White Hot Lines  

   Luka Modric is interesting Barcelona as they lose interest in Cesc Fabregas and they are willing to pay Spurs £33 million according to the Mail on Sunday.
   The News of the World claims that Internazionale midfielder Sulley Muntari is on his way to White Hart Lane in January for £10 million.
   The Sunday Mirror reports that Spurs want to extend Heurelho Gomes' contract until 2015 after his impressive turnaround in form since the nightmare of his early Spurs career.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham lost 0-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford today.  For a match report, click here.
   Spurs Under-18s drew 2-2 with Coventry City at Spurs Lodge this morning with goals from Laste Dombaxe and Kudus Oyenuga. 

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs go into the meeting with Manchester United tomorrow without Jermain Defoe (ankle), Michael Dawson (ankle and knee), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Vedran Corluka (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Ledley King (groin) and Jamie O'Hara (back).
   MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Jonny Evans has a hip injury that might keep him out of tomorrow evening's game at Old Trafford, while Michael Owen (hamstring), Ryan Giggs (hamstring), Wayne Rooney (ankle). Owen Hargreaves (calf) and Antonio Valencia (broken ankle) will all definitely miss the match.
   The Daily Star claim that Manchester United have targeted Tom Huddlestone as a potential January transfer window purchase.
   On the TalkSport website, they run a story saying that Spurs are battling with Sevilla for the services of £5 million rated Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng, who plays for Spanish side Getafe.
   The Daily Mail has Tottenham down as having an interest in Real Madrid's out of favour French striker Karim Benzema, but the club consider that he may go out of their price range if an auction to sell the player to the highest bidder ensues.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Italy have been awarded a 3-0 victory over Serbia from the last international week when the game was postponed because of flares being thrown and violence in the Serbian crowd.  They must also play their next home game behind closed doors ... 

   Dieumerci MBokani, the Monaco and DFR Congo forward, has said that he is flattered by Tottenham's interest in him, but may not be on the move from the French club yet.
   Tottenham's home Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday 15th January 2011 will now take place on Sunday 16th January 2011 with a 16:05 p.m. kick off, as it will be featured live on Sky Sports.
   For a preview of Saturday's game against Manchester United, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Notts. County have made Paul Ince their new manager ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Bolton wanderers striker Ivan Klasnic has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 17 year old girl in Manchester ... 

   Very little news about Spurs today.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand has been given a driving ban for six months after being found guilty of using a mobile phone while driving.  The former West Ham United player already had 12 points on his licence and was also fined £1,000 and had to pay £85 costs ... 

   Tottenham have agreed to sign Bongani Khumalo from South African side SuperSport United for £1.5 million in January.  The 23 year old international defender will make his move subject to obtaining a work permit.
   The Daily Mirror claims that Spurs will lead the challenge with Arsenal for the signing of Anderlecht's 17 year old striker Romelu Lukaku, but he may cost £20 million.
   Striker Robbie Keane is interesting Juventus for a move to Italy in the January transfer window.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Tony Mowbray has been named as the new manager of Middlesbrough ... 

   The Daily Mirror carries a story about Harry Redknapp laughing off his alleged "tapping up" of Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, claiming he is well covered in that position, so he had not even made an official approach to the Midlands club about the England wide-man.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll pleaded guilty to assault of a man in a Newcastle night club.  he was ordered to pay £1,500 costs and fined £1,00, with a £2,500 compensation order to be paid to the injured party ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Jamie Carragher's own goal yesterday keeps him in touch with Richard Dunne as the Premier League's all-time own goal scorer, with the Villa man ahead on eight, with Carragher one behind him.

   The Sunday Mirror report that Manchester United are ready to launch a £50 million transfer blitz with Franck Ribery and Gareth Bale their targets.  The News of the World claim that Michael Carrick and Ji-Sung Park will be offered to Spurs to tempt them to part with the Welsh midfielder.
   The Mirror also reckon that Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel might be a January transfer target after his contract talks at Bayern Munich have hit a brick wall.
   Ashley Young is in demand with Liverpool joining Spurs in the hunt to sign the Aston Villa winger, according to the Sunday People.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Craig Short was today sacked as manager of Notts. County ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Wayne Rooney apparently turned down £288,000 a week at Manchester City when Manchester United assured him of their ambition, with some reports indicating the board told the England striker that they would buy a new team over the next 12 months.

   Tottenham drew 1-1 with Everton at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.
   The Daily Mail claims that Spurs will battle with Manchester United and Arsenal for the services of Bolton Wanderers central defender Gary Cahill in the summer, with the England man costing £15 million.
   Internazionale are said by the Daily Mirror to be preparing an improved bid for Gareth Bale after Wednesday's hat-trick against them in the Champions League.
   TalkSport claim that Steve McClaren is looking to take Jermaine Jenas on loan to Wolfsburg in January.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Portsmouth were saved from going out of business when former owner Balram Chainrai bought the club.  They will now be able to come out of administration ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Rafael van der Vaart will be back in the side following his suspension in the Champions League.  Younes Kaboul should be fit for consideration, while Ledley King is  out with a groin pull.  Jermaine Defoe (ankle), Michael Dawson (ankle and knee), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Jamie O'Hara (back) are all still out of action.  Sandro is in line for a game with his absence from the midweek match due to ineligibility, 
   EVERTON TEAM NEWS : -   Leon Osman is ruled out of the match with an ankle injury, but better news for Everton came in the shape of Louis Saha and Steven Pienaar being near full fitness.
   Teenage defender Adam Smith has had his loan spell at Bournemouth extended until 3rd January 2011.
   Teenage striker Paul-Jose M'Poku has had his loan spell at Leyton Orient extended until 8th January 2011.
   In the Daily Mail, they report that Liverpool are keen on signing Israeli international Itay Schecter from Hapoel Tel Aviv in the January transfer window, but West Ham United, Everton and Tottenham are also interested in snapping up the 23 year old striker.
   The Sun claim that Ashley Young has called a halt to contract talks with Aston Villa, while the Daily Mirror reckon that he wants a buy-out clause inserted in his contract, with Spurs having been linked with the England winger in the past.
   The Daily Star reports that Jermain Defoe is a month ahead of schedule for his return to the first team and he could be back in time for the last two Champions League group matches.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Wayne Rooney managed to sign a new five year deal being paid £180,000 a week which helped him match his ambition with his club Manchester United today.

   Harry Redknapp spent a lot of time after the game last night explaining that Gareth Bale was not for sale after his virtuoso performance in scoring a second half hat-trick against Internazionale.
   For a preview of Saturday's match against Everton, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham lost 3-4 to Internazionale in the Champions League in Milan tonight.  For a match report click here.
   TalkSport claim that Tottenham are interested in Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic but will have to pay £10 million for the 16 year old from Dinamo Zagreb.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Mel Hopkins, a full back in the late 1950s and early 1960s, has died today in a hospice in Worthing.  Mel was aged 75 and our condolences go out to his friends and family at this sad time.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Ledley King will miss out on the trip to Milan with a knee injury, while Younes Kaboul will have a late fitness test to see if he can feature.  William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong will line up next to each other in central defence.  Spurs are likely to play a 4-5-1 formation, with Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back), Michael Dawson (knee and ankle) and Jermain Defoe (ankle) are all on the injured list.  Rafael van der Vaart is suspended and Sandro is ineligible, so also cannot be considered.
   For a preview of the Internazionale match, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Harry Redknapp is concerned about the cumulative effect the injuries have had on Ledley King and the fact that his inability to train is having on him picking up more injuries than he used to.
   Colin Calderwood, the former Spurs centre-half and reserve team coach has been appointed as the new manager of HIbernian.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Gordon Strachan resigned as manager of Middlesbrough today ... 

   Tottenham's search for a new centre-half will continue in January, with the Sunday Mirror reporting it might cost them £15 million if they want Bolton Wanderers' England international Gary Cahill.
   In the Sunday People they have an alternative, with Blackburn Rovers' 18 year old Phil Jones costing £10 million, but a signing such as this might fit Daniel Levy's profile of up-coming talent coming to the club.
   Harry Redknapp has said in the News of the World that he would be reluctant to take the England manager's position, as he would not welcome the press attention that it would bring.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Roy Hodgson is getting his job protection in early after new owners took over at Anfield, saying it would be sad if they went against the club's tradition of loyalty to their managers if they got rid of him after Liverpool's worst start to a season in living memory ... a record that might have seen the man in charge removed at any other club.

  Spurs beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage this afternoon .  For a match report, click here.
   The Daily Mirror claim that Aston Villa are keeping an eye on Robbie Keane's situation at White Hart Lane with a view to making a move for the Irish striker in January.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs are likely to be without Aaron Lennon, who picked up a back injury in training with England in the international break, while Harry Redknapp will make a last minute decision on Ledley King, although William Gallas and Younes Kaboul are both back in training, although may not be ready for this match.  Niko Kranjcar may be keen to get into the side after his successful week with Croatia. 
   FULHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Striker Moussa Dembele is fit again after an ankle injury, but a similar knock keeps Dickson Etuhu out of the game, along with Bobby Zamora (broken leg), Phillipe Senderos (Achilles), Damien Duff (calf) and Andy Johnson (knee). 
   Goalkeeper Ben Alnwick has joined Leeds United on a one month loan deal.
   The Daily Mirror has both Liverpool and Tottenham looking to make bids for £14 million rated Olympique Lyonnais striker Lisansdro Lopez in January.
   Tottenham's game against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road due to take place on Saturday 18th December, will now kick off at 13:30 p.m. on Sunday 19th December for live coverage by Sky Sports.
   Meanwhile the Daily Mail reckon Spurs might make a return to Anderlecht for 17 year old Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku in January, as their bid for the striker of £17.5 million was rejected in the summer.
   TalkSport throw another name into the Spurs transfer target hat in Borussia Moenchengladbach's 23 year old striker Raul Marcelo Bobadilla.  The Argentinian might cost around £6 million.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Lincoln City have named Steve Tilson, the former Southend United manager, as the new boss at Sincil Bank ... Former Manchester City and Crystal Palace manager Malcolm Allison dies today aged 83 ...

   CRIME WATCH ... Jermain Defoe got three points and an £800 fine for using his mobile phone at the wheel of his Range Rover.  The offence happened in October 2009, but he was sentenced at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today.

---

  MEHSTG's no-spin story ...  Pot and kettle alert ... Sven Goran Eriksson has criticised Fabio Capello for the way he manages England and that he is too strict, stern and aloof.

   Defender Kyle Naughton has moved to Leicester City on loan until January.
   Fellow defender Kyle Walker has extended his loan at Queens Park Rangers until 3rd January 2011.
   For a preview of Saturday's away game against Fulham, click here.
   Former Spurs manager Christian Gross has been sacked by VfB Stuttgart after losing six of the first seven games of the season.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tottenham forward and assistant manager Eddie Baily died this morning aged 85.  As a player he won the 1951 First Division championship with the club and went on to be Bill Nicholson's coach to the team that won the Double and had success throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.  Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.  For a profile of Eddie's career, click here.  For an article about Eddie, click here.
   TalkSport claims that Tottenham midfielder Giovani dos Santos is wanted by Italian clubs Genoa, Fiorentina and AS Roma.  Genoa want a six month loan for the Mexican, but the other two Serie A clubs may be willing to pay £6 million for the former Barcelona man in January.
   Meanwhile, playing for Mexico, Giovani scored in the 2-2 friendly draw with Venezuela early this morning.
   England Under-19s lost 1-2 to hosts Belgium in the European Championship qualifying tournament.  Spurs forward Paul-Jose M'poku scored for Belgium and Harry Kane was a second half substitute for England, who left John Bostock on the bench.
   Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has said that he is considering dropping Robbie Keane from the national side as he lacks match fitness, not being a regular starter at Spurs.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Serbian violence at their Euro 2012 game in Italy yesterday is to be investigated by UEFA and the Balkan country may be thrown out of the competition ... Notts. County and Peterborough United have been fined £15,000 each for their part in not controlling their players in a mass brawl in their recent League One match.  Notts. County coach Mark Draper has received a £400 fine and a three match touchline ban for violent conduct ...

   Peter Crouch played 69 minutes of England's 0-0 home draw with Montenegro in the European Championship qualifying match at Wembley tonight before being substituted.
   Gareth Bale played the 90 minutes of Wales' 1-4 away defeat to Switzerland in tonight's Euro 2012 qualifying game in Basle.
   Robbie Keane played all of the Republic of Ireland's 1-1 Euro 2012 qualifier away to Slovakia tonight and also had a penalty kick saved right on half-time.
   Rafael van der Vaart played the whole of Holland's 4-1 win over Sweden in Amsterdam tonight as they continued their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.
   Niko Kranjcar scored in Croatia's 2-1 home win over Norway tonight.  Luka Modric played the full 90 as well as Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka was an unused substitute.
  Danny Rose played 82 minutes of the England Under-21s 0-0 draw in Romania that takes them through to the European Championships in Denmark next summer.  Kyle Walker was an unused substitute.

---

   CRIME WATCH ... The Euro 2012 qualifier in Genoa tonight between Italy and Serbia had to be postponed because of flares thrown onto the pitch by Serbian fans and then crowd trouble involving the visiting supporters ... 

   Alan Hutton may be ruled out of Scotland's Euro 2012 qualifier against Spain with a groin injury.
   Sandro came off the bench for Brazil in their 2-0 friendly win over Ukraine at Pride Park tonight.
   The Independent link Spurs with a move for 30 year old striker Vincenzo Iaquinta of Juventus.

---

   CRIME WATCH ... Ian Holloway has been handed a touchline ban for one game and fined £9,500 for swearing at referee Mike Dean after their game against Blackburn Rovers, when he also said he was "useless" ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan said his time at Selhurst Park cost him £47 million in the Sun today.  That must be one hell of a season ticket he had !!

   The News of the World report that Newcastle United are keen to get Niko Kranjcar to sign a pre-contract agreement with them as he is a free agent in the summer and is said to be unhappy about not getting a regular place in the Tottenham side.  Despite the player denying this, he is also being watched by Everton, who may offer Steven Pienaar in a swap deal.
   John Bostock played 56 minutes of England Under-19s' 4-0 win over Cyprus in Belgium that sees them through to the Elite qualifying group for the European Championships next year.  Harry Kane was an unused substitute.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Aaron Lennon has withdrawn from the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifying match against Montenegro on Tuesday with a back injury.  The England medical staff decided that the winger should return to Spurs for treatment.
   The Daily Mirror brings us news of two ex-Spurs players going into management.  Firstly, Graham Roberts is to take charge of the Pakistan national team for two months at the Asian Game and may be looking for a longer deal.
   And Glenn Hoddle has taken over as manager of Jerez Industrial - a Spanish Third Division side - making up the majority of his side of players at his soccer academy, where players who did not make it in England go to get a second chance.  The club were about to go under in the summer and Hoddle offered a 22 man squad for free and it is paying off with the tem lying fifth in the table.  Hod has had 26 offers of management, but prefers to do this more beneficial enterprise at the moment and has former Spurs reserve keeper Dave Beasant in his coaching team.  There is a second academy being set up in South Africa and there has been a lot of interest all around the world in the concept.
   Niko Kranjcar, Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka all played for Croatia in their 2-1 win over Israel in the Euro 2012 qualifier tonight.  Kranjcar scored both the Croatian goals.
   Sebastien Bassong played the full 90 minutes of Cameroon's 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the African Cup of Nations qualifying match.  Benoit Assou-Ekotto started the game, but was substituted after 70 minutes.
   Spurs Under-18s lost 1-3 at Watford this morning, with the Spurs goal scored by Cameron Lancaster.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Gareth Bale played 90 minutes for Wales in their 0-1 home Euro 2012 qualifying defeat against Bulgaria at the Cardiff City stadium.  Former Spurs defender Chris Gunter was dismissed near the end of the match.
   The Republic of Ireland just failed to get a point against Russia in their Euro 2012 qualifier in Dublin tonight, losing 2-3.  Robbie Keane captained the side through the whole game and got Ireland's first goal from the penalty spot.
   Scotland lost 0-1 to the Czech Republic tonight in their European Championship qualifying group and Alan Hutton played all 90 minutes.
   Rafael van der Vaart started and finished in Holland's 1-0 away win in the Euro 2012 qualifiers Moldova tonight.
   Danny Rose played the 90 minutes of England Under-21s' 2-1 win over Romania at Carrow Road tonight in their European U21 qualifier. Kyle Walker was an unused substitute.
   Youth striker Harry Kane hit two goals in England Under-19's 6-1 victory over Albania in their Euro U19 qualifier tonight in Belgium.
   TalkSport claim that Spurs are looking at AC Milan defender Daniele Bonera, a 21 year old, in the January transfer window to bolster their defensive options after losing players to injury.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   The Sun claim that Italian club Napoli are considering making a move for Giovani dos Santos.
   For those lucky enough to be going to Milan for the Champions league match with Internazionale, here is some more information from Spurs fan Doug Bagley, who is a regular visitor to the San Siro.

The Away Section is now on the Blue 3rd Tier. 302 to 318. 4,500 tickets. Click on the Block for a view.
http://www.acmilan.com/InfoPage.aspx?id=52423

I would advise you to get to the Stadium at least 1 hour before kick off if possible. The journey will take approx. 45 mins from the the Duomo. DO NOT take the metro to Lotto, it is always a nightnare journey. Remember your Passport.

You will have a great time, the Milan people are great - just beware of pickpockets especially at/ near the Central Railway Station.

Milan Point (Official Milan Shop)    http://www.acmilan.com/InfoPage.aspx?id=123962  

The Shop is 5 minutes walk behind the Cathedral.

Tram: line 16 from Piazza Fontana (Duomo) to San Siro, stop at the Via Dessiè terminal, sometimes the tram stops 5 mins from the back of the Blue Curva Sud of the Stadium and you can either walk or catch a bus.

Information on the Inter Museum and also the San Siro Store   http://www.acmilan.com/InfoPage.aspx?id=42813

Excellent Pizzeria at the back of the Cathedral    http://www.ristorantereplay.it/en/cucina.html

 

The Excellent 442 English Sports Pub has contacted me and they are happy to open from 8am to 2am on the Tuesday and Wednesday and welcome Spurs fans.    http://www.fourfourtwo.it/   http://www.blogfromitaly.com/four-four-two

   Some of the Spurs Legends will be taking to the field once more when they face Southgate County at Potters Bar FC on Sunday 10th October in a friendly that kicks off at 14:00.
   Former Spurs midfielder Rohan Ricketts has a blog on the Sabotage Times website, which is very entertaining, but it's pretty strong in language terms, so you have been warned.  Some interesting stuff about what goes on behind the scenes though.  Click here to read Rohan's tales.
   The good people at the Football Supporters Federation ( http://www.fsf.org.uk ) have produced a football punned version of the London Underground map.  It is a little bit tenuous in places, but well worth a look, so click here to have a chuckle.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Spurs have issued a statement following yesterday's comments by AEG, which have been interpreted as an indication that the club see the Olympic Stadium as the first choice location for their new ground.  The Northumberland Project is still the priority, but the fall back will be the Stratford site, despite West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan saying such a move could lead to civil unrest in East London.  Meanwhile, Barry Hearne, chairman of Leyton Orient has labelled Sullivan a hypocrite and said that he will get more grief from him than Spurs would should West Ham move into the stadium after the 2012 games.
   Tom Huddlestone has escaped punishment for an alleged elbow on Marc Janko in the Champions League match against Twente Enschede last week.
   TalkSport claim that Harry Redknapp might enter into a deal for Everton's Steven Pienaar, as the Toffees are willing to let him leave in January as long as Niko Kranjcar moving to Goodison Park is part of the deal.
   The Daily Mail claim that midfielder Lassana Diarra will be allowed to leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window, with Spurs and Manchester United his likely destinations.
   Two of Tottenham's Premier League games have been re-arranged because of TV coverage.
The home game against Chelsea will now take place on 12th December with kick off at 16:00 p.m.
The away match at Villa Park has been re-scheduled for a 17:30 p.m. kick off on Boxing Day.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Niko Kranjcar reckons he might have to leave Tottenham as he is frustrated at not getting a first team place on a regular basis, according to the Times, with Sky Sports claiming Monaco and two unnamed Premier League teams were interested in him.
   Gareth Bale has been voted Welsh Player of the Year in the FAW awards.
   The AEG Europe Chief Executive David Campbell has said that if Tottenham take over in the Olympic Stadium, the running track will be removed and it will be a football only stadium.  He also said that he had high hopes for the deal as the company did not back losers.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

   Tom Huddlestone, Aaron Lennon and Peter Crouch have all been included in the England squad to face Montenegro in the European Championship qualifier on Tuesday 12th October.
   Robbie Keane has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad to play Russia in the European Championship qualifier on Friday 8th October .

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Simon Davey has been sacked as manager of Hereford United ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Former Spurs striker Lee Barnard, now with Southampton, was arrested last night in connection with an assault in the City Centre ... 

   West Ham United have told the Mail on Sunday that they have no intention of ground sharing the Olympic Stadium at Stratford with Tottenham.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Sven-Goran Eriksson has been appointed as the new manager of Leicester City ... 

   Tottenham beat Aston Villa at White Hart Lane 2-1 this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.

---

   OTHER NEWS ...  ... 

---

  MEHSTG's spin story ... With Spurs putting in a bid for the Olympic stadium, there is an intention to keep both grounds, with the team playing matches at Stratford and White Hart Lane kept as a venue for those who wish to watch Spurs in Tottenham.  The ground will be maintained on three sides, with the East Stand being converted into a huge 3d screen so that fans who don't want to leave the Lane can sit and watch the action just as it would be if the team were actually playing there.  Season tickets will be issued for seats and it will be just like Tottenham have never left their spiritual home.

   Tottenham Hotspur last night received planning permission for the Northumberland Park Project with a unanimous vote to take the application through the process.  However, Spurs also revealed that they have registered an interest in taking over the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in 2012.  This may have been a decision taken to force Haringey Council's hand over the new stadium at Tottenham, but may also be regarded as a fall back position, should finances dictate.  Spurs entered into the bid for the Olympic Stadium with AEG, the company that owns the O2 arena and is the world's biggest entertainment and facilities management operation.
Haringey's approval is only the start of the process, as English Heritage, the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State all have to assess the project before it can go ahead and that may also be why Spurs have expressed an interest in the Stratford venue, in case any obstacles are thrown in the way.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -   Tottenham will be without Ledley King (knee), but Benoit Assou-Ekotto could overcome a knock to play and Spurs will play Vedran Corluka and Sebastien Bassong in the middle of defence.  .
   ASTON VILLA TEAM NEWS : -  Villa will be without Gabriel Agbonlahor (groin), Fabian Delph (knee) and Weimann (ankle), although they will have Richard Dunne and John Carew back from knee and back problems.

---

   OTHER NEWS ... Leicester City sacked manager Paolo Sousa after just three months and nine goal sin the position ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Notts. County and Peterborough United have both been fined with their players failing to  ensure their conduct was orderly and the clubs have been charged with the same offence after a mass brawl in their game earlier this week.  Additionally, Peterborough coach Ben MacKenzie and Notts. County's Mark Draper have both been charged with violent conduct  ...