Alex Pritchard closing on full-fitness and unlikely to leave Tottenham on loan

Alex Pritchard is close to a return to full fitness after an injury-hit season

Alex Pritchard will return to full training next week and is unlikely to be leaving Tottenham on loan during the winter transfer window, according to Sky sources.

The 22-year-old has been out since last August after surgery on his right ankle in October, but he is expected to be in contention for the Premier League match at home to Sunderland on January 16.

Sky sources understand that Norwich and Swansea would be interested in taking Pritchard for the rest of the season, but head coach Mauricio Pochettino wants him as part of his plans.

It is understood Pochettino is against letting a number of his fringe players - including midfielder Harry Winks and defender Kevin Wimmer - leave the club on loan at such a crucial part of the season.

A number of Championship clubs would be interested in loaning Winks including MK Dons, Blackburn and Bristol City, while Wimmer is wanted back in Germany, also on a temporary basis.

Pritchard thrived on a season-long loan at Brentford last season before signing a new four-year contract last August.

He originally injured his ankle while playing for England's U21s at the European Championships last June and subsequently missed most of pre-season, but he featured as an 85th minute substitute in the 0-0 draw at home to Everton on August 29.