Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham boss Martin Jol is poised to sign an improved three-year contract. Jol's reward for guiding Spurs to the brink of Uefa Cup qualification is a reported pay rise to £1m a year. Spurs sporting director Frank Arnesen told the Evening Standard: "Everything has been agreed with Martin for his new contract, I can't see any problems. "It's all under control and now he just needs to sign the paperwork, but that will be done when our chairman Daniel Levy returns from a business trip." Jol took over the reins at White Hart Lane following the shock resignation of Jacques Santini last November. The former RFC Waalwijk coach was strongly linked with a return to Holland when Ronald Koeman parted company with Ajax.

Tottenham 0-0 Blackburn
Tottenham's slim hopes of clinching the Premiership's final Uefa Cup spot were ended in a lively but goalless draw. Spurs needed to score at least three times and hope results elsewhere went their way but did not have the edge to get past the Blackburn defence. In fact, Rovers had the better of the first half, with Andy Todd's drive well blocked by Spurs keeper Radek Cerny. Spurs' best chances came when Robbie Keane curled just wide and Noureddine Naybet hooked over from close range. Tottenham were the only team with anything to play for in the game but it was Blackburn who played with more urgency in the first half. Rovers had five corners in the first 20 minutes and from one of them, the ball came through to skipper Todd, unmarked at the far post - but his close-range drive was well-blocked by Cerny. And Tottenham were lucky to escape when Morten Gamst Pedersen's corner flashed across the goal with no Blackburn player able to get a crucial touch. But Spurs also had chances with Keane - who started with Jermain Defoe on the bench - Simon Davies and Sean Davis all testing Brad Friedel from long-range. Fredi Kanoute was also a constant danger to the Blackburn defence, most notably with a clever turn and shot from just inside the box, but Friedel was able to gather. Tottenham began the second half with more purpose and Naybet, back after an ankle injury, had the first chance. The Moroccan defender sneaked behind the Blackburn defence to meet an Andy Reid free-kick but used his foot rather than his head and hooked the ball over the bar. Keane then curled the ball just wide with his left foot after cleverly turning his man. The Tottenham front two became three as head coach Martin Jol threw on Defoe halfway through the second half, knowing that Spurs needed a hatful of goals to have a chance of claiming the final Uefa Cup spot. But the home team soon ran out of ideas and the game became niggley with referee Alan Wiley forced to dish out several yellow cards as tempers began to fray. And as the late afternoon clouds arrived to blot out the early sunshine at White Hart Lane so the match petered out to end in a stalemate with Spurs now relying on the calculations of the Fair Play panel to earn a place in the Uefa Cup next season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tottenham: Cerny, Kelly, Naybet, King, Edman, Davies, Davis (Marney 71), Carrick, Reid (Defoe 61), Kanoute, Keane. Subs Not Used: Fulop, Bunjevcevic, Ziegler. Booked: Naybet, Marney. Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Nelsen, Todd, McEveley, Emerton, Thompson, Mokoena, Savage, Pedersen, Stead (Johnson 61). Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Tugay, Johansson, Douglas. Booked: Savage, Neill. Att: 35,797 Ref: A Wiley (Staffordshire).

Jol satisfied with first season
Tottenham head coach Martin Jol said he was happy after his first season in charge despite the club missing out on the Premiership's final Uefa Cup spot. "I think I can be proud of my players," said Jol, who added that he was set to sign a new contract with Spurs. "We had a change of management and we still did well. Qualifying for Europe would have been a big bonus but we'll try again next year. "I think we'll be better next year and maybe we'll have a bit more luck." The Dutchman added: "We are a young side and this season we had some disappointments but we had some highs as well. "Against Blackburn, we tried everything but it wasn't to be. I thought we did terrific and we fought hard but it was too difficult to break them down." Jol defended his decision to pick Robbie Keane over Jermain Defoe to start against Blackburn. "Jermain is maybe the best finisher in England but in the last couple of matches I thought he wasn't as sharp as he can be and Robbie was. That's the reason he played," said Jol. "But we weren't creative enough to open them up. If we had scored in the first 15 minutes maybe they would have opened up. We have some difficulties against teams who play the way they do."

Redknapp tips son for management
Southampton manager Harry Redknapp has hinted that his son Jamie may quit playing to move into management as a persistent knee injury takes its toll. Redknapp senior signed the ex-England midfielder from Tottenham this season after the 31-year-old had been offered a coaching role at White Hart Lane. "He was offered a fantastic job as head coach Martin Jol's right-hand man. "But Jamie wanted to play. I don't know what he'll do now but I think he's in a lot of pain with his knee," he said. "He's had more painkilling injections in his knee than hot dinners. "It's frightening. How crippled does he want to make himself? That's the problem in the end." Redknapp praised his midfielder son's influence at Southampton, despite him not being able to help the club avoid relegation from the top flight for the first time in 27 years. "He has been my strength since I've been here and I'm not just saying that," added the Saints boss. "He is stronger than I am and he has been fantastic for me. He has had such a positive attitude in the dressing room. "He'll go on and do his coaching badges and I think he'll do great. I'm not saying that just because he is my son, I've got no doubts about it. "Martin Jol saw the ability he has got and his understanding of the game."

Spurs snap up defender Stalteri
Tottenham have announced the signing of Canadian international defender Paul Stalteri from Werder Bremen. The 27-year-old full-back won the Bundesliga title and German Cup in 2004 and has over 50 international caps. Sporting director Frank Arnesen said: "He is a defender who can play in midfield - so he is a multi-functional player who can play on both sides. "He has come from a tough environment at Werder Bremen and their players are very well-known for their mentality." Arnesen added: "His biggest success was last year winning the double and he has now had good experience of European football. "I am delighted to get him in, there were a lot of clubs chasing him, including some from England. He will be a big plus for the squad." Stalteri is the third arrival at White Hart Lane this year, following the January signings of Teemu Tainio and Tom Huddlestone.

Barca sign Dutch star Van Bommel
Barcelona have beaten a host of clubs, including Tottenham, to the signature of Holland star Mark van Bommel. The midfielder, 28, has signed a three-year contract with the Spanish champions and joins on a Bosman free transfer from PSV Eindhoven. Van Bommel, who was also wanted by Germany's Borussia Dortmund and Schalke, said last year that he was keen to play for Spurs boss Martin Jol. But he has opted to join another Dutch coach, Frank Rijkaard, at the Nou Camp. Van Bommel, who began his career at Fortuna Sittard before winning four Dutch titles with PSV, has long been courted by some of Europe's biggest clubs. Manchester United, Arsenal and Italian club Lazio have all been linked with him, while Everton boss David Moyes admitted his interest in the player last summer. He was the star of an impressive PSV side which reached this season's Champions League semi-finals, where they were unfortunate to lose to AC Milan. Capped 30 times by his country, Van Bommel has beome the 17th Dutchman to make the move to Barca, following the likes of Holland legends Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens.

Spurs snap up defender Stalteri
Tottenham have announced the signing of Canadian international defender Paul Stalteri from Werder Bremen. The 27-year-old full-back won the Bundesliga title and German Cup in 2004 and has over 50 international caps. Sporting director Frank Arnesen said: "He is a defender who can play in midfield - so he is a multi-functional player who can play on both sides. "He has come from a tough environment at Werder Bremen and their players are very well-known for their mentality." Arnesen added: "His biggest success was last year winning the double and he has now had good experience of European football. "I am delighted to get him in, there were a lot of clubs chasing him, including some from England. He will be a big plus for the squad." Stalteri is the third arrival at White Hart Lane this year, following the January signings of Teemu Tainio and Tom Huddlestone.

Redknapp tips son for management
Southampton manager Harry Redknapp has hinted that his son Jamie may quit playing to move into management as a persistent knee injury takes its toll. Redknapp senior signed the ex-England midfielder from Tottenham this season after the 31-year-old had been offered a coaching role at White Hart Lane. "He was offered a fantastic job as head coach Martin Jol's right-hand man. "But Jamie wanted to play. I don't know what he'll do now but I think he's in a lot of pain with his knee," he said. "He's had more painkilling injections in his knee than hot dinners. "It's frightening. How crippled does he want to make himself? That's the problem in the end." Redknapp praised his midfielder son's influence at Southampton, despite him not being able to help the club avoid relegation from the top flight for the first time in 27 years. "He has been my strength since I've been here and I'm not just saying that," added the Saints boss. "He is stronger than I am and he has been fantastic for me. He has had such a positive attitude in the dressing room. "He'll go on and do his coaching badges and I think he'll do great. I'm not saying that just because he is my son, I've got no doubts about it. "Martin Jol saw the ability he has got and his understanding of the game."

Spurs beat Mauritius to end tour
Tottenham finished their end-of-season tour with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mauritius at the Anjalay Stadium. Robbie Keane slotted home the ball after 17 minutes and substitute Lee Barnard drilled in a shot from the edge of the area four minutes from time. "We kept a clean sheet, scored twice and this is a national team, so I'm satisfied," said Spurs boss Martin Jol. "We did well to keep possession in midfield but it wasn't the conditions for us to score a lot of goals." "Mauritius has at least three players who looked very good to me," he added. Rajesh Gunesh the coach of Mauritius was satisfied with his team's performance. "With just five days preparation we cannot expect much more especially against a professional team like Spurs," he said. Tottenham's sporting director Frank Arnesen also added that 17-year old Mauritian Evans Dorasami will be heading to London for six weeks training with the club. "It's a dream that will come true," Dorasami told BBC Sport. "I've always been giving my best with my team (AS Port Louis 2000 in Mauritius) and today I am collecting the rewards." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Teams: Mauritius: Doro, Moorgine, L'Enfle, Diolle, Edouard, Collet, Bayaram, Heerou (Appadu, 89), Appou (D Eduard), Jeannot, Perle (Laboucherie, 83). Tottenham: Cerny (Fulop, 45), Kelly, Jackson, King, Bunjevcevic, Marney (McKenna, 32), Carrick, Yeates (Barnard, 80), Reid, Keane, Defoe. Subs: Johnson, Beeharry.

Posh hoping for Davies windfall
Peterborough will receive up to £500,000 as part of Simon Davies' £4m move from Tottenham to Everton. Posh get between 15 and 20 per cent of any profit Spurs make, thanks to a sell-on clause arranged when Davies left London Road for £700,000 in 2000. Fry told the Peterborough Evening Telegraph: "I'm not counting the money until the deal has gone through. "He almost moved to Everton in the January transfer window and didn't, so I'm not getting too excited just yet."

Ricketts agrees switch to Wolves
Rohan Ricketts has agreed to join Wolves when his contract with Tottenham ends at the beginning of July. The 22-year-old, who spent the end of last season on loan at Molineux, was released by Spurs last week but remains registered with them until 30 June. Ricketts will sign a two-year contract with Wolves, who will have the option of keeping him for a further year. Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle said: "He is young, has lots of ability and is one for the future." He added: "Rohan impressed during his loan spell here and once it was announced that he would soon be a free agent then we were keen to begin talks with him about a permanent deal. "We are all looking forward to seeing more from him. "A player of his age will improve and he is a good buy for us now and for the years to come."

Everton complete deal for Davies
Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Simon Davies from Tottenham for an initial £3.5m fee. Toffees boss David Moyes said he was delighted to make the 25-year-old Wales international his first summer signing. "He is someone who we have chased for a while. We hoped to get him in January but it didn't quite happen then," Moyes told Everton's official website. Davies said: "I'm coming into the best years of my career and hopefully I can give them to Everton." The fee for Davies could rise to £4m, depending on performance bonuses. The midfielder joined Tottenham from Peterborough in January 2000 and went on to make 154 appearances, scoring 24 goals. The player said he was "excited" to join a club with Everton's pedigree. "This club has a good history of winning things and it is a club on the up," he said. "My first ambition is to help the club get into the group stage of the Champions League and because we finished fourth this season the fans will be hoping to get into Europe again via the league." Davies made his Spurs debut against Liverpool in April 2000 but endured an injury-plagued career at White Hart Lane. Spurs sporting director Frank Arnesen said: "Simon has given this club great service but he was ready for a new challenge. We wish him all the best."

Palace deny Routledge exit report
Crystal Palace have insisted that no deal has been agreed between their winger Wayne Routledge and Tottenham. The 20-year-old, who is out of contract, turned down the offer of a new long-term deal to stay with the recently-relegated Eagles. A club statement said: "Crystal Palace Football Club would like to deny newspaper speculation. "Wayne was reported to have joined Spurs for £2m but we can confirm he has not joined the north-London club." Tottenham have had two bids for Routledge rejected, which included one of around £2m during the January transfer window. Because of his age, the Palace star would not be available on a Bosman free transfer, with the club entitled to compensation agreed by a tribunal. Routledge, who has been included in England's Under-21 squad for next week's Toulon tournament in France, and striker Andy Johnson are two Palace players who have been linked with moves back to the Premiership. However, the Selhurst Park side have insisted that Johnson is also not for sale, despite reported interest from a number of clubs, including Birmingham, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Tottenham join chase for Johnson
Tottenham have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson. The 24-year-old England international looks likely to leave Selhurst Park after Palace's relegation and Spurs boss Martin Jol has targeted him. Johnson scored 22 times for the Eagles last season and is currently on tour with the England squad in the US. Meanwhile, Spurs are closing in on a deal for Palace winger Wayne Routledge, but the 20-year-old's transfer looks set to be decided by a tribunal.

Figo hoping to remain with Real
Former World Footballer of the Year Luis Figo has insisted he wants to honour his contract with Real Madrid. Reports in Spanish newspaper Marca suggested the Portuguese international would be freed by the Spanish giants. But the 32-year-old said: "I want to honour my contract which runs to 2006. If that is not their wish, we will have to find an agreement." Figo fell out with coach Wanderley Luxemburgo near the end of the season after being used as a sub. "The way they treated me when I was dropped wasn't right. They didn't tell me I wasn't going to play. It really hurt my pride," Figo told Marca. "I'm not playing, so I understand that it can't be very nice for the club to pay me for not playing. "But there are other players in the same situation." Figo has been a long-term target of Tottenham, who are in the market for a right-sided midfielder after selling Simon Davies to Everton for £3.5m. Real's director of football Arrigo Sacchi had admitted on Punto Radio that Figo's future at the club was in the balance. "I don't know whether he will stay. He's got a contract with us and I hope he stays because he could still be a great player for us and he is a great professional," said Sacchi. "But I think his future depends more on him than it does on us. If he continues to feel down about his situation then it won't be good for him or for us." Figo joined Real from arch-rivals Barcelona for a then world record fee of £37m in a sensational transfer in 2000.

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