Erik Lamela
Erik Lamela is finally starting to show signs of his ability at White Hart Lane Getty

Erik Lamela has said he feels an "important" part of the Tottenham Hotspur squad but has refused to rule out a return to Serie A. The Argentina international was heavily linked with a move back to Italy during the summer transfer window after his father admitted talks had taken place with Inter Milan.

The 23-year-old moved to North London in the summer of 2013 for a club record fee of around £26m ($39m) after netting 15 goals for Roma in the 2012-2013 campaign. However after failing to replicate that form in his first two seasons at White Hart Lane he was tipped to follow the likes of Roberto Soldado, Paulinho and Etienne Capoue by leaving the club.

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Marseille and Juventus were reportedly interested in securing his services, while his agent and father suggested that a move to Serie A was preferred due to the Italian style of play, specifically mentioning Inter.

Lamela, however, stayed in North London and has finally started to show glimpses of his true talent, scoring four goals and providing three assists in his 16 appearances so far this year.

Asked after the 0-0 draw against Chelsea whether he was still chasing a return to Serie A, the Argentinian said, as quoted by Tutto Mercatto: "I don't think there has been interest [from Italy clubs] and I've always only thought about Tottenham, who make me feel important. For the moment my transfer [to another club] is difficult but perhaps in the future, why not. Even to Roma."

Lamela, meanwhile, refused to set a target for Spurs this season, although he admitted his delight over the form that has seen them go unbeaten since the opening day loss to Manchester United.

"We are fifth in the table and have gone many games without a defeat. We have to continue like this, facing the challenges game by game and just think about the next game. "