After failing to establish himself at the Emirates Stadium, Vela moved on loan to Sociedad at the start of the season.

And he has enjoyed the most prolific season of his career, hitting 12 goals in 34 La Liga outings.

Sociedad are desperate to keep hold of Vela beyond his current spell and it appeared as though the Mexico international was also ready to make his loan permanent.

The former Real Madrid and Valladoid custodian is not very highly regarded by Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, who chose to play Heurelho Gomes against Portsmouth despite the Brazilian having an injury. After the game, Redknapp said,  “We need another good goalkeeper and if I’d had confidence in the Spanish keeper [Cesar Sanchez] then I would’ve played him”

Valencia recently parted company with Timo Hildebrand, who has joined German Bundesliga leaders TSG Hoffenheim.

Redknapp is also considering bringing Carlo Cudicini to White Hart Lane as backup for Gomes.