Toda set for Spurs exit

The Japanese international midfielder joined Spurs on a 12-month deal in January but has failed to play this season due to a calf injury.

The 25-year-old is running out of time to prove himself and Spurs caretaker boss David Pleat says that the club are unlikely to offer him a deal in January.

"As it stands now, no. There is increasing competition for places in midfield. We probably would not sign him now," Pleat was quoted as saying by Nikkan Sports.

Toda could now return to J-League club Shimizu S-Pulse once his loan expires unless he can get into the Spurs team and produce some dazzling displays.

Toda moved to White Hart Lane following a trial spell at Sunderland, but his career has dipped as he has also been told he is not needed by new Japan coach Zico.

He won 20 caps for his country previous to Zico's appointment under former coach Philippe Troussier but now faces a battle to get back on track.