White Hot Lines

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Aaron Lennon has come through a week's training without reaction and could be in contention for a starting place in the team, while Ledley King returned to training today and could be in Harry Redknapp's consideration, although it may be more likely that he is saved for Wednesday's match at Manchester City.  The long-term injured players will not be in the squad - Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Vedran Corluka (ankle), Niko Kranjcar (ankle) and Carlo Cudicini (hip/wrist).
   BOLTON WANDERERS TEAM NEWS : -  Stuart Holden might play his first game after fracturing his fibula eight weeks ago, while manager Owen Coyle has some players doubtful for the game in the squad including Ricardo Gardner (leg), Andy O'Brien (knee) and Chris Basham (thigh).  Ankle injuries to Sean Davis and Gavin McCann rule them out of the running and Joey O'Brien (knee) is also side-lined.
   For a preview of the Bolton Wanderers game, click here.
   Gareth Bale has been named as the Barclays Premier League Player of the Month for April.
   The Daily Mail claim there is a stampede of Premier League clubs after Blackburn Rovers' central defender Phil Jones, including Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.
   The Daily Star reckon Atletico Madrid and will vie with Tottenham for the free transfer of Hamit Altintop of Bayern Munich.
   Tomorrow's Under-18 Academy match against Aston Villa has been cancelled as Villa have a punishing schedule of remaining games, so the match will feature two younger age groups from each club and will take place behind closed doors.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Shrewsbury Town have sacked their manager Paul Simpson after failing to reach the promotion play-offs ... 

   Manchester United have been linked with a move for Luka Modric, offering Michael Carrick and a sum of cash to secure the transfer of the Croatian midfielder, according to the Sun.
   The Daily Star reckon Tottenham are tracking the availability of Hamit Altintop of Bayern Munich, who is out of contract in the summer and may be leaving on a free transfer.
   Ingeniously, the Daily Telegraph takes time off the election trail to suggest that West Ham United are generously willing to offer useless central defenders Matthew Upson or James Tomkins to Tottenham, in return for Jamie O'Hara.
   The Daily Mail report that Spurs may be interested in Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici.
   For a preview of Saturday's game against Bolton Wanderers, click here.
   Steven Caulker, Dean Parrett, John Bostock and Andros Townsend have been called up into the England Under-19 squad for the Elite European Under-19 Championship Qualifying games in Ukraine against Ukraine, Republic of Ireland and Bosnia-Herzegovina next month.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The Daily Mail claims that AS Roma are set to offer 31 year old Brazilian goalkeeper Doni to Spurs, Arsenal or Manchester United to raise some money for their own transfers.
   The same paper also reports that Wolverhampton Wanderers want to take Robbie Keane back to his first club on loan for the whole of next season, but Tottenham would prefer a £8 million permanent transfer.
   The Sun thinks Spurs, Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City will be after Notts. County's young goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who will be allowed to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
   The Daily Mirror reckon Sunderland want to pay £5 million to make Alan Hutton's loan deal permanent, with the player enjoying life in the North-East.
   Former Spurs defender Ian Hendon had his contract as manager of Barnet cancelled today.  Managerial adviser Peter Shreeve, former manager of Spurs, has also been released.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Former Spurs keeper Marton Fulop has joined Manchester City on loan until the end of the season to cover their goalkeeping crisis.
   On loan Alan Hutton has had the three match ban given for his sending off against Hull City on Saturday reduced to one match on appeal.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Notts. County secured the League Two championship title tonight with a 5-0 win over already relegated Darlington ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... .

   Not a lot of Spurs news circulating today.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Jamie O'Hara has told the News of the World that he will sit down with Harry Redknapp in the summer when he returns to Tottenham and ask if he is going to be a regular starter in the side next season, because if it means another campaign as a squad member this will lead to him moving out of White Hart Lane to get a first eleven place elsewhere.
   The player was allegedly back at Tottenham last Friday, when Portsmouth sent him to Spurs to have a back injury checked out, with the CSSCC fearing a compensation claim from Spurs should he develop a long-term problem, according to the Sunday Mirror.
   The Mirror also reports that any talks about a permanent deal for Eidur Gudjohnsen have been put off until the end of the season when the outcome of the Champions League places has been decided.
   The same paper claim that Sunderland want to sign Robbie Keane for £8 million from Spurs in the summer.  The article reckons that as Steve Bruce is looking to pay £3.5 million for defender Alan Hutton, that Tottenham will accept a lower fee for the Irishman than the £10 million they wanted in January.
   However, if you believe the News of the World, it is Aston Villa that is the destination for Robbie Keane, who they say will go if Spurs get a bid of over £10 million for him, although Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested in the striker.
   The Sunday People claim that Tottenham are interested in Hull City goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.
   The People also claims that Harry Redknapp will not be given pots of money to spend in the summer unless he clears some players out first.  The likes of Alan Hutton, Robbie Keane, Jermaine Jenas and Jamie O'Hara may be cleared out, as Daniel Levy has the new stadium and the possibility of a tricky Champions League qualifier to consider if Spurs do end up in fourth place at the end of the season.
   The paper also claims that Everton have put a £20 million price tag on midfielder Steven Pienaar to discourage other clubs from trying to attract the South African.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Burnley were relegated from the Premier League today ... Wayne Rooney won the PFA Players Player of the Year award, with James Milner winning the Young Player of the Year ...

   CRIME WATCH ... Five Manchester City players were issued with £30 fixed penalty notices for having their car windows tinted too darkly.  The players cars belonging to Shay Given, Kolo Toure, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Patrick Vieira and Stephen Ireland were corrected while the players attended training ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... .

   Tottenham lost to Manchester United 1-3 at Old Trafford today.  Click here for a match report and here for reaction.
   The Under-18s drew 2-2 with Arsenal away today, with the Spurs goals coming from Dean Parrett and John Bostock.
   The Daily Mail report that Tottenham may make a move for Espanyol's 23 year old midfielder Javi Marquez in the next few weeks.  The player suffered a broken leg in March, but will be fit by June, ready for the new campaign and the article claims Harry Redknapp is looking to sign the player who can play behind the front two or out wide according to the AS newspaper in Spain.
   Former Spur Gary Doherty was part of the Norwich City side that won the League One Championship.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Southend United were relegated to League Two today ... Bournemouth join Rochdale in promotion from League Two ... 

   Harry Redknapp has said he does not think that Gareth Bale will be sold during the summer.  He said that Tottenham are building a side that means he would not want to see the best players sold off.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Aaron Lennon will start the match on the bench, but may be called upon to play 20 minutes if needed.  Jermaine Jenas could be fit and Ledley King may feature in the team.  Vedran Corluka (ankle), Niko Kranjcar (ankle), Carlo Cudicini (wrist and hip) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) are all out of the match.  Spurs also have Wilson Palacios back after serving a two match suspension.
   MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Owen Hargreaves is still ruled out with a calf injury, while Anderson (knee), Danny Welbeck (knee) and Michael Owen (hamstring) join him on the sidelines.
   For a preview of the game at Old Trafford tomorrow, click here.

---

   CRIME WATCH ... Leicester City striker DJ Campbell has been arrested in connection with a stabbing outside a London night club ... 

   Spurs today announced that they will be undertaking a pre-season tour of the USA with a game against the club's MLS partners San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday 17th July and then taking part in the 2010 New York Football Challenge in the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey along with Manchester City, Sporting Lisbon and  New York Red Bulls from 22nd July - 27th July.
   MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS : - United hope to have Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown fit for the visit of Tottenham on Saturday.
   The Daily Express are linking Manchester United with a £20 million move for Gareth Bale in the summer.
   The BBC have announced their World Cup team for the coverage in South Africa this summer and former Spurs strikers Gary Lineker and Jurgen Klinsmann will be involved in the TV coverage, while ex-Tottenham winger Chris Waddle will be giving expert summaries on BBC radio.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Steve Coppell has been announced as the new manager of Bristol City and he will take over at the end of the season ... 

   It was revealed today, as Portsmouth submit their current financial statement, that they owe Spurs £1 million for the non-transfer of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.  The goalie turned down a move to White Hart Lane in the January transfer window and opted to sign for Stoke City, but the deal to take Younes Kaboul and Begovic had a £1 million signing on clause, which was payable whether he came or not.  They also are reported to owe £500,000 for the loan of Jamie O'Hara and £3 million for Kevin-Prince Boateng, while Spurs still owe the CSSCC money for the transfer of Jermain Defoe to Tottenham.
   Eidur Gudjohnsen has told the Sun that he would like to stay at Tottenham next season if his loan deal from Monaco can be made permanent.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... .

   A young Spurs reserve side alongside Jermaine Jenas returning from injury and illness, beat West Ham United 5-2 at Spurs Lodge this afternoon.  The goals came from Andros Townsend 2, Steven Caulker, Adam Smith and John Bostock.
   Former Spurs boss Martin Jol has told Daniel Levy that Luis Suarez will only leave Ajax for one of the biggest clubs and that does not include Tottenham, when the Spurs chairman phoned to enquire about the striker's availability, according to the Sun.
   Robbie Keane has been voted Glasgow Celtic's Player of the Year, despite only joining on loan in January.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The club have announced that Tim Sherwood will move into the newly created role of Technical Co-ordinator, with Assistant Academy manager Chris Ramsey becoming Assistant Technical Co-ordinator.
   Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood's Newcastle United secured the Championship title with a win at Plymouth Argyle tonight, with former Spurs winger Wayne Routledge among the players at the club.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Plymouth Argyle were relegated to League One following their defeat by Newcastle United tonight ... 

   The Sunday Times reports that Harry Redknapp may enquire about the availability of Everton's South African attacking midfielder Steven Pienaar.

---

   CRIME WATCH ... The News of the World carries a report alleging that Jermain Defoe partook in a sex act with a young woman in the back of a car in a street in Cuffley, Hertfordshire and this may lead to charges being made by the Police, according to the tabloid ... 

   Tottenham beat Chelsea 2-1 at White Hart Lane today.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
   Former Spurs midfielder Jonnnie Jackson gained promotion to League one with Notts. County today.
   Former Spurs players Ronnie Henry and Chris Day were part of the Stevenage Borough side, who gained promotion to the Football League for the first time.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Norwich City gained promotion back to the Championship today, while Notts. County and Rochdale were promoted to League 1 ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Niko Kranjcar's kick on the ankle in the FA Cup semi-final by Michael Brown has ruled him out for the rest of the season and he may need an operation on it, while his fellow Croatian Vedran Corluka is out with an ankle injury too.  Ledley King is likely to be fit for his second game this week, while Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Jenas are both not ready to return following their groin injuries, with the latter also having been ill this week.  Jonathan Woodgate is still out with his groin problem and Carlo Cudicini remains sidelined having injured his wrists and hip in a motor-bike accident.  Danny Rose's knee ligament tweak in mid-week might rule him out and Wilson Palacios' second game of a two game ban means he cannot play against Chelsea.  TeamTalk claim that Gareth Bale was limping in training and has an ice pack on his thigh, casting doubt over his involvement in the match.
   CHELSEA TEAM NEWS : -  Jose Bosingwa's ankle injury rules him out and Michael Essien will also miss the match with a knee knock.  Ricardo Carvalho.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Paul Ince has resigned from his post as manager of MK Dons operative from the end of the season ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... On the BBC website, it is reported that in an interview about Fabregas going to Barcelona, Arsene Wenger said "I can't see anybody with a competitive edge wanting to go to Spain."  Now there's a surprise ... Wenger not seeing the blindingly obvious ... why would anyone want to join Barcelona ??  Best players in the world; chances of winning the title; chances of winning the Champions League; returning to his home country.  Staying at Arsenal.  Hmm ... tricky choice

   Paul Hart is set to leave his post as Crystal Palace manager to join the Tottenham coaching staff at the end of the season.
   For a preview of Saturday's game against Chelsea, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham beat Arsenal 2-1 at White Hart Lane tonight.  For a match report, click here.  For reactionclick here.
   The Daily Mail says today that West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will challenge Newcastle United for the singing of Jamie O'Hara in the summer.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Spurs chairman Daniel Levy raised the issue of the poor pitch at Wembley with Lord Triesman, chairman of the FA, during the game on Sunday.  Some people consider that the pitch is not a problem (i.e. David James), while some on the staff at Wembley are reportedly considering pulling up the pitch and relaying it for the tenth time since the stadium reopened three years ago.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Ledley King is expecting to be fit, but there will be no return for Aaron Lennon, who has had a further reported set-back in his recovery, nor for Jermaine Jenas who is not yet over his groin operation.  Niko Kranjcar was kicked on the ankle in Sunday's game at Wembley and misses out, while Wilson Palacios will serve the first of a two game ban.  Kyle Walker and Younes Kaboul will be available for selection again after being cup-tied and the long-term injuries to Carlo Cudicini (wrist and hip) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) keep them side-lined.
   ARSENAL TEAM NEWS : -  The Gooners will be without Andrey Arshavin, WIlliam Gallas, Cesc Fabregas, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Song and Johan Djourou for tomorrow's game, but could have Robin van Persie back in action as well as Sol Campbell returning to their defence.
   For a match preview of the Arsenal game, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Former Spurs stars Teddy Sheringham, Clive and Paul Allen will take part in a Kevin Keen All Stars side against a Wycombe Wanderers Legend steam in a special charity match being held in memory of former QPR star Mike Keen - father of West Ham United first-team coach Kevin.  The match will take part on Thursday 15th April at 7.45 p.m. at Adams Park - home of Wycombe Wanderers.  Entry is £10 with all proceeds going to a cancer charity.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham lost 0-2 to Portsmouth after extra time at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final this afternoon.  For a match report, click here and for reaction click here.
   The Sunday Express claims that Newcastle United are hoping to sign Jamie O'Hara for £5 million.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... The tactic of changing suits and changing hotels for the Wembley semi-final for Aston Villa did not work yesterday.  Martin O'Neill might consider changing clubs for a bit more success.

   The Daily Mirror claims that a number of players will all be omitted from Portsmouth's squad for the FA Cup final, if they beat Tottenham tomorrow, as their appearance will trigger a bonus payment in their contracts, which the CSSCC cannot afford.  The report also claims one unnamed player might be left out of the Spurs game because of a payment which will be due if he plays.
   The Mirror also carries a piece about Barcelona's Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain, who is leaving at the end of the season and is considering an offer to join Tottenham.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Portsmouth's relegation to the Championship was confirmed today by results elsewhere ... West Bromwich Albion confirmed automatic promotion back to the Premier League today ...  Stockport County were today relegated to League Two ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... FIFA vice-general in blindingly obvious shocker ... Speaking about the lack of sales for tickets for the World Cup finals, Jerome Valcke yesterday said, "Maybe we are getting too much [football].  We are getting it whatever we want. We have football matches every day. Either the Champions League or the Europa League or the club league or the cups..."

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Ledley King (thigh), Michael Dawson (Achilles), Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Vedran Corluka will have late fitness tests to see if they can play against Portsmouth on Sunday at Wembley.  Aaron Lennon (groin) and Jermaine Jenas (groin) are ruled out and both Kyle Walker and Younes Kaboul are cup-tied. 
   PORTSMOUTH TEAM NEWS : -  Kevin-Prince Boateng, Nadir Belhadj and Papa Bouba Diop could all be in contention after injury.  David James could also be back after returning to training after pulling a calf muscle against Tottenham in the league match two weeks ago.  Hassan Yebda (knee) and Tommy Smith (nose) are also ready to be picked for the Wembley game, while Anthony Vanden Boree  (suspended) and Jamie O'Hara (on loan from Tottenham) are both side-lined.
   The Daily Mail has picked up some speculation on the Internet indicating that Spurs may be interested in the free transfer of Real Madrid's 33 year old midfielder Guti.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The Daily Mirror links Spurs with a move for SCBC's England Under-21 2midfielder Adam Lallana, who might cost £2 million and is also being tracked by Fulham and Glasgow Celtic.
   For a preview of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth, click here.
   Spurs Legends have a game at Fleet Town on Sunday 18th April kicking off at 2 p.m. and the home side's manager Andy Sinton could feature for Tottenham.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The Daily Mirror claims that Tottenham might spend £2 million on Notts. County goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and then loan him straight back to the League One bound club.  Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City are both interested in the son of former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel, who has impressed since his drop down the divisions.
   Meanwhile, The Sun pick up on yesterday's story about Spurs going for Atletico Madrid keeper Sergio Asenjo, who will cost them £5 million apparently.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Blackburn Rovers striker El Hadji Diouf has been arrested for driving without a licence or insurance ... 

   Spurs may have to vie with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Fiorentina for Atletico Madrid keeper Sergi Asenjo, according to IMScouting's website, which seems to be a font of a lot of rumours these days ...
   ... along with a blogging site caughtoffside.com, including one that Juventus want to pay Spurs £12 million for Gareth Bale in the summer and that Martin O'Neill will give Spurs £11 million for Robbie Keane when he returns from his loan at Glasgow Celtic.  Neither story seems to have a great deal of substance, with the reality being somewhere well beyond the story as it is carried on that website.  Bale is worth much more than that now and Keane might be on the move, but not for that sum.
   The Daily Express seems to think that Newcastle United will make a move for defender Alan Hutton in the summer.
   In Scotland, the Daily Record reports that former Glasgow Rangers defender John Brown has advised 18 year old Danny Wilson to stay at Ibrox and ignore interest from Tottenham and Liverpool.
   Aaron Lennon was back in training as Spurs opened White Hart Lane for an open training session today.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Gary Johnson has been appointed as the new manager of Peterborough United ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Arsenal lost 1-4 in Barcelona as it all got a bit Messi for them, with Argentinian star Lionel scoring all four goals after the Gooners went 1-0 ahead.

   Tottenham have joined Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City in keeping tabs on Glasgow Rangers' 18 year old defender Danny Wilson, the Daily Express says.
   In the Daily Mirror, it claims that Ipswich Town's 17 year old striker Connor Wickham is set to ignore interest from Spurs, Arsenal and Fulham to stay as a professional at Portman Road.
   Glasgow Celtic hope to keep Spurs striker Robbie Keane beyond his loan spell at Parkhead, according to the Scotsman.
   Chris Hughton has steered his Newcastle United team to an immediate return to the Premier League, after other results mean that they cannot be dislodged from the automatic promotion places in the Championship.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Leyton Orient have named Russell Slade as their new manager until the end of the season ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... .

    Spurs are being linked with a move for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, who would cost £25 million, according to the Sunday Mirror.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham lost 1-3 to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.  For a match report, click here and for reaction here.
   The Spurs Academy side lost out 1-3 to Brazilian side Cruzeiro in the semi-final of the Dallas tournament today.  Jake Nicholson scored the Spurs goal from the penalty spot.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Geraint Williams was today sacked as manager of Leyton Orient ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -   Tom Huddlestone's ankle has been inflamed and keeps him out, while Wilson Palacios misses the game with a pulled aductor muscle and Vedran Corluka (ankle), Ledley King (thigh), Carlo Cudicini (wrist and hip), Jonathan Woodgate, Aaron Lennon and Jermaine Jenas (all groin) and Michael Dawson (Achilles) will all miss out.
   SUNDERLAND TEAM NEWS : -  Andy Reid and George McCartney are both out with hamstring trouble, while David Mayler faces a late fitness test, as does John Mensah.  Alan Hutton cannot play under the terms of his loan form Spurs to Sunderland.
   For a preview of tomorrow's game at Sunderland, click here.
   The Daily Mail claims that Ledley King may be offered a new two year deal at Tottenham.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham's Academy side won 2-0 against Mexican side Tigres with goals from Kudos Oyenuga and Nathan Byrne to reach the semi-finals of the Dallas tournament.
   Harry Kane was a scoring second half substitute for England Under-17s in their 2-0 win over Slovakia U17 at Northampton Town FC , when he came on in the 76th minute and hit the net with his first touch - a header past the keeper.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Simon Davey has been appointed as the new manager of Darlington ...