and bombed up and down the flank in searing heat. 7/12 Eric Dier: 6 The midfielder did not look as assured without Mousa Dembele alongside him and was bypassed by Davis far too easily for the Northern Irishman's second goal. 8/12 Ryan Mason: 5 Started well enough but when Southampton began to turn the screw the game passed the midfielder by. Simply unable to fill Dele Alli's shoes. Julian Finney/Getty Images 9/12 Erik Lamela: 6 Involved in plenty of nice interchanges and claimed an assist for the goal, even if his pass did not appear to be intentionally aimed at Heung-min Son. 10/12 Christian Eriksen: 6 Missed an early chance, which ended up epitomising his entire performance. Encouraging in glimpses but, overall, lacking a cutting edge. 11/12 Heung-min Son: 7 Tottenham's best players. The South Korean scored his fourth goal of the season with an accomplished finish when he refused to give up on what was a lost cause and got his just rewards. A real livewire but eventually ran out of steam and was withdrawn. 12/12 Harry Kane: 6 Not the striker's best afternoon. He did not fashion many chances and spurned the ones which fell his way, the most notable of which was an effort on the stroke of half time when it appeared easier to pass to Erik Lamela rather than go it alone. 1/12 Player Ratings? Who impressed at the Lane? 2/12 Hugo Lloris: 5 The Frenchman had little to do throughout the game but was at fault for Steven Davis' equaliser on the half-hour mark and will be disappointed with himself. 3/12 Kyle Walker: 5 Although Dusan Tadic proved to be a little workshy in regards to tracking back Walker rarely got the better of the Serbian midfielder, who was a constant threat. 4/12 Toby Alderweireld: 6 Caught out by Shane Long's pace on a couple of occasions and did not cut the composed figure which has earned him so many plaudits this season. 5/12 Jan Vertonghen: 6 Stepped out from defence confidently whenever the opportunity arose but, like Alderweireld, struggled to cope with Shane Long's speed. 6/12 Danny Rose: 6 The full back was charged with stifling an in-form Sadio Mane and won his individual duel. Far from flawless, but refused to give up on a number of lost causes and bombed up and down the flank in searing heat. 7/12 Eric Dier: 6 The midfielder did not look as assured without Mousa Dembele alongside him and was bypassed by Davis far too easily for the Northern Irishman's second goal. 8/12 Ryan Mason: 5 Started well enough but when Southampton began to turn the screw the game passed the midfielder by. Simply unable to fill Dele Alli's shoes. Julian Finney/Getty Images 9/12 Erik Lamela: 6 Involved in plenty of nice interchanges and claimed an assist for the goal, even if his pass did not appear to be intentionally aimed at Heung-min Son. 10/12 Christian Eriksen: 6 Missed an early chance, which ended up epitomising his entire performance. Encouraging in glimpses but, overall, lacking a cutting edge. 11/12 Heung-min Son: 7 Tottenham's best players. The South Korean scored his fourth goal of the season with an accomplished finish when he refused to give up on what was a lost cause and got his just rewards. A real livewire but eventually ran out of steam and was withdrawn. 12/12 Harry Kane: 6 Not the striker's best afternoon. He did not fashion many chances and spurned the ones which fell his way, the most notable of which was an effort on the stroke of half time when it appeared easier to pass to Erik Lamela rather than go it alone.

With European club football to follow on his return next season Lamela is convinced that Tottenham remains the right place for him to develop next season.

“Honestly, I feel comfortable in Tottenham, I'd like to stay one more year here. We are a brave group, very competitive. Hopefully everyone can stay together so we can improve and win some [form of] title. This year it was not possible but we were close and we will play the Champions League now,” Lamela told TyCSports.com.

“The balance is good. We are second, and a draw is enough for us to be the runner-up. It's very positive. Before starting, we just wanted to finish well. We are a young team that will continue to work hard to win the title next year.”