Tim Sherwood has given a strong indication that Lewis Holtby will be allowed to leave Tottenham this winter, admitting some of his players could depart on loan.
Holtby has been linked with a move away from Spurs this January, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly keen to secure his signature. The midfielder has not played in the first team since December and Sherwood said he could understand the Germany international's frustrations.
"I like Lewis, he is a good lad and one of the best trainers we've got. But having played the game myself I understand all players want to play. And if they are not getting a lot of opportunities, sometimes you have to be fair to the players," he said.
Sherwood revealed that Etienne Capoue, who has recently slipped behind Nabil Bentaleb in the midfield pecking order, is in a similar situation to Holtby. The Frenchman joined Tottenham only last summer for £9m, when Spurs with André Villas-Boas at the helm spent more than £100m on seven new players, but has not featured since New Year's Day.
Sherwood said: "[It's the] same with him. He's a good lad who hasn't given me a moment's problem. I've gone with Nabil because I knew him and I am getting to know Etienne as well now.
"You have to be fair to the players. We have a lot of players in that midfield area and if the opportunity is right then we will let the player move on it."
