Hamburg chief makes huge Luka Vuskovic transfer claim ahead of Tottenham January decision

Luka Vuskovic has impressed on loan at HSV Hamburg (Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images)

Tottenham's teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic will not return to the club in January and instead see out his season-long loan at HSV Hamburg, according to the German side's sporting director.

Vuskovic joined Spurs from Hajduk Split two years ago but could not make the move to the UK at that time due to work permit regulations. The defender was sent out on loan, first to Radomiak in Poland and then Westerlo in Belgium, before he officially joined the Lilywhites this summer.

The 18-year-old impressed Thomas Frank in pre-season but it was ultimately decided he would be best served getting regular first team football elsewhere, mainly due to the quality of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. A deal was struck with Hamburg and the Croatian has quickly become a star there with the team unbeaten with him at the back since his tough debut against Bayern .

Now, with Vuskovic's reputation increasing by the match, HSV Hamburg sporting director Claus Costa has spoken out about the loan deal and the club's intentions. Speaking to Transfermarkt.de , Costa said: "We had very constructive discussions with Tottenham; they’re a top-professional club, judging by the communication with loan manager Andy Scoulding.

“They’re closely monitoring the player, which shows how they assess Luka. Tottenham isn’t interested in weakening us or ruining the loan.

“It’s understandable that they’re trying to protect themselves against possible worst-case scenarios. Otherwise, I don’t want to comment further.

“I believe Tottenham also knows how good the situation here is for Luka. That’s why I hope we never get into a situation where we have to think about anything else.”

It comes after Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic described the young defender as a "huge talent" , with Vuskovic named on the bench for his country's 0-0 draw with Czech Republic on Thursday.

"A huge talent, he plays excellently in the Bundesliga, and that’s why he got a chance in the senior national team," he said. "I think he should be with us to feel the atmosphere and what awaits him. With him, Croatia secures its centre-back for the next 10-15 years."