White Hot Lines

   Tottenham lost 1-2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today.  Click here for a match report.
   TalkSport's website claims Tottenham are leading the chase for Lazio's 27 year old Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, who Napoli, Juventus and Bayern Munich are also interested in.
   The Daily Telegraph report that Harry Redknapp has set his heart on a top goal-scorer to sign in the summer transfer window, but it will not be Diego Forlan because of the cost of his transfer plus wages, with no sell-on value when he finishes his time at Tottenham.  The Spurs boss said that the top strikers come at a top price and sometimes that is beyond Spurs' valuations.
   Tottenham's Under-18s beat Ipswich Town U18 2-1 away with goals from Massimo Luongo and Shaquille Coulthirst.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Scunthorpe United and Sheffield United were both relegated to League one from the Championship today ... QPR have enough points to win the Championship title after their win today, but they have to face an FA enquiry into a third party ownership issue ... Stockport County were relegated from the football League today ...

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... .

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Apart from the long term injured players - Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate (groins); Vedran Corluka (ankle), Wilson Palacios (knee), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (hamstring) and Alan Hutton (knee) - Gareth Bale may miss the game with a knock to his knee, but will be tested as pate as possible to see if he can play and Tom Huddlestone looks like he is definitely out with a bruised ankle.
   CHELSEA TEAM NEWS : -  With Brazilians Ramieres and Alex recovering from their hamstring strains and Michael Essien getting over his knee problem, Chelsea look to have a full strength squad to choose from for tomorrow's game at Stamford Bridge.
   For a preview of the match against Chelsea, click here.
   Spurs are reported to be interested in Amauri, a 30 year old Brazilian born Italy international striker on loan at Parma from Juventus, according to his agent it is reported on Sky Sports.  The forward is in good form and is also interesting clubs in Germany and Spain as well as Roma, Lazio and one of the Milan clubs, although the agent would not reveal which one.
   The Sun report that Tottenham may make a summer move for Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Barcelona and Real Madrid drag the game into the gutter even further after the disgraceful event of a Champions League semi-final first leg, they are now making counter claims about comments made in the aftermath of the game ... Maybe UEFA will throw them both out and give Spurs a bye through to the final ??

   TalkSport's website claims that Napoli are set to make a £10 million bid for Wilson Palacios, as he has not been a regular in the Spurs side this season.
   The Sun runs a story on Niko Kranjcar, who is keen on a move to Italy.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Paul Hart has left the post of manager of Swindon Town to be replaced until the end of the season by Paul Bodin ... Coventry City have named Andy Thorn as their new manager ...

   CRIME WATCH ... West Ham United defender Daniel Gabbidon has been charged with improper conduct/disrepute after making comments on Twitter ... Following yesterday's Champions League semi-final first leg, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are to answer to UEFA for what went on.  Barcelona will face one charge against their substitute goalkeeper, who was sent off at half-time for throwing a punch, while Real Madrid face charges over missiles thrown, Pepe's red card, a pitch invasion and Jose Mourinho's dismissal to the stands and his comments after the game about decisions favouring the Catalan side ...

   The Metro claims that Spurs are keen to sign West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie after his excellent performance against them last weekend.

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... El Classico in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu turned into El Punch-up with three people sent off and some meaty challenges going in on and off the ball.

   The Daily Mirror runs a story that Chelsea will bid £40 million for Gareth Bale in the summer.
   Tottenham's South African defender Bongani Khumalo has fractured the fifth metatarsal of his left foot while playing on loan for Preston North End in Saturday's match against Millwall.  He today had an operation that will keep him out for the rest of the season, but the official site says he hopes to be ready for the start of next season.

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   All quiet on the Spurs news front today, as the Bank Holiday means a slow news day.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Preston North End were relegated to League One from the Championship today ... Swindon Town were relegated from League One to League Two today ... Bury were promoted from League Two to League One today ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Darron Gibson lasted less than two hours after joining Twitter after receiving large amounts of abuse on the social networking site.  Most of it was for the way he could not spell his own christian name.

   The Sunday Mirror is reporting that Dimitar Berbatov's contract talks with Manchester United have broken down and there may be a return to White Hart Lane for the Bulgarian striker for just £8 million.
   Two other players linked in the same article are 24 year old Edinson Cavani of Napoli, who would cost £20 million and Aston Villa's Ashley Young, who would be priced at £15 million.
   Meanwhile at the Daily Star Sunday, they latch onto the story about Spurs making moves for Scott Parker and Didier Drogba.
   The Sunday People reckon Spurs will be chasing Gary Cahill, the Bolton Wanderers and England defender in the summer.  Liverpool will challenge Spurs for the signature of the 25 year old, who may cost £15 million.
   The newspaper also claim that Tottenham will make a move for Valencia's 26 year old winger Pablo Hernandez, who the La Liga club said they may have to sell in the summer and will want about £12 million.
   There was a further 0-2 defeat for the Spurs Under-18 side who lost the seventh/eighth place play-off game against Portuguese side Benfica in the Bellinzona tournament in Italy.

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   Tottenham drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane today.  For a match report click here.
   The Independent claim that Spurs will make moves for West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba in the summer.
   The Guardian reckon it will be Scott Parker and Giuseppe Rossi who are the main summer transfer targets for Harry Redknapp.
   Spurs Under-18s lost their final group game of the Bellinzona tournament with a 0-2 reverse against Boca Juniors of Argentina.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Gareth Bale has finished a close second to Scott Parker in the voting for the Football Writers' Player of the Year award.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs will be without Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Ledley King (groin), Alan Hutton (foot) and Wilson Palacios (knee), while Gareth Bale is still feeling a knee injury picked up in Wednesday's clash with Arsenal.
   WEST BROMWICH ALBION TEAM NEWS : -  Graham Dorrans is ruled out of tomorrow's match with an ankle injury that has effectively ended his season, while Pablo Ibanez's hamstring pull keeps him on the sidelines.
   The agent of 29 year old Italian midfielder Christian Maggio, who is having an impressive season for Napoli, claims Spurs have had him watched this season according to the Daily Mirror.
   The Daily Mail reports that Harry Redknapp has made a move to get first refusal on Ipswich Town striker Connor Wickham.  It claims that Tottenham will offer a number of young players on loan - naming Steven Caulker, Andros Townsend and Jake Livermore - to secure first option on the young forward, who they would watch carefully in the coming season with a view to a move for him in the summer of 2012.
   Tottenham's Academy side lost 0-3 to FC Basel in the Bellinzona tournament in Italy today and in the evening lost 0-1 to Feyenoord.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Chesterfield were promoted today without playing, as Wycombe Wanderers drew and cannot now overtake them ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Some high jinks at Tenby AFC's end of season party ended with one player sustaining serious injury when a pool cue was inserted into his backside.

   The Daily Mirror claims that Internazionale will make a bid to sign Luka Modric to offer them Champions League football if Tottenham do not finish in the top four.
   In the Daily Mail they reckon Rubin Kazan will attempt to sign Roman Pavlyuchenko for their current season in the transfer window.
   The Daily Telegraph put Spurs in the frame to buy Didier Drogba in the summer, as the Ivory Coast striker's time at Chelsea looks to be coming to an end, while they will also make a move for Bolton Wanderers' central defender Gary Cahill.

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   Tottenham drew 3-3 with Arsenal at White Hart Lane tonight.  For a match report click here.
   Nathan Byrne has extended his loan at Brentford until the end of the season.

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   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Peter Crouch will be available after being excluded from the Champions League second leg tie because of suspension and Steven Pienaar has overcome his groin injury to play.  Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate (both groin), Wilson Palacios (knee) and Alan Hutton (foot) all miss the game.
   ARSENAL TEAM NEWS : -  Arsenal will welcome back Denilson, Bacary Sagna, Tomas Rosicky and Manuel Almunia fit to return to the side after injury.
   TalkSport's website claims that Barcelona will launch a move for Spurs midfielder Sandro in the summer after he has impressed since getting a run in the side.
   The site also claims that Tottenham will take chance in making a move for Audax Italiano's 20 year old Bryan Carrasco, the Chile Under-20 defender who punched himself in the face in the U20 World Cup game against Ecuador to try and get his marker sent off.  Having only made 11 first team appearances, the player is also interesting Barcelona.
   The Daily Mirror claims that QPR may make a £2 million bid for defender Kyle Naughton at the end of the season, although his current loan club Leicester City are also thought to be readying an offer for the 22 year old.

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Cesc Fabregas has said that if Arsene Wenger was a manger in Spain, they would have sacked him three years ago.  We bet most Arsenal fans are thinking the same thing about him being their manager.

   Spurs will return to South Africa for the Vodacom Challenge in July, taking on Kaizer Chiefs (Saturday 16th) and Orlando Pirates (Tuesday 19th), before meeting the winner of their two opponents playing each other in the final on Saturday 23rd July.
   For a preview of the game against Arsenal on Wednesday, click here.
   Young Spurs striker Cameron Lancaster has had his loan spell at Dagenham & Redbridge extended to May 7th.

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   Gareth Bale was announced as PFA Player's Player of the Year tonight and he also made the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
   Full back Kyle Naughton, on loan at Leicester City for the season, was selected in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.
   In the News of the World, they claim that Chelsea are looking at Harry Redknapp to replace manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is expected to leave in the summer.
   The same paper claims Spurs might make a double summer swoop on Porto for their striking partnership of Hulk and Colombian Radamel Falcao, thought to be funded by the sale of two of the four current forwards at the club to raise the £40 million necessary to take the pair from the Portuguese club.  Apparently, Hulk almost joined Sours in January before his club upped the asking price and he had even visited Spurs Lodge to have a look around the facilities.

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   Another slow news day for Spurs, who did not have a game, with Manchester City playing in the FA Cup semi-final.

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   No real Spurs news in the media today.

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   TalkSport's website claims Spurs are leading Arsenal and Chelsea for the signing of Borussia Dortmund's 22 year old Serbian centre-back Neven Subotic for £15 million.
   The same source reckons that Spurs and Manchester United are looking at Ajax Youth product Vurnon Anita, a central defender rated as worth £8 million.
   Young striker Kudus Oyenuga has signed a two year deal with Spurs.
   Leyton Orient have launched a judicial review against The Olympic Park Legacy Company's decision to hand the Stratford Olympic Stadium to West Ham United, saying the Irons' occupancy will lead to a loss of their fan base.

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   CRIME WATCH ... West Ham striker Carlton Cole has pleaded guilty to a FA charge of improper conduct after making comments on Twitter about the Ghana fans at Wembley for the friendly against England being lured into a trap by Immigration officials ... 

   Tottenham lost 0-1 to Real Madrid at White Hart Lane in the Champions League quarter final second leg tonight.  For a match report, click here.
   Spurs have launched a request at the High Court to bring a judicial review against Newham Council with regard to their £40 million loan to West Ham United for their occupancy of the Stratford Olympic Stadium.  The East London local authority failed to answer questions asked by the club about the loan in a letter to them by THFC sent two weeks ago.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Andy Scott has been named as the new manager of Rotherham United ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Benny McCarthy has been paid off to the tune of £1.5 million by West Ham United, as they felt the South African striker had lost his hunger ... on, no ... that can't be right can it ?

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Aaron Lennon is winning his race to be fit to play after training with the squad today.  Vedran Corluka (ankle) and Niko Kranjcar (foot) are both doubtful, while better news is that Steven Pienaar might be fit to play following an improvement in his groin injury.
   REAL MADRID TEAM NEWS : -  Pepe is suspended for this match after picking up a second yellow card in the first leg at the Bernabeu, while Fernando Gago (groin), Pedro Leon (knee) and Lassana Diarra (hip) are all ruled out.  Karim Benzena is due to start up front and Kaka could also be in the starting line-up as Jose Mourinho may change his side around with tough games in Spain awaiting him.
   The Spurs website warns of counterfeit tickets being circulated for tomorrow night's game and warns of buying tickets from unauthorised sources.

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   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Aaron Lennon will be fit to play against Real Madrid on Wednesday, with Tom Huddlestone and Younes Kaboul also ready to face the Spanish side.
   For a preview of the Real Madrid game, click here.
   Young striker Kudus Oyenuga has joined Finnish side Myllykosken-Pallo 47 on loan until the end of August.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Martin Allen has left his post as temporary manager of Barnet to take up a full time post at Notts. County ... 

   According to the Mail on Sunday, Vedran Corluka had to be shepherded away from an angry West Stand Spurs fan after the game, as he was subject to a tirade about the way Tottenham had been playing.  Corluka said he had told the fan to support the team and not criticise them.  On the other side of the pitch, Stoke substitute Ricardo Fuller was involved in an argument with a Tottenham supporter and poked him in the chest.
   The Observer is linking Spurs with summer moves for Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi, who Spurs had watched in Villarreal's Europa League win on Thursday and Werder Bremen's midfielder Marko Marin.  The article also quotes Harry Redknapp as saying he tried to buy Rio Ferdinand  in pre-season, but was told by Manchester United the central defender was not for sale.
   The Sunday Express says that Tottenham are aiming to sign Jose Enrique for £10 million from Newcastle United in the summer as they may need to accept a bid of over £30 million for Gareth Bale should the club fail to qualify for the Champions League next season to balance the books.  Internazionale, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool are all said to be watching the Welshman's situation closely.
   The Sunday People links Spurs with a £30 million plus move for Napoli's 24 year old Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, who his club want £80 million for, but might accept a lot less than that in the summer.
   Spurs Legends beat Danish side HOG Old Boys 6-3, with Allan Nielsen playing a half for each side at Ware today.

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   Tottenham beat Stoke City 3-2 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.
   In the Daily Mirror, it claims that Spurs may be interested in finally purchasing Uruguay and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan (32) after the La Liga club said they intend to sell him in the summer.
   Spurs Under-18s drew 1-1 with Southampton in the FA Premier Academy League today, with the Tottenham goal coming from Jack Munns.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Crawley Town gained promotion to the Football League for the first time today with a win at Tamworth that gave them the Conference title ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Aaron Lennon (illness), Vedran Corluka (ankle) and Niko Kranjcar (foot) are all late fitness calls for Harry Redknapp ahead of the match against Stoke City tomorrow.  Younes Kaboul has recovered from knee and thigh problems and is ready for selection, boosting the choice of players at the back for the Spurs boss and Tom Huddlestone cold play some part in tomorrow's meeting at White Hart Lane.  Definitely out are Steven Pienaar (groin), Alan Hutton (foot), Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Ledley King (groin) and Wilson Palacios (knee)
   STOKE CITY TEAM NEWS : -  John Carew might be fit to play again after overcoming a back problem, as could goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, who has recovered fro a similar problem.  Danny Higginbotham will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, while ready after injury are .
   Gareth Bale is among the candidates for the PFA Player of the Year and also the PFA Young Player of the Year.  Rafael van der Vaart is also among the contenders for the PFA Player of the Year award,
   The Sun claim that Spurs will not go for £10 million rated Ipswich Town striker Connor Wickham in the summer.
   For a preview of tomorrow's game against Stoke City, click here.

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   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The Daily Mail claims that Spurs are favourites to sign Anderlecht's 17 year old striker Romelu Lukaku for £17.5 million in the close season.
   Various reports claim that Spurs may be fined up to £20,000 for the supporters singing songs with racial tones about Emmanuel Adebayor at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium at the Champions League quarter final first leg on Tuesday.
   The Spurs Legends team face one of their own this Sunday at Wodson Park Stadium, Wadesmill Lane, Ware SG12 0UQ.  The 14:00 kick off sees 1999 League Cup winning goal-scorer Allan Nielsen face some of his old team-mates as he plays for the HOG Old Boys side.  Entry is £5 and £1 for concessions and Under-12s get in free.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Wayne Rooney's appeal against the two match ban he was given for swearing into a TV camera during Manchester United's 4-2 win at West Ham United was upheld by the FA today ... 

   Aaron Lennon tweeted on Twitter that he had been ill since Sunday and did not suddenly announce he was unwell just before kick off.  The little winger also said he didn't want to be a scapegoat for the final result, but I hadn't heard anyone saying that until he mentioned it.
   Later in the day, on TalkSport radio, Harry Redknapp said he did not blame Lennon for the late withdrawal and that he had no problem with the England winger.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Hereford United and Torquay United have both been fined £10,000 and docked points for fielding ineligible players in the game between them back in February.  It appears neither was registered in time, with Torquay's Jake Robinson not completing his paperwork until 22:00 the night before and Hereford's signing of free agent Rob Purdie after he left Oldham Athletic going through at 14:30, whereas player shad to be registered by Noon.  Hereford received a three point ban, while Torquay got just a one point deduction ... 

   Tottenham lost 0-4 to Real Madrid at the Stadio Santiago Bernabeu tonight in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final.  For a match report click here.
   The Daily Mirror claims that Emmanuel Eboue may be the next Arsenal player to arrive at White Hart Lane.  Worse news for what is a bad day.
   Sunderland are trying to steal a march on Tottenham to sign £12 million rated Kevin Gameiro from Lorient, according to the Mirror.

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   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Gareth Bale is expected to be fit for the game at the Bernabeu stadium in the Champions League quarter final first leg tomorrow night after recovering from his hamstring injury, but Steven Pienaar is ruled out with a groin injury and Niko Kranjcar might miss out with a foot knock picked up on Saturday at Wigan.   William Gallas looks like he may make the starting line-up, but Tottenham will also be without Ledley King (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Alan Hutton (knee), Wilson Palacios (knee) and Younes Kaboul (thigh).
   REAL MADRID TEAM NEWS : -  Cristiano Ronaldo has overcome his hamstring problem and will be in the Real squad for tomorrow night's match in the Champions League quarter final first leg.  Marcelo and Kaka are also included, but Karim Benzema is ruled out.  Gonzalo Higuain is expected to take part after playing in Saturday's 0-1 home loss to Sporting Gijon.
   For a preview of the Real Madrid game, click here.
   Tottenham are being linked in the Metro with a summer move for Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani of Napoli, who has scored 25 in 34 games in Serie A.

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   CRIME WATCH ... Wayne Rooney is to be charged by the FA after his foul mouthed rant into a TV camera after scoring in the game against West Ham United on Saturday ... Avram Grant has been given a  two match touchline ban and fined £6,000 for his comments about referee Mike Jones after West Ham United had been knocked out of the FA Cup at Stoke City ...

   Alan Hutton may miss the rest of the season as he requires surgery on a torn cartilage in his knee that happened in training on Thursday.
   Spurs Ladies secured the FA South East Combination title with two games remaining in their season with a 3-1 win over Cambridge Women and with it promotion to the FA Premier League Southern Division for the 2011-12 season.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Carlisle United win the Johnstone's Paints Trophy by beating Brentford 1-0 at Wembley ... Notts. County manager Paul Ince has left his post by mutual consent after only five months in charge ...

   Tottenham drew 0-0 with Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium this afternoon.  A match report will follow.
   The Metro believe that Ipswich Town will be selling £15 million rated young striker Connor Wickham to Spurs or Liverpool in the summer.
   The Under-18s beat MK Dons 4-0 at Spurs Lodge this morning.  The goals came from a  Shaquille Coulthirst hat-trick and one goal by Massimo Luongo.

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   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Tom Huddlestone is fit again and ready for selection for tomorrow's game at Wigan Athletic, but Gareth Bale (hamstring) and William Gallas (knee) are both out of the match, along with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate (both groin), Wilson Palacios (knee) and Younes Kaboul (thigh). 
   WIGAN ATHLETIC TEAM NEWS : -  Wigan have no injury problems ahead of the game at the JJB stadium and manager Roberto Martinez has a full squad to choose from.
   Spurs are said to be one of a number of clubs interested in signing Gary Cahill, as Bolton Wanderers are set to let him leave in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
   The Mirror also reports that another wanted player, 17 year old Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku is set to come to the Premier League in the summer, with Tottenham one of the teams mentioned as a potential suitor.
   Tottenham have announced that there is a new deal in the offing to take younger players from Barcelona and give them the opportunity to get used to how football is played in this country by including them as trialists in Spurs XI games.  The La Liga club have been so impressed with how Tottenham have performed in the Champions League they feel they can learn from the English game.
   For a preview of tomorrow's game at Wigan Athletic, click here.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... An auction that is to be held this morning sees the bib that Manchester City's Mario Balotelli had a struggle with up for grabs and there is likely to be hot competition in the bidding, as it is seen as the only thing that can tame the furious Italian striker.

  MEHSTG's spin story 2 ... Avram Grant has said that referee's have cost his side 10 points this season .. .what he didn't say was that his defence have cost them another 10 points at least.