Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama has 'forgotten' Tottenham transfer saga

Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama has struck a blow to any hopes Tottenham Hotspur had of rekindling their interest in the player by claiming he has "forgotten" the saga that almost ended with his move to White Hart Lane. Spurs pursued the Kenya international for much of the summer transfer window but failed to secure a deal on deadline day.

The Evening Standard understood that the north London club failed with a £20m ($30.4m) bid for Wanyama on the final day of trading in England, while they offered Andros Townsend and Erik Lamela in part exchange in order to force through a move. Mauricio Pochettino's side also missed out on signing Saido Berahino from West Bromwich Albion in a frustrating end to the window for the club.

Wanyama has been almost ever-present for Southampton since coming close to leave St Mary's, featuring in seven of the club's eight Premier League games. Manager Ronald Koeman revealed in September that the player had accepted his future would lie on the south coast and Wanyama has confirmed those claims, saying the failed move to Tottenham is behind him.

"I just don't want to remember that situation," he told The Daily Echo when asked about the aborted move to Tottenham. "I'm happy to go in the pitch and forget what happened, so I'm really looking forward to putting good performances for Southampton. Now I've forgotten what happened. I'm now progressing on my club and it's been good, so I'm looking forward to putting in good performances."

Tottenham allowed several central midfield players to leave in the summer, including Etienne Capoue, Benjamin Stambouli and Paulinho. Though they failed to replace the trio, the form of Dele Alli – signed from Milton Keynes Dons in February – has helped fill the void.

Meanwhile, Wanyama played the full 90 minutes in Southampton's most impressive performance of the season as they overcame champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Steven Davis, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle all found the net in a success that has been hailed as their best ever away win.

"This is special," Wanyama explained after the 3-1 win. "Last season we came here, it was a really tough game. We drew, and coming this season as well we expected a very, very tough game, and we came out here today and showed what we can do. I think this is one of the best away wins. They're a really, really difficult team to beat, especially at Stamford Bridge, so very glad to have the maximum points."