White Hot Lines

   Tottenham lost 2-3 to Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium this afternoon.  Click here for a match report and here for reaction.
   Striker Jermain Defoe will miss the next 3-4 weeks with a foot injury that he picked up in training.  it was originally thought he would be out for the rest of the season with a broken bone, but the injury does not appear to be as bad as first thought.
   Harry Redknapp wrote in his column in the Sun that he is unlikely to make any more signings unless a special player becomes available, but that was before the news of Defoe's injury broke.
   The Daily Mirror claim that Darren Bent is still a loan target for Everton, as they are hit by injury up front.
   Portsmouth have bought Giovani Dos Santos for £7 million from Tottenham, according to the Sun, but with a large sell-on clause owing to Barcelona if Spurs move him on within two years, this would leave the club out of pocket on the deal which brought him to White Hart Lane, which could have cost as much as £8.5 million.  The paper says Tottenham paid £4.7 million for the 19 year old attacking midfielder.
   Marseille defender Taye Taiwo has said he would love to move to the Premier League and with Harry Redknapp having watched the left back it is a move which might take place, with Spurs needing cover in this area.  A fee of £5 million would secure the Nigerian according to the Sun.
   The same paper claims Reading have turned down a staged £5 million payment for winger Stephen Hunt from Wigan Athletic and this could let Tottenham in should they be willing to put the money down in one lump.
   Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has been rebuffed in his attempts to sign a midfielder from Tottenham either on loan or permanently.  His opposite number Harry Redknapp said that none of the present midfielders would be leaving although no specific names were mentioned.
   The Spurs Youth team lost out in the semi-final of the Chivas tournament in Mexico to local team FC Atlas 0-1.  Tottenham had been reduced to ten men, when Yuri Berchiche was dismissed for an off the ball incident.
   We have been notified of a collaboration between Jimmy Greaves and co-writing partner Norman Giller to put together a book about the history of White Hart Lane.  It will be published in the autumn as "The Lane of Dreams".   The authors are looking for supporters of all ages to share their White Hart Lane memories for publication in the book, and I have set up a website at http://thelaneofdreams.co.uk would be grateful if you could go online there to make your contribution.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Edwin van der Sar has set a new league record of 1,122 minutes without conceding a league goal, beating the previous mark set by Reading's Steve Death in 1979 ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Spurs might be in with a chance of signing Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz after the money dries up according to this strap-line on the Daily Express website ... "Mark Hughes has made his final, £2million offer to Blackburn for Roque Santa Cruz as he steps up his efforts to bring in another striker before Monday’s transfer deadline."

   The Independent claim that Spurs have ended their interest in Liverpool's Robbie Keane, as Liverpool would not entertain a swap deal and wanted a straight cash deal at the cost of the £20.3 million they paid for him in the summer.
   While on the same theme, the Sun reports that Liverpool are thinking of reporting Spurs for "tapping up" Keane.
   Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has said that striker Lukas Podolski could have joined Spurs or Manchester City for 20 million Euros in the summer rather than the move he will make to 1FC Koln for half that amount, but the German international forward wanted to return to his former club.
   Also in the Independent, they claim that Harry Redknapp has knocked back inquiries about the availability of Tom Huddlestone from Fulham and Newcastle United, as he sees the midfielder as part of his future plans for the team.
   Blackburn Rovers are to be offered £10 million plus Darren Bent for Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz to join Spurs according to the Daily Express.
   The same paper also claims that Harry Redknapp is still keen on buying Robbie Keane, Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt and Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.
   The Daily Mail claims that Sunderland are interested in buying David Bentley from Spurs.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  New signing Wilson Palacios is available to make his debut for Spurs in midfield, as is returning defender Pascal Chimbonda.  Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini might keep his place in the team with Heurelho Gomes still struggling with a thigh problem.  Ledley King and Alan Hutton are still out injured.
   BOLTON WANDERERS TEAM NEWS : -  Bolton will be missing striker Johan Elmander, defenders Nicky Hunt and Joey O'Brien, midfielder Gavin McCann all through injury, but have no other worries heading into the match with Spurs.
   For a preview of tomorrow's match, click here.
   Damien Comolli has said that Dimitar Berbatov is the reason why Tottenham are where they are this season.  The Frenchman said that the Bulgarian striker destabilised the club by saying he was no longer going to play for them and then made it difficult to replace him by leaving so late in the transfer window.  However, Comolli did admit that when he joined Spurs, he did not realise that it would be so difficult for the club to break into the top four.
   The semi-finals of the Chivas tournament await the Tottenham Under-18 side as they drew 1-1 with Morelia and then won a penalty shoot-out 4-2, with keeper Oscar Jansson saving two shots from the spot.  Tottenham's goal in normal time came from Jon Obika.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Rafa Benitez has blasted Spurs for Tottenham for tapping up Robbie Keane.  Ooops, we will be in trouble now, because I think I just did it then.

   Reserve central defender Dorian Dervite has joined Southend United on loan until the end of the season.
   Spurs may offer Darren Bent to Blackburn Rovers should they beat Manchester City to the signing of striker Roque Santa Cruz, who they may bid £20 million for as the Daily Mirror reports.  The paper also claim that Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Jenas, David Bentley and Aaron Lennon are also up for offer as part of the deal.
   Sky Sports News report that Tottenham have enquired of Liverpool about the availability of forward Robbie Keane.
   The Metro newspaper claims that Fulham have identified Tom Huddlestone as the player to replace Jimmy Bullard in their midfield and rate the Spurs man at £3 million.
   Olympique Lyonnais striker Fred's representative claims that the player will not join Tottenham, as there have been untrue stories about his meeting with the club. His brother, who is his agent, said that Harry Redknapp was supposed to go to France to meet Fred on Sunday, but did not show up and the player did not agree to meet in London.  For this reason, he said his client will not be interested in any further contact with Spurs.
   It is claimed that Sunderland may sell forward Kenwyne Jones for just £6 million.  Whether this is a clause in his contract or not, the report in the Sun did not stipulate.
   Tottenham's youth team progressed to the quarter-finals of the Chivas tournament in Mexico with a 2-0 win over local club Cruz Azul, with a Yaser Kasim penalty and a goal from Harry Kane putting Spurs safely through.
   You can hear Wyart Lane's take on the Spurs situation as he takes part in the Absolute Radio Sports Podcast.  Click here to hear the interview in the Banter Bar and take part in the online discussion.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Wembley will host the 2011 Champions League final, while the Europa Championship (the new format for the UEFA Cup) final will be held in Dublin that year ... ... 

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God Bless John Martyn R.I.P.

   Tottenham's game against Aston Villa to be played on Saturday 14th March, will be moved to a 4:00 p.m. kick off on Sunday 15th March for coverage by Sky TV.
   The Daily Mirror reckons that Internazionale and Juventus want to take midfielder Luka Modric to Italy, with Inter willing to offer 35 year old defender Marco Materazzi in return for the Croatian schemer.
   There are reports in the Independent that Spurs are planning a move for Liverpool's Robbie Keane who has fallen out of favour and fallen out with Rafa Benitez.  Worryingly, some of the stories claim that we will swap either Aaron Lennon or Jermaine Jenas plus £6 million for the forward who the Merseyside club still owe Tottenham £10 million for.  Manchester City (surprise, surprise ) and Newcastle United are also watching the Irishman's situation.
   Giovani Dos Santos has said that he does not want to leave Tottenham, but wants to put his injuries behind him and has ambition to succeed at White Hart Lane.
   Steve Bruce has hit out at Manchester City over their dealings in signing Craig Bellamy and unsettling Wilson Palacios at Wigan Athletic.  Bruce said that the behaviour from City in showing interest in the Honduran midfielder made him think about moving on, but when they plumped for Bellamy, Palacios had decided to go and Spurs moved in for him.
   The Daily Express feature a report on West Ham United that contains their chief executive Scott Duxberry goes into a bit of one and says he will never again sell a player to Tottenham, following the controversy over Craig Bellamy's departure from the Irons.
   Juande Ramos has issued a statement on his website to deny that he said that Tottenham were keen to sell Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane to bring in money for the club, without worrying what it did to the team.  Ramos, now Head Coach of Real Madrid, has said that he has a very good relationship with chairman Daniel Levy.

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   Tottenham beat Stoke City 3-1 at White Hart Lane tonight.  For a match report, click here and for reaction click here.
   Spurs transfer target Kenwyne Jones will not be leaving his club after he signed a new contract at Sunderland.
   Spurs transfer target Steve Harper will not be leaving for Tottenham after he signed a new contract at Newcastle United.
   PSV Eindhoven have told the media that they will not be making a bid for their former goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.
   The Daily Mail say that now the Kenwyne Jones link is dead, Tottenham will turn their attention to Olympique Lyonnais striker Fred.
   Apparently, Fred failed to turn up for talks with Harry Redknapp after the game tonight and therefore, the deal might not come off although Lyon are only asking for a small fee, as he will be out of contract in the summer.
   Tottenham have been widely linked with a move for out of favour Liverpool striker Robbie Keane, as have Manchester City.
   A decision on whether to offer Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah a contract will be made after he plays in the reserves at Reading tomorrow night.
   Spurs Under-18s won 5-0 against Staeback of Norway in the Chivas tournament in Mexico, with the goal-scorers being Jon Obika, Ryan Mason, Yuri Berchiche, Harry Kane and Adam Smith.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

   Tottenham signed Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini on a free transfer today.  The 35 year old Italian keeper has been back up to Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge, but comes in at Tottenham to give competition for Heurelho Gomes for the number one position.
   Spurs also completed the transfer that saw the return to White Hart Lane of defender Pascal Chimbonda.  The 29 year old signed from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee, but it is thought to be around £3 million.  Chimbonda returns only six months after joining the Stadium of Light club and signed 15 minutes too late to be considered for tomorrow night's match against Stoke City.
   Leaving the Lane is midfielder Hossam Ghaly, who signed for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr for an undisclosed fee.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Ledley King's knee injury keeps him out of the side, along with Jamie O'Hara's hip problem and Alan Hutton's broken foot.  Heurelho Gomes' thigh injury will prevent him from playing and new signing Carlo Cudicini may step straight into the side between the sticks.  Jermaine Jenas, Darren Bent, Aaron Lennon and Jonathan Woodgate all trained today and might be available, while Luka Modric felt better having had hamstring and back problems during the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford on Saturday.
   STOKE CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Ricardo Fuller is back in the squad after his three match ban for slapping team-mate and captain Andy Griffin.  Danny Higginbotham has a calf strain and is out of the match.
   Former Spurs defender Colin Calderwood's appointment as a coach at Newcastle United until the end of the season has been confirmed today.
   Following Robbie Keane's walk out after being over-looked for yesterday's FA Cup tie with Everton, Harry Redknapp has been linked with a move for the former Spurs striker.
   The Daily Mirror reports that Spurs are willing to swap Giovani Dos Santos for striker Fred of Olympique Lyonnais.  The 24 year old Brazilian forward has been the subject of an approach by Spurs already this transfer window and further talks have been on-going.
   Alex Smithies, the 18 year old goalkeeper at Huddersfield Town, will not be leaving the club for anything less than £1 million according to manager Lee Clark.  Portsmouth, Everton, Spurs, QPR and Chelsea are all watching the situation of the player whose contract is set to expire in the summer.
   In the Daily Mirror, there is a story stating that Burnley are writing to the FA to question why Jermain Defoe was eligible to play in the second leg when he was not allowed to play in the first leg.  The Clarets appear to be trying to get Spurs thrown out for playing an ineligible player as they claim Defoe should have been registered as a Spurs player before the tie and not just the second leg.  However, the Football League have said that the Tottenham forward was OK to play in the second leg of the semi-final.
   Chris Foy will be the referee for the League Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday 1st March.
   The Under-18 side played a further game in the Chivas tournament in Mexico today, winning 1-0 against Deportivo Universidad Catolitica with the goal being scored by Ryan Mason.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Hull City are seeking compensation from Millwall after the South London club's fans ripped out seats at the KC stadium on Saturday.  Luton Town are thinking of putting in a back-dated claim for a similar incident in , which, with the interest, might take them into a healthy financial position.

   The News of the World says Spurs will bid £6 million plus Darren Bent for Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones.  The People reckon it was a straight £15 million bid, but that Spurs are keen to off-load Bent to West Ham United, who are interested, but that deal might involve a swap rather than a sale.
   Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini's loyalty to Chelsea will be rewarded with a free transfer to Tottenham according to the NotW.
   The paper also claim that Spurs will have to be quick if they want to sign Stephen Hunt from Reading ,with manager Steve Coppell wanting £5 million by Monday or the winger will move to Wigan Athletic.  The People report that Hunt does not want to go to Wigan, but would prefer a move to Everton.
   Still on a Spurs theme, the paper reckons that Harry Redknapp failed with a bid for Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, but will return to ask Martin O'Neill about 27 year old former Reading full back Nicky Shorey - possibly on loan.
   Jose Mourinho has hinted that he may may a move for Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas to take him to Internazionale.
   Over at the People, it seems like they have been hitting the sherry or I hope they have, as they report that Tottenham are to make a shock move for Newcastle United's Australian striker Mark Viduka on loan until the end of the season to partner Jermain Defoe and provide a physical presence up front.  Shock ??  Well, that is an understatement.
   The same paper claims that Steve Harper, Newcastle United's second string goalkeeper, will be joining Tottenham for £4 million.
   The Under-18 side drew 0-0 with FC Caracas in Mexico in the Chivas tournament today.

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   Tottenham lost 1-2 to Manchester United in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup at Old Trafford tonight.  For a match report, click here and for reaction, click here.
   The Daily Mail run a story claiming that Sunderland are considering a swap deal for striker Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent plus £6 million.  I am not sure a cash balance is necessary, as a straight swap would be about right.
   Should this deal fail, then Harry Redknapp has a Plan B in making another attempt for West Ham United forward Carlton Cole, even though the Irons have told him not to bother.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... After crowd trouble in the FA Cup game between Hull City and Millwall, the Lions manager Kenny Jackett said that, "I don't think it was off-putting for us."  Familiarity breeds contempt and all that ??

   Goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez has left the club with his contract being cancelled by mutual consent.  Reports hint that he has joined Valencia in his native country.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  With Alan Hutton (foot), Jamie O'Hara (hip), Ledley King (hamstring), Luka Modric (hamstring), Aaron Lennon (groin), Vedran Corluka (groin), Heurelho Gomes (thigh), Darren Bent (groin), Jermaine Jenas (calf) and Jonathan Woodgate (back) all injured, it will leave the squad shorn of regulars from the first team as they face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup.  The team will feature Ben Alnwick, Giovani Dos Santos, Ricardo Rocha and Adel Taarabt will all feature, possibly alongside Chris Gunter and Gareth Bale, with teenage goalkeeper Mirko Ranieri on the bench.
   MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Late fitness tests might be required for old-timers Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, but definitely out are Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Wayne Rooney, Jonny Evans, Nani, Patrice Evra, Rafael, Anderson, Ji-Sung Park and Owen Hargreaves.  A selection of big names and younger players will probably make up the United side to take the field.
   For a preview of the FA Cup tie against Manchester United, click here.
   The Daily Star is linking Spurs with an £8 million bid for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole, after allegedly having had an approach turned down at the beginning of the month.
   In the Guardian, they claim that Juventus are after Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt, but hint that Spurs might be in for the Dutchman too.
   A text to chairman Daniel Levy is said to have arrived from Middlesbrough striker Mido, who is desperate to get away from the North-East club and is asking for a return to White Hart Lane, according to the Sun.  Today he joined Wigan Athletic on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season

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   OTHER NEWS ... Jan Poortvliet has resigned as manager of SCBC ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Steven Gerrard today denied causing an assault on a DJ in a Southport nightclub just after Christmas.  When asked what he was doing in court, he said that he had been told by his manager to get into the box more often.

   As with most of our transfer targets, Manchester City have stepped in to try and buy Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini.
   Saudi Arabian club Al Nasar claim they have signed Hossam Ghaly.
   Spurs are being linked with Le Mans 26 year old goalkeeper Yohann Pele, as are Portsmouth.
   Former Spurs defender Guy Butters has gone on loan from Havant & Waterlooville to Lewes.
   Tottenham's game away at Sunderland on Sunday 1st March will now have to be re-arranged because of the club's involvement in the League Cup final.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... 

   Spurs lost 2-3 to Burnley after extra-time in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final tonight at Turf Moor.  The score at 90 minutes was 0-3.  For a match report click here and for reaction click here.
   Tottenham completed the signing of Wigan Athletic midfielder Wilson Palacios for a fee estimated to be around £12 million today.  The move is subject to the 24 year old Honduran Palacios gaining a work permit.
   Spurs today announced that they will be freezing the price of season tickets for the next two seasons. 
   The Daily Mail claim that Spurs have completed the £1 million signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.
   Internazionale have denied that Tottenham have made a bid for their defender Marco Materazzi, contrary to a story on Sky Sports website saying Spurs were after the World Cup winning Italian international.
   The Daily Mirror reckons it is Materazzi's team-mate, Argentinian defender Nicolas Burdisso, who is the real target for Tottenham, who will bid £7 million.
   The Sun report that Brazilian defender Gilberto is set to join Spanish club Getafe.
   Football 365 claim that Spurs and Hull City have had Malaga midfielder Apono watched at the weekend.
   It is also reported on Football 365 that Spurs have allowed goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez to join Valencia for the rest of the season.
   Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant was a late transfer target for Tottenham before he joined Portsmouth on loan.  The Guardian claim that Spurs might move for him again in the summer.
   Academy striker Jonathan Obika has signed his first professional contract with the club.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Norwich City have named Bryan Gunn as their manager until the end of the season ... ... 

   Spurs expect the signing of midfielder Wilson Palacios to go through after he had his medical today and his personal terms were agreed.  The fee had been agreed with Wigan Athletic and will be paid over two years and not the four Tottenham wanted.  It is reported that Palacios will quadruple his wages at Wigan of £.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs will be missing injury victims Alan Hutton (foot), Jermaine Jenas (calf), Ledley King (hamstring), Heurelho Gomes (groin), Aaron Lennon (groin) and Vedran Corluka (thigh).  Benoit Assou-Ekotto is back after his suspension and Ben Alnwick starts in goal for the first time.  David Bentley will begin in the team, as it will see a big change of personnel.
   BURNLEY TEAM NEWS : - .
   Click here for a match preview of the League Cup semi-final second leg match at Burnley, click here.
   The Daily Mail claim that Martin Jol wants to take Tom Huddlestone to SV Hamburg, where he is the manager.  Having seen Huddlestone drop out of the team and may be further down the pecking order after Spurs sign Palacios, he thinks the club might be willing to cash in on the England Under-21 midfielder.
   Out of favour goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez is wanted by Valencia and is also interesting Espanyol.
   Hossam Ghaly is being looked at by Saudi Arabian side Al Nasar.
   The Sun claim that Chelsea might consider a move for David Bentley to replace the injured Joe Cole.
   Reserve captain and centre-half Troy Archibald-Henville has gone on a month's loan to Exeter City.
   Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones will the target for Harry Redknapp offering cash plus a player (believed to be Darren Bent), but, perhaps understandably, Ricky Sbragia is not interested in the deal.
   The UEFA Cup Round of 32 first leg tie against Shakthar Donetsk has been moved from Wednesday 18th February to Thursday 19th February with the match kicking off at 20:45 local time or 18:45 UK time.
   The reserve game against Portsmouth reserves at Havant and Waterlooville FC was postponed tonight.
   Tottenham's Youth team's game in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup against Plymouth Argyle will be played on Wednesday 11th February at Home Park with a 19:00 kick off.
   Former Spurs defender and reserve team manager Colin Calderwood looks set to link up with former Tottenham colleague Chris Hughton at Newcastle United.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Walsall appoint Chris Hutchings as their new manager ... ... 

   CRIMEWATCH ... Middlesbrough have been charged by the FA with failing to control their player who swarmed all over Mark Halsey when he sent off Didier Digard in Saturday's defeat at West Bromwich Albion ... Joe Kinnear and Phil Brown have been charged with improper conduct by the FA after both managers came head to head and were sent to the stand in the recent FA Cup tie between Newcastle United and Hull City ... Three Spurs fans pleaded guilty to singing indecent songs about Sol Campbell at Portsmouth earlier this season ...

   Spurs are said to have made a "gentleman's agreement" with Manchester City over the transfers of Craig Bellamy and Wilson Palacios.  With West Ham United not willing to do business with Spurs, Welsh striker Bellamy was allowed to join City, while Tottenham will secure the capture of Honduran midfielder Palacios on Tuesday.  Both deals are said to be worth £14 million.  However, the deal for the Wigan player may be in doubt, as Spurs want to pay for him over the space of four years according to the Daily Star.
   After sustaining injuries in yesterday's game against Portsmouth, There has been good news for Tottenham.  Ledley King has only strained his hamstring and should only be out for weeks, while Roman Pavyluchenko has recovered form his kick on the ankle and could be fit for the game on Wednesday.
   Harry Redknapp is said to have made a £2 million bid for Newcastle United reserve keeper Steve Harper, but the Magpies want to hold onto him in case Shay Given leaves.
   The Daily Mail pick up the story about Internazionale's interest in Jermaine Jenas, who believes he has no future at White Hart Lane, but Jose Mourinho has said the story may have come about by him saying he had Jenas and Gareth Bale in his Fantasy Football League team. Both players have since been shipped out of the side.
   The Daily Mirror reckons that Tottenham will challenge Wigan Athletic for the £5 million signing of Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Bournemouth have announced Eddie Howe as their new manager on a permanent basis after taking the job as a caretaker manager ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... It looks like Kaka will turn his back on Manchester City's millions and stay at AC Milan.  I wonder if any other players would have such strength of conviction in the face of being offered £500,000 a week.  Full credit to the man !!

   Spurs drew 1-1 with Portsmouth at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report and here for reaction.
   Injuries during the game might rule some Spurs players out from upcoming games.  Definitely out for a long spell is Ledley King, who tore a hamstring, while Roman Pavlyuchenko might be available sooner than thought after a bad tackle from Sean Davis caught him on the ankle.  Heurelho Gomes limped through the match with his groin injury and Aaron Lennon and Vedran Corluka both played through the second half with groin and thigh problems respectively.
   Manchester City are bidding to beat Spurs to the signing of Wigan Athletic midfielder Wilson Palacios says the News of the World.  Graham Roberts revealed on TalkSport after today's game that he had it from a good source that Palcios would sign for Spurs in the next two days after the deal was back on.
   While the Daily Express claim that City will also win the race to buy Craig Bellamy from West Ham United for £13 million, although many other papers say it will be £14 million.  The Sunday Mirror claim that fans have bombarded Spurs websites complaining against the possible signing of the Welsh international.  Late on it was reported on Match of the Day 2, that Bellamy had been given permission to talk to Manchester City after a bid had been accepted.  Phew !!
   The News of the World report that Tottenham have an interest in Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, who Harry Redknapp knew at West Ham United.  The stumbling block could be a £10 million price tag Villa want for the 24 year old and the fact that he would be swapping one end of the table for the other.  Let's hope so.
   The same paper links Spurs and Arsenal battling for Hungarian defender Mate Toth of Gyori Eto, who would cost £2 million .
   The Daily Star Sunday claims that Darren Bent is on his way out of White Hart Lane.
   The People indicate that Bent could be one half of a double transfer to Everton, with David Bentley the other target for the Merseyside club.  David Moyes wants £12 million rated striker Bent and to have the winger on loan until the end of the season, although the paper believes that the club would listen to offers for Bentley, who has not settled in at White Hart Lane since his move in the summer.  Should Bent go, it will free up money for Redknapp to bring in Kenwyne Jones from Sunderland.
   Newcastle United reserve keeper Steve Harper is a target for Tottenham according to the Sunday Mirror.
   Former Spurs defender Pascal Chimbonda might be making a return to the club, with Sunderland willing to let him leave for £3 million, reduced from the £4.5 million they signed the 29 year old for in the summer.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Martin Ling left Leyton Orient as manager by mutual consent this afternoon ... ... 

   The proposed transfer of midfielder Wilson Palacios from Wigan Athletic to Tottenham for £14 million may not be a smooth as expected.  The layer himself seems to want to stay in the north West and now Manchester City and Manchester United are both set to enter the bidding.
   Internazionale manager Jose Mourinho would be willing to let either Adriano or Hernan Crespo go to Tottenham but would want Jermaine Jenas and Gareth Bale going the other way as part of the deal.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Newcastle United's fighting spirit came to the fore when Joey Barton confronted team-mate Jose Enrique after the third Blackburn Rovers goal had gone in.

   Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has said that he thinks the deal to take Wilson Palacios to Tottenham is virtually done.  Rumoured to be worth £14 million, the deal may be completed soon, although other parties have also been linked with the 24 year old Honduran midfielder.  Some sources reckon Jermaine Jenas might be offered as part of the deal.
   Sky Sports say that Tottenham's interest in Internazionale striker Adriano has ended, but that they have approached AC Milan for Hernan Crespo.  However, later Harry Redknapp said that just because he was at a match that Crespo was playing in, it didn't mean that he was about to sign every player in the match.  Crespo has said he would turn down a move back to the Premier League anyway.
   Frighteningly striker Craig Bellamy has turned down a new contract offer from West Ham United, saying he wants to leave and join Tottenham.
   Sky Sports claim that Jose Mourinho wants to sign midfielder Jermaine Jenas for Internazionale, although Redknapp later said that he wants to keep Jenas, as he is a central part of his plans at the club.
   Striker Darren Bent is in demand, with the Daily Mirror claiming that Aston Villa will make a £14 million bid for him and Sunderland will take Bent in part exchange for forward Kenwyne Jones.  The Sun claim that Spurs have upped their £14 million offer for the Trinidad striker, but Harry Redknapp said that the club will not pursue the player further after their bid for him was turned down.
   Tottenham are believed to have only to offer £5 million to Reading and niggly Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt can be theirs.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -   Calf injury victim Jermaine Jenas is set to miss out, but Heurelho Gomes has been training again after injuring a groin at Wigan.  Benoit Assou-Ekotto is still suspended and Alan Hutton's foot injury means he will not be considered.
   PORTSMOUTH TEAM NEWS : -   Papa Bouba Diop and Richard Hughes are both out with long term injuries, while midfielder Sean Davis and striker David Nugent are both expected to be fit for the match.
   For a match preview ahead of the Pompey game, click here.

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... no really, this was on the BBC website ... West Ham prodigy Tyler Rix has turned his back on the club after being offered a £1m record deal to play saxophone.

   Today's Tottenham bid turned down subject is Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones, who the Wearside club knocked back £15 million for.
   Someone called Arthur Boka, who is an Ivory Coast international defender, is said to have turned his back on Spurs and signed a new deal with VfB Stuttgart, because he spoke to international team-mate Didier Zokora and said that an offer was made to his club, but he wants guaranteed first team football, which Spurs would not be able to offer him says the Press Association.
   Harry Redknapp's trip to Italy was also said to have included talks over the transfers of defender Nicolas Burdisso of Internazionale and Udinese midfielder Christian Obodo, as any deal for trialist Stephen Appiah is in doubt over his fitness.
   The Independent reports that West Ham United have turned down the offer of a straight swap of Darren Bent for Craig Bellamy.
   The loan deal for Internazionale striker Adriano appears to have fallen down on the Brazilian's wage demands.
   Well-known chucker of balls into his own goal before scooping them out when a yard over the line and getting away with it goalkeeper Roy Carroll is being considered by Harry Redknapp as a £250,000 buy from Derby County to act as a back up for Heurelho Gomes, so the Daily Mirror reckons.
   The Guardian claims that Tottenham are giving a trial to Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, who is a striker with Spartak Moscow and formerly of Arsenal.
   Stockport County's young Welsh keeper Owain Fon Williams is attracting a lot of attention from a large number of clubs.  Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town and Preston North End, as well as Spurs, are all watching the 21-year old goalie's situation as the club are looking to sell players in the January transfer window.
   Having beaten Charlton Athletic last night in the FA Youth Cup, Tottenham's youth side will now face Plymouth Argyle away in the Fifth Round.
   Spurs goalkeeper David Button has gone on loan to Bournemouth of League Two for a month.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... West Ham United have protested about the interest Newcastle United are showing in the Irons' defender Lucas Neill.  They just can't believe the Magpies have enough cash to pay Neill's wages.

For earlier in the month please click here.