White Hot Lines

   So, the transfer window closes until the end of December and what a day it has been ...
   At the time of uploading, Spurs fans were still awaiting confirmation of the ratification of the transfer of Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart from Real Madrid for a paltry £8 million.  The decision by the Premier League will probably be made tomorrow (Wednesday).
   Spurs had earlier secured a season long loan for Spartak Moscow and Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.
   Among those moves that didn't come off ...
   Apparently, Spurs offered Everton Robbie Keane, but wanted Steven Pienaar in return and Louis Saha too.  Perhaps that was why the deal wasn't a go-er.
   Liverpool's deal to buy Carlton Cole from West Ham United failed to go through, because the bottom Premier League club could not sign a replacement and the player they wanted was Robbie Keane, who the Guardian was hinting Spurs were offering as bait to try to get the Irons to sell Scott Parker.
   Spurs were rumoured to have been ready to do a £10 million deal with Liverpool for winger Ryan Babel, with West Ham United also interested, but neither club could come to an agreement over the transfer.  Harry Redknapp said that Spurs had made an enquiry about the Dutchman, but the deal was never very close to being completed.
   As knock on from the deal to bring van der Vaart to White Hart Lane, winger David Bentley would have gone on loan for the season to Fulham.
   Liverpool apparently made a late bid for striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.
   There were also some random rumours associated with possible Tottenham transfers ...
   Spurs were supposed to be making a bid for Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayour, so said the Daily Mirror.
   Sulley Muntari, the Internazionale midfielder, was supposedly a target as relayed by the Independent.
   Meanwhile away from the transfer scene, Spurs have announced that the two upcoming games against Arsenal have been re-arranged.  The Premier League match on Sunday 21st November has been moved to Saturday 20th November with the game kicking off at 12:45 p.m., while the League Cup Third Round tie will be played on Tuesday 21st September with a 7:45 p.m. kick off.
   Aaron Lennon will be visiting a specialist to examine his ankle injury, which has troubled him for some time.
   And finally for transfer deadline day ... the ex-Spurs who were on the move ...
   Centre-half Anthony Gardner joined Crystal Palace on loan from Hull City for the rest of the season.
   Monaco striker, Eidur Gudjohnsen, who was on loan at Spurs last season, has now gone on loan to Stoke City for the rest of the campaign.
   Another Spurs loanee, Paul Konchesky, has left Fulham for Liverpool.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Dermot Desmond has said the Old Firm sides will leave Scotland to join the English Premier League, as the media companies and the fans will demand it.  Surely, as he is the man in charge at Channel Five, all the Celtic and Rangers games will be shown on Thursday nights on his TV channel.

   The Daily Express run a story saying that Harry Redknapp is to make a last ditch effort to buy Ashley Young, by offering Alan Hutton, Jermaine Jenas or Robbie Keane as bait to tempt Aston Villa to part with their winger.
   The Daily Mirror however, believe the last minute move will be for Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano, with back-up options of AC Milan's Jan Klaas Huntelaar or Villarreal's Guiseppe Rossi.
   In The Sun, they reckon that AC Milan are not interested in a loan deal, but are only willing to let Huntelaar go on a permanent deal for £11 million, with German side Schalke also interested.
   Also in The Sun, it claims that Robbie Keane is in talks with Celtic about another loan spell in Scotland ...
   ... but then Avram Grant is keen to take striker Robbie Keane to Upton Park.
   Jermaine Jenas might be the focus of a £7 million approach from Stoke City before the transfer deadline.
   Sulley Muntari is the subject of talks between Tottenham and Internazionale according to the Times, because West Ham United want £13 million for Scott Parker.
   Former Spurs reserve striker Michael Malcolm has gone on loan from Crawley Town to Hayes & Yeading for five weeks.
   MEHSTG has had a request from author Matt Eastley, who is compiling views on how FA Cup football used to be.  His current focus is on the 1960s and he is seeking Tottenham fans who were at the 1961 FA Cup Final (v Leicester) and the 1962 FA Cup Final (v Burnley) to get in touch with me for volume 2 of my ongoing series: "From Bovril to Champagne - when the FA Cup really mattered."  Matt says, "This books tells the story of Wembley finals through the eyes of fans who were there. I'm particularly keen to trace a Spurs fan who can really remember the events of '61 and the experience of winning the Double.  Would it be possible to put just a paragraph on your site asking people to contact me at matteastley66@yahoo.co.uk and if anyone wants to see more about the project, they can visit www.bovriltochampagne.co.uk.  Thanks to anyone who can help."

---

   OTHER NEWS ... SCBC have sacked their manager Alan Pardew and dismissed most of his backroom coaching staff ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... .

   The last weekend before the transfer window shuts, so a lot of transfer talk is featured in the papers ...
   Robbie Keane is set for a move to Aston Villa according to the Mail on Sunday, possibly as part of a deal to bring Ashley Young to White Hart Lane ...
   ... but the News of the World have him down as having advanced talks with Newcastle United to join Chris Hughton's side on a season long loan.
   The NoTW also claim that Spurs have had an offer for Manchester United and England centre-half Rio Ferdinand knocked back.
   Continuing their Spurs theme the same paper reckon that should Tottenham fail to bring in Klaas Jan Huntelaar from AC Milan, they might turn their attention to £8 million rated Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi, who scored a hat-trick against Spurs in the pre-season friendly at White Hart Lane.
   Harry Redknapp has told the Sunday People that he is yet to see new signing Sandro at White Hart Lane.  In fact, to watch his midfielder he said he might have to take his wife Sandra to Barcelona to see midfielder Sandro, as he is training there with the European based Brazil players for a week.
   The People claim that Tottenham might offer Robbie Keane and Alan Hutton in a deal tempt Aston Villa to part with Ashley Young, but also reckon that Gabriel Agbonlahor is a surprise target for the club.
   Cash strapped West Ham United are said to be ready to sell midfielder Scott Parker, with Spurs the favourites to spend £8 million on him, so report the Mail on Sunday.
   The Sunday Mirror claims that Jermaine Jenas will be staying at Spurs, as potential transfers to Aston Villa and Internazionale failed to reach completion.
   The England squad for next week's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland includes Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Michael Dawson.
   Peter Crouch suffered what may be a broken rib in yesterday's game against Wigan Athletic.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham lost 0-1 to Wigan Athletic at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.
   Spurs have been drawn at home to Arsenal in the Third Round of the League Cup.  The tie will take place on the 21st or 22nd September.
   The Daily Mirror runs a story claiming that Harry Redknapp will be making a move for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.
   The Sun reckon Sevilla will want £25 million for Luis Fabiano and yesterday the Spurs boss said that it was too much for a 29 year old.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes will be missing with a groin strain and also out are Luka Modric (groin) and long term absentees Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back) and David Bentley (ankle).  William Gallas is not yet match fit, so will have to wait for his debut and up front, Tottenham have doubts over Jermain Defoe (groin), Giovani dos Santos (hamstring) and Robbie Keane (knee).
   WIGAN ATHLETIC TEAM NEWS : -  New signing striker Guilermo Franco will not play as the signing has not allowed him time to settle in at the club.  Victor Moses will miss the game with an ankle injury and Gary Caldwell is also out with a hip injury, but his brother Stephen will continue in the middle of defence after making his debut in the League Cup in midweek.  Charles N'Zogbia might not be selected as he is the subject of a successful transfer bid from Birmingham City.
   For a preview of the game against Wigan Athletic, click here.
   The Daily Mirror runs a report that Spurs are in talks with AC Milan to sign Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar on loan for the season with a view to a £12 million permanent transfer at the end of the deal.
   Newcastle United and West Ham United are both keen on taking Robbie Keane on loan for the season according to TalkSport.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Arsene Wenger has had another pop at Stoke for their display against Tottenham last week.  The Arsenal manager claimed that their style is more akin to rugby and let's face it, he should know as his players are more accustomed to being sin-binned for hauling people down.

   Tottenham have been drawn in Group A in the Champions League and will play home and away against Internazionale, Dutch side FC Twente Enschede and Werder Bremen of Germany.  Their programme of fixtures is as follows : -
Werder Bremen (away)  14.09.2010
FC Twente (home)  29.09.2010
Internazionale (away)  20.10.2010
Internazionale (home) 02.11.2010
Werder Bremen (home)  24.11.2010
FC Twente (away)  07.12.2010
   Jermain Defoe pleaded guilty to driving while using a mobile phone in Loughton, Essex in October 2009 when his case was heard in Witham Magistrates Court today.  The Spurs and England player was not present and will be sentenced on 17th September 2010.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham beat Young Boys of Bern 4-0 at White Hart Lane in the second leg of the Champions League qualifying play-off tie, winning 6-3 on aggregate to go through to the Group stages of the competition for the first time.  Click here for a match report.
   The draw for the group stage of the Champions League takes place tomorrow afternoon at 17:00.
   TalkSport report that Everton have been put off the purchase of Peter Crouch, as they think £10 million is too much.
   Jermain Defoe will undergo a groin operation on Tuesday 31st August to deal with the injury problem which has dogged him since before the World Cup in South Africa.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs can pick from Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, Giovani dos Santos and Roman Pavlyuchenko in addition to Peter Crouch as the four injured forwards are available for the Champions League qualifying play-off second leg against Young Boys.  Luka Modric's groin strain keeps him out of contention, while William Gallas is not eligible to play.
   Jonathan Woodgate may have to undergo a career saving groin operation in the near future.  With his travels around the world failing to find a sure for the condition, the only opportunity to play again could be further surgery.
   Papers were again carrying the story of a Peter Crouch move to Everton with Steven Pienaar coming the other way.  However, in a press conference, Harry Redknapp denied that Crouch would be leaving Spurs.
   Redknapp also denied that Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano would be coming to White Hart Lane.
   Kyle Walker and Danny Rose have been named in the England Under-21 squad to play Portugal and Lithuania in the European U21 championship qualifiers in September.
   Former Spurs striker Mido has completed a free transfer move from Middlesbrough to one of his many former clubs Ajax.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Sunderland manager Steve Bruce likes to listen to tapes of fans shouting abuse to him when he is driving in his car to avoid having to listen to fans abusing him on the radio phone-ins.

   It is reported in Daily Mail that Spurs and West Ham United have an interest in Paris St. Germain and Benin midfielder Stephane Sessegnon.
   Rumours in the Daily Mail that Stoke City were interested in buying Peter Crouch were scotched when Tony Pulis told Sky Sports News that Crouch was out of his price range.  Everton are also said to be interested with Football 365 hinting that the Toffees might offer Steven Pienaar in part exchange for the England forward.
   The club have stated that Jamie O'Hara's back condition, which was a stress fracture picked up while on loan at Portsmouth last season, will need surgery and the midfielder goes into hospital on Thursday for an operation.
   TRAVEL NEWS ... London Underground will be closing the Victoria Line in it's entirety on Saturday when Spurs are at home to Wigan Athletic.  Travel to the ground will thus be limited to British Rail trains from Liverpool Street and bus routes that pass by White Hart Lane.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... David Cameron's commitment to the England 2018 World Cup bid was called into question today as he travelled to Cornwall to meet the FIFA delegation on a technical visit today.

   Tottenham completed the free transfer of former Chelsea defender and Arsenal captain William Gallas today.  He signed on a one year deal which may be extendable
   As the transfer window approaches, the transfer rumours start to kick into full flow.  The Sunday Mirror is reporting a possible swap between Spurs and West Ham United for Scott Parker and Robbie Keane.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham beat Stoke City 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.
   TalkSport claim that Spurs will not make a move for Manchester City defender Micah Richards now that they are close to signing free agent and former Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas.
   The Daily Mail reports that Jose Mourinho will not allow midfielder Lassana Diarra to leave on loan, but wants £8.5 million to make the move to Tottenham permanent.
   Spurs under-18s got their FA Premier Academy League season underway with a 2-1 away win against Derby County this morning.  The goals were both scored by Harry Kane.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The club have announced that Ossie Ardiles and Gary Mabbutt will officially be ambassadors for Tottenham Hotspur in the future.  It is just recognition of their loyal service to Spurs and their enduring love for the club.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs will be without Luka Modric (groin), Jermain Defoe (groin), Giovani dos Santos (hamstring), Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Roman Pavlyuchenko (ankle), David Bentley (ankle), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Robbie Keane (knee), as Harry Redknapp shuffles his squad for the Premier League match at Stoke with the second leg of the Champions League qualifying play-off against Young Boys on Wednesday next week.
   STOKE CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Striker Kenwyne Jones may be ready to face Spurs after being carried off with an ankle injury on his debut last Saturday.  New signing Jonathan Walters is also in the squad and may be handed a debut at the Britannia Stadium.
   The Daily Mail claim that Spurs are to offer Everton £6 million for South African midfielder Steven Pienaar who is in the last year of his contract at Goodison Park and will also seek to bring in Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra on loan.
   TalkSport reckon that Birmingham City want defender Alan Hutton for £6 million.
   The Daily Star say Spurs have competition from Sevilla for the signing of Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb.
   Young striker Jonathan Obika has joined Crystal Palace on a season long loan deal.
   Former Spurs striker Grzegorz Rasiak has left Reading on a free transfer to join AEL Limassol of Cyprus.
   Former Spurs midfielder Edgar Davids has joined Crystal Palace on a pay-as-you-play deal.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Jermain Defoe admitted today that he has been carrying his groin injury since the World Cup in South Africa.
   New signing Sandro was a part of the Internacional team that won the Copa Libertadores this morning with a 3-2 win at home, giving them a 5-3 aggregate score over Chivas Guadalajara.  The midfielder will arrive at White Hart Lane next week.
   Reports tonight hint that former Arsenal defender William Gallas will have a medical at Tottenham tomorrow ahead of signing on a free transfer in what is thought to be a one year deal.
   For a preview of Saturday's game at Stoke City, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Chris Turner has quit as manager of Hartlepool United ... 

   Tottenham have at last confirmed that defender Dorian Dervite has joined La Liga side Villarreal.
   The Daily Mail claim Spurs are battling with West Ham United to sign the Paris St. Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegon.
   Former Spurs midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has left Portsmouth to join Italian club Genoa for an undisclosed fee.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham lost the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie 2-3 to Young Boys of Bern in Switzerland tonight.  Click here for a match report.
   Jermaine Jenas is in demand, with various newspapers claiming that AC Milan, Juventus, Galatasaray and Sampdoria in line for his services.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Gary Speed has been appointed as the new manager of Sheffield United ... 

   Tottenham's new Cup shirt sponsors have been named as Investec, a financial company and the deal is thought to be worth £2 million per year of the two year deal.
   The Daily Mirror claim that Spurs might be trying to buy Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy for as little as £2 million.
   For a preview of tomorrow's Champions League game against Young Boys of Bern, click here..

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Sunderland are keen on Peter Crouch according to the News of the World.
   Tottenham are alleged to be asking £10 million for Jermaine Jenas, although they are willing to let him go according to the same paper.
   The Sunday Mirror claim that Spurs have increased their offer for West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker to £12 million to test the resolve of the Irons' board.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham drew 0-0 with Manchester City at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.
   The rumours in the papers all surround Harry Redknapp's comments yesterday about wanting to sign William Gallas.
   Talksport claim that Marseille are keen to sign Roman Pavlyuchenko.
   The radio station also reckon on their website that Spurs are close to sealing a loan deal for Spartak Moscow keeper Stipe Pletikosa, who is on trial at the club for a week to see how he has overcome his knee surgery.
   The Spurs Under-18 team finished their pre-season preparation with a 3-1 friendly win over Manchester United at Spurs Lodge.  Harry Kane's opening goal and two from Kudos Oyenuga sealed the win for Tottenham.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Kevin Blackwell left the Sheffield United manager's post by  mutual consent this evening ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsene Wenger has blasted the new 25 man squad rule brought in by the Premier League this season to help promote young English footballers.  The French manager cannot understand how he will be able to have a lot of young Frenchman in his squad now, he told journalists ... in French, while at a function at the French Embassy.

   Young midfielder Ryan Mason has gone on a month's loan to Doncaster Rovers.
   The Daily Star claims Peter Crouch is to be sold to Sunderland (or the home for old and bewildered ex-Spurs players FC as it is soon to be known).
   Harry Redknapp claimed in an interview on TalkSport that if he can sign three more players, then Tottenham can win the Premier League title.  He said that talks are being held with William Gallas, but thought that Craig Bellamy was more likely to sign for Fulham than Tottenham.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... West Ham United have released their away kit in an unashamed effort to catch the eyes of the Olympic Legacy Company.  Click here for more.

   Young winger Andros Townsend has joined Ipswich Town on a season long loan deal.
   Young midfielder Dean Parrett has joined Plymouth Argyle on a season long loan deal after extending his current contract to 2013.
   The Daily Mirror reports that Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is putting a move to Aston Villa as part of the deal for James Milner on hold, with his hopes that Tottenham will come in with a bid for him.
   The Mirror also claims that Spurs offered Peter Crouch to West Ham United in part exchange for midfielder Scott Parker and are looking to sell the England striker.
   To replace him, the same paper claims Harry Redknapp has made £13 million rated Nice striker Loic Remy his top target, having watched his French debut against Norway in mid-week, but he was not alone, as representatives from Everton, Chelsea, Sunderland and Aston Villa were all there too.
   The Evening Standard and the Daily Express reckon Redknapp was at Upton Park on Tuesday to see Ivory Coast and Lille striker Gervinho, who would cost in the same region as Remy.
   For a preview of the opening day fixture against Manchester City, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Steve Coppell resigned as manager of Bristol City and has retired from football management completely after just four months in the job ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Manchester United have signed Bebe from Martimo of Portugal, adding him to Nani and Mama Biram Diouf.  Who next Euguene Dadi or Bouba Papa Diop ??

   Michael Dawson made his England debut as a half-time substitute in England's 2-1 win over Hungary at Wembley in a friendly tonight.
   Alan Hutton pulled out of the Scotland squad that lost 0-3 in Sweden and Gareth Bale was not fit for the Welsh side's 5-1 win over Luxembourg at Wrexham .
   The Daily Telegraph issues a wind-up story today, claiming that Spurs are looking to sign free agent and former Gooner William Gallas to bolster the defensive options, but the player, who is 33, would want £90,000 a week and a two year deal, which might put Tottenham and especially Daniel Levy off the move.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The Daily Telegraph claims that Spurs are close to signing Spartak Moscow and Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa as his current club have already signed a replacement.
   The Telegraph also reckons that Tottenham are keen on Barcelona's former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb.
   The Daily Mail report that Martin O'Neill's departure from Aston Villa might hasten Ashley Young's move to White Hart Lane, as his sale was supposedly one of the reasons the manager resigned his post.
   Kyle Walker and Danny Rose both played the whole of England Under-21s 2-0 win over Uzbekistan U21 tonight at Ashton Gate, with Rose scoring the first goal.
   A Tottenham XI drew 1-1 at Hampton & Richmond tonight.  For a match report click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The Daily Mail claim that Spurs are ready to sell Peter Crouch for £12 million, so that they can sign Nice striker Loic Remy, who has said the move to Tottenham would be "interesting".

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Martin O'Neill resigned as manager of Aston Villa with immediate effect today ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Fabio Capello wants to "improve the "minds" of the England players ahead of the qualifying campaign for the European Championships.  With this as his goal, he has cancelled the friendly against Hungary and is instead taking the team to Italy on a tour of Florentine art galleries.

   The Mail on Sunday reports that Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson wants to take Peter Crouch back to Anfield only two years after he was shipped out of Anfield.
   Ashley Young's move to Spurs might be a step closer if the club agree to pay him £65,000 a week according to the News of the World.  Doesn't look like he is moving for the money then.
   Alan Hutton has withdrawn from the Scotland squad for the friendly with Sweden because of injury.
   Robbie Keane received the Senior International player of the Year trophy tonight at the FAI awards.
   Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has withdrawn from the latest England squad and has announced he has retired from international football.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Manchester United beat Chelsea 3-1 in the FA Community Shield this afternoon ... 

   Tottenham beat Fiorentina of Italy 3-2 at White Hart Lane this afternoon in a friendly match.  For a match report click here.
   The Spurs Academy side lost 1-2 to Borussia Dortmund with Massimo Luongo scoring, 0-1 to of Brazil and 0-4 to Ajax, with Nathan Byrne and Ronnie Hawkins sent off in their final group game in the Otten Cup.
   Michael Dawson is the only Spurs player named in the squad for next Wednesday's England friendly against Hungary at Wembley.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham were today drawn against Young Boys of Berne (Switzerland) in the play-off qualifying round of the Champions League.  Spurs will travel to Switzerland for the first leg on 17th August, which will be played on the Swiss side's astro-turf pitch, with the return at White Hart Lane on 24th August.
   Young midfielder John Bostock has extended his contract with Tottenham until 2013, but has joined Hull City on a year long loan deal.
   TalkSport are claiming Tottenham might make a move ahead of Stoke City for £10 million rated French striker Loic Remy.
   The Daily Mirror reckon that Harry Redknapp might return to Watford with a bigger offer for their England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach, after being knocked back in January.
   The Spurs Academy side lost 0-2 to PSV Eindhoven in their first match at the Otten Cup in Holland today.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Spurs today sold Adel Taarabt to Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee.
   Young goalkeeper Oscar Jansson has joined Northampton Town on loan for one month.
   The Daily Mirror claims that John Bostock is about to join Hull City on loan for 12 months.
   Former Spurs goalkeeper Marton Fulop has signed for Ipswich Town from Sunderland.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The Daily Mail report that Spurs could be ready to sell Adel Taarabt to QPR by the end of the week for a fee rising to £1 million.
   Sky Sports News reported that the Tottenham Chief Scout was at the Wigan Athletic friendly with Real Zaragoza at the JJB Stadium tonight and that Maynor Figueroa and Charles N'Zogbia were substituted at half-time, after which the scout did not re-take his seat.
   Harry Redknapp has said that he has not even thought about signing Sporting Lisbon striker Yannick Djallo despite some rumours of the players agent saying he had been in talks with Spurs on some un-sourced websites.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... West Ham United players are reportedly giving England goalkeeper Rob Green abuse in training to prepare him for the season ahead.  It has nothing to do with his World Cup error, it is just to prepare him for the abuse he will be getting in the coming season.

   Tottenham beat Benfica 1-0 in the Estadio de Luz tonight to win the Eusebio Cup.  For a match report, click here.
   A Tottenham XI won 1-0 at Ipswich Town tonight.  For a match report click here.
   Harry Redknapp told the media that he may only spend as little as £9 million this summer, with some players coming in on loan, with Manchester City's Craig Bellamy and AC Milan's Klaas Jan Huntelaar being mentioned as possible targets the Daily Mirror reports.
   With AC Milan reportedly interested in Giovani dos Santos, the link with Huntelaar arose again in the Daily Mail, with a possible swap deal on the cards.
   Reserve keeper David Button has gone on a season long loan to Plymouth Argyle.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Holland were fined £9,080 and Spain £6,035 for their poor discipline in the World Cup final in which eight Dutch players and five Spaniards were booked.  Holland's Johnny Heitinga was dismissed in the match ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Kenny Huang's bid to take over at Liverpool has fuelled speculation that there is some "sovereign" funding behind the move.  This could be from a wealthy Arab family or some hinted on TalkSport that it might even be from the Chinese government, but they could not understand why they would want to buy Liverpool.  MEHSTG thinks that it is more of a take over before it became a military coup, with the Chinese hearing of the Merseyside Red Army.

   Spurs have signed a four year deal worth around £2 million with Thomas Cook Travel to be the club's official travel partner.
   Manchester City are refusing to loan Craig Bellamy to Spurs for the coming season, setting in process an auction for the Welsh international with Fulham's new manager Mark Hughes believed to be interested in the striker according to the Daily Star.
   The Daily Mirror report that Spurs are looking to sell Peter Crouch for £7 million if they can get a quick replacement, but this was later denied by Harry Redknapp.
   The Benfica game can be seen on ESPN tomorrow night.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Various sources claim that Harry Redknapp may be ready to limit the games in which Ledley King plays in with a focus on the club's Champions League campaign.
   Portsmouth are reported in the News of the World as being ready to accuse Tottenham of tapping up Peter Crouch when he signed last summer, even though the CSSCC are said to have asked Premier League chairman Dave Richards to persuade the player to sign for Spurs instead of Fulham, who, although they were making a bigger bid, were allegedly only willing to pay in instalments, which did not suit Pompey as they needed the cash up front to pay off some of their debtors.
   After limping off in Thursday's friendly against Villarreal, Jermaine Jenas has told the News of the World that is only a tight muscle and he will be back in training on Monday.
   Thanks to Jim Murdoch for notifying MEHSTG of a brilliant piece of footage of Alan Gilzean being inducted into the Scottish FA Hall of Fame.  Click here to see it on YouTube.
   For the latest View From the Shelf editorial, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ...