With six goals and eleven assists in 11 games across all competitions, Donley has been by far the finest player in the Under-21 lineup this season (Transfermarkt).
The 18-year-old, who can operate as an attacking midfielder, a number ten, or a conventional striker, was named on the bench by Ange Postecoglou against Liverpool and Wolves. Last week, TEAMtalk reported that Postecoglou is set to have a discussion with the Tottenham hierarchy soon on whether to loan out Donley in January or whether the youngster should continue training with the first team for the rest of the season.
The outlet explained that several League One clubs, including Charlton and Leyton Orient, are alive to the opportunity of the Spurs man being made available on loan.
Could Jamie Donley break into the Spurs first-team?
Jones has now said that there is a growing chance that Donley could make the step up to the senior side sooner rather than later, particularly given the injuries that Postecoglou is dealing with.
The journalist wrote in his column on GiveMeSport: “At a time when cash is king in the Premier League – and finding a Harry Kane replacement is the trendy theme around North London – there is genuine hope for the emergence of an exciting forward who has been part of the club since Under-8s level.
“It’s early days but sources around Spurs believe there is a genuine chance he gets lift off this season. It might not be too long until there’s a new chant around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: ‘Jamie Donley, he’s one of our own!’
“He is described by those close to him as someone who can play anywhere in the front line but also in the No.10 role. Donley’s left foot is a thing of beauty and at a time when Tottenham might need to dig deep for creative resources in the coming weeks, we could be about to see a breakthrough.
“Manor Solomon has joined other creative players including Brennan Johnson, Bryan Gil, Gio Lo Celso and Ivan Perisic – who may have played his last game for the club – on the injury list and as such Postecoglou may soon recognise that Donley not only remains around the first-team but has the chance of making his debut.
“Tottenham have 13 matches between now and the end of the year, giving everyone time to gauge how is best to shape his career in these early stages.”
Spurs Web Opinion
This is where having no European football can prove a little costly as the Conference League or the Europa League might have been the ideal stage to test out the likes of Donley, Dorrington, Phillips and Veliz so that Ange can see whether they sink or swim.