Tottenham rethink plans after 'the beast' Sandro is ruled out for the season

Tom Huddlestone had been linked with a £6m move to Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur are planning how to face the rest of the season without their key Brazil midfielder Sandro following his knee surgery on Wednesday. The player himself revealed the severity of the injury immediately afterwards by tweeting: "Sorry guys, but this one really got me, the beast is hurt."

As a result of Sandro's setback, the club have put on hold any discussion of possible moves away from the club in this transfer window for the likes of Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore while they examine what is likely to be the full extent of Sandro's rehabilitation.

Another option for Spurs is to try to bring forward the arrival of Lewis Holtby, the Germany international who has signed a pre-contract to join them from Schalke on a free transfer at the end of the season. They believe that paying a fee to the German club might secure Holtby's services now.

Huddlestone, 26, has been a £6m target for Fulham and negotiations to sign the player were fairly well advanced. Huddlestone has dropped down the pecking order at Spurs and, having spent eight years there, is now ready for a move away in order to play first-team football.

When Tottenham were well-served for midfielders the chairman, Daniel Levy, though against loan moves in general, had been considering allowing Livermore to join Queen's Park Rangers temporarily.

The Tottenham manager, Andre Villas-Boas, is likely to make clear the extent of Sandro's problem at today's press conference in the build-up to Sunday's game against Manchester United. The player limped off in last weekend's game against QPR.

Big brothers: Other sporting beasts

Nikolai Valuev

The "Beast from the East" was a 7ft Russian boxer who was twice WBA heavyweight champ. Beaten by David Haye in 2009.

Julio Baptista

Chunky former Arsenal forward failed to live up to name during year at Emirates. Now at Malaga.

Yohan Blake

Jamaican sprinter, who won three medals at London 2012. Handed nickname by Usain Bolt.

Tendai Mtawarira

South African prop whose tackling provokes spectator cries of "Beast".

Brian Jensen

Imposing Danish goalkeeper who has became a cult figure at Burnley.

Max Mirnyi

Belarusian tennis player who stands 6ft 5in.

Jon Parkin

Much-travelled English striker who is currently with Fleetwood Town