Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho admitted he could end Gedson Fernandes' loan spell from Benfica early in January.
The midfield flop has failed to make an impact in North London since joining from the Portuguese club on an 18-month loan, making just one appearance for Tottenham this season.
Spurs have healthy competition for places in central midfield, with Fernandes findinf himself low down in the pecking order behind the likes of Pierre Emile Hojberg, Giovani Lo Celso, Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele.
Mourinho has entertained the idea of ending the 21-year-old's loan spell early and letting him return to Benfica in the January transfer window if the interest is there.