Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major transfer blow in their pursuit of winger Christian Atsu.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has sent scouts to watch the player in Champions League action this season, The Sunday People claimed at the weekend, with a £12 million price-tag placed on Atsu’s head by FC Porto.

However, the Ghanaian international is desperate to stay at the Estadio do Dragao, as Porto fight for another Primeira Liga title this season under manager Vitor Pereira.

"We are in talks to renew the contract. Porto are a great club and I want to stay. These things are in the hands of my manager. I only think about playing, nothing more," said Atsu, according to A Bola.

Villas-Boas knows the 20-year-old well, having promoted him to the senior side whilst in charge of the Portuguese giants.

However, Atsu’s desire to stay with his current club means a move to White Hart Lane is unlikely, forcing the Tottenham Hotspur chief to look elsewhere in the transfer market.

AVB already has quality on the wings in the shape of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon, although the addition of Atsu would have provided strong competition as Spurs look to challenge in both the Premier League and Europe.