Tottenham Hotspur

Keane fuels Celtic transfer talk
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane fuelled speculation that he would be interested in a move to Celtic after praising new Bhoys boss Gordon Strachan. "He's the best manager I have worked under," said Keane after scoring the Republic of Ireland's winner in Jackie McNamara's testimonial at Celtic Park. "I'm sure he's going to do a tremendous job - he gets the best out of players and knows the game inside out. "I'm a Celtic fan, and I have said that one day I would like to play for them." Keane seems to have dropped down the White Hart Lane pecking order under Martin Jol. And, with just the year remaining on his contract, speculation is mounting over his future. He worked with Strachan during his days at Coventry. When asked about the prospect of moving to Glasgow, Keane said: "I've been linked with moves to every club this summer. "At the end of the day, I've got one year left at Tottenham, and I am happy there but, if things change, then who knows? "If the manager or chairman told me I was no longer wanted at Spurs then I am going to have to consider my future."

Spurs set to discover Europe fate
Tottenham will find out on Sunday if their disciplinary record will earn them a place in next year's Uefa Cup. Six countries will go into a draw for two remaining places, with Viking FK already through after Norway finished at the top of the Fair Play League. The draw will be made at half-time in the women's European championship tie between England and Finland on Sunday. Sweden, Estonia, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark are the other five nations who are represented.

Keane has no problems with Jol
Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has dismissed talk of a rift with manager Martin Jol - but has refused to confirm his long-term commitment to the club. A new contract has been on the table since last summer, but the 24-year-old is staying focused on the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifiers. "It's there and we will see what happens. I said I would wait," he said. "It's something I've not thought about, and I'm not thinking about because my focus is on these two games." Keane had a dispute with Jol after being substituted against Birmingham. The forward was fined £10,000 for storming down the tunnel and has since been linked with a move to Everton and Celtic. But Keane added: "Just to clear things up, regardless of what people say about me and the manager, we are grand. We get on very well." Ireland play World Cup qualifiers against Israel at Lansdowne Road on Saturday and then the Faroe Islands in Torshavn next Wednesday.

The Arnesen factor
Frank Arnesen arrived in London in May 2004 as Tottenham's new sporting director with little fanfare. Now, a little more than 12 months on, the 48-year-old's name is being trumpeted in headlines after Chelsea made an approach for his services. But why are the Premiership champions so keen to recruit the Dane? The answer is writ large in a footballing career that has spanned 30 years in four European countries. Tottenham's decision to go down the sporting director route did not win fulsome support in a country used to the more traditional British ethos of management. But what was never in doubt was the fact Arnesen was the right man for that job. A pacy, attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, he enjoyed a glittering playing career at club level with Ajax, Anderlecht, Valencia and PSV Eindhoven and won 52 caps for Denmark. After hanging up his boots he wasted little time in starting the next stage of his career, taking his coaching badges and becoming assistant manager to Bobby Robson at PSV Eindhoven. But it was his talent for spotting and developing players that impressed the club most and he was moved "upstairs" within three years. Arnesen was appointed as technical director, advisor and manager of scouting and transfers at PSV, a role he kept for 10 years until Guus Hiddink restructured the club. During that time he unearthed a host of talented, young players, including the likes of Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistlerooy, Jaap Stam and present Chelsea duo Mateja Kezman and Arjen Robben. He also took Eidur Gudjohnsen to PSV - the Icelandic striker now also plays for Chelsea. Not only did that help bring success, it also saved on spending and brought in financial reward when they moved on. FRANK ARNESEN FACTFILE Born: 30 September 1956 Copenhagen, Denmark 52 Denmark caps; 14 goals 1975: Joins Ajax Amsterdam and wins three league titles 1981: Moves to Valencia and is La Liga's top scorer in first year 1983: Wins league title in Belgium with Anderlecht 1985: Returns to Holland with PSV Eindhoven and wins three league titles before landing the European Cup in 1988 1991: Appointed PSV Eindhoven assistant to Bobby Robson 1994: Becomes PSV Eindhoven technical director 2004: Joins Tottenham 2005: Suspended by Spurs after link to Chelsea As well as his undoubted ability for picking potential stars, Arnesen also boasts one of football's biggest contact books. "He was a highly-respected player who everybody liked, and as a result, he has built up a huge network of contacts throughout Europe and elsewhere," Dutch journalist Henk van Weert told BBC Sport when Tottenham got their man. It was a view seconded by Arnesen's former international team-mate, Jan Molby. "Make no mistake, if Frank rings AC Milan or any other big club, they take his call right away. He's a real class act," the former Liverpool player told BBC Sport. Arnesen came in to restructure Spurs and, after a false start with Frenchman Jacques Santini at the helm, enjoyed a productive first season at White Hart Lane. In partnership with Martin Jol, his behind-the-scenes wheeling-and-dealing helped the club recover from their ignominious start to end the campaign on the cusp of European qualification. Players came in from around the world and during the January transfer window he attracted promising youngsters from the lower leagues such as Nottingham Forest duo Andy Reid and Michael Dawson and Derby's Tom Huddlestone. They are the sort of signings Chelsea would baulk at when, blessed with Roman Abramovich's millions, they can bring in any number of players who are the finished article, whatever the fee. But it is impossible to put a price on developing talent at a fraction of the cost. Abramovich will be hoping Arnesen delves into that contacts book and unearths some more potential stars to help make Chelsea a viable business as well as maintain their position at the Premiership summit.

O'Neill snubbed Tottenham top job
Former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill says a desire to win the Scottish Premier title back from Rangers stopped him joining Tottenham two years ago. O'Neill recently stepped down from the Parkhead hot-seat for family reasons. He told the Scotsman: "Rumours were abounding that it was time to go and Spurs were strongly on the case. "But as things unfolded, I just wanted to regain the championship, I didn't want to leave here with that disappointment around the place." Despite reaching the Uefa Cup final in 2003, Celtic failed to win any of the four trophies they competed for that season. O'Neill said: "It was an extraordinary, fantastic year, one that everybody will keep talking about - yet we ended up without a trophy. "But we came back the following season and made sure we did it," said O'Neill who leaves the task of wrestling the title back from Rangers next season to Gordon Strachan. O'Neill said: "I've already said that my regret about leaving now is that I won't have the opportunity to come back next season and get it back again. "Two years ago, I also wanted another crack at the Champions League, especially if we could improve the team and push on to a higher level." O'Neill also claimed only a move to the Barclay's Premiership would realise Celtic's potential. He said: "Celtic are a massive club and because of the financial handcuffs of playing in the SPL, they're not realising their potential. "We could go straight to 85,000 capacity overnight with 80,000 season ticket holders. "Within a year or two in the Premiership, Celtic would never be a bit player, but a major, major player. "If you take the present £70m turnover and simply add the £25m they would get from domestic TV alone in England it would put us up there immediately with Arsenal, behind only Manchester United and Chelsea."

Spurs stunned over Blues approach
Spurs legend Alan Mullery said Chelsea should "face the consequences" if claims of an illegal approach for Tottenham's Frank Arnesen are true. "Illegal approaches have been happening for years," Mullery told BBC Sport. "It just goes on and on, and, as far as I know, hundreds of players and staff have been approached in this way. "I'm sure Chelsea will appeal if any action is taken against them. But if they are found guilty then they should face the consequences." Daniel Wynn of the Tottenham Supporters' Trust said he was left shocked after hearing the news of Arnesen's suspension after Chelsea's approach for the sporting director. "I'm as stunned as everyone else," he said. "It's one step forward and two back with this club at the moment. "We'd had a much better season and there were signs of improvement. "When Jacques Santini left in November that was a shock but there had been some mumbling that it could happen. This is a bolt from nowhere. "It was the team to take us forward. Manager Martin Jol was Arnesen's man and he wanted him all the way through." Former Tottenham player Gary O'Reilly told BBC Radio Five Live that Chelsea's financial clout is worrying for football. "This will have very interesting reverberations not only around White Hart Lane, but the whole of football," said O'Reilly. "What it does indicate, is that we have a situation at Chelsea where they appear to have the power to destabilise football. "They have enough money to achieve any objective they wish. Maybe bringing in salary caps would help and prevent this from happening. "It's now up to the Premier League to decide how they want to react. "They cannot do anything until they find out how Spurs want to react - whether the club think the suspension of Arnesen is enough, or if they want to take the matter further."

Arnesen suspended in Chelsea link
Spurs have suspended sporting director Frank Arnesen after they claimed Chelsea made an approach to the Dane without their permission. Arnesen says he wants to move to Chelsea, and Spurs have confirmed they are taking legal advice on the matter. Chelsea, however, insist they made an "official approach" to Spurs for Arnesen to move to Stamford Bridge. But Spurs told club website www.spurs.co.uk that Chelsea's move was made "in direct breach of FAPL rules". A Spurs statement read: "This approach was made both prior to requesting permission and without permission from the club." Chelsea reacted swiftly to reject the allegations, insisting: "Chelsea Ltd made an official approach to Tottenham Hotspur for permission to speak to Frank Arnesen two weeks ago. "Chelsea Ltd has been in direct discussions with Tottenham for the last two weeks on this subject." The row over Arnesen comes only days after Chelsea were fined £300,000 and handed a suspended three-point deduction by Premier League officials for their role in an illegal meeting with Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole. The 48-year-old arrived at Spurs at the start of last season and was instrumental in appointing Jacques Santini, then his successor Martin Jol. He is also responsible for masterminding the club's transfer policy. The Spurs statement added: "Notwithstanding that he is subject to contract and holds wide-ranging responsibilities and commitments to all parties at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Frank has indicated that he wishes to move to Chelsea Football Club. "Accordingly, the board of Tottenham Hotspur plc has suspended Frank Arnesen with immediate effect. "The club is currently in discussions with its legal advisors and a further announcement will be made in due course." The Premier League, however, is yet to receive a complaint from Spurs officials about the alleged approach to Arnesen. "We have not received an official complaint," said Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson. "We await to see the action Tottenham wish to pursue." Arnesen is widely accepted to be one of the best-connected men in world football, and that is what is likely to have made him a prime Chelsea target. He has also made a reputation for unearthing young talent around the world - qualties that will have attracted Chelsea. Manager Jose Mourinho revealed recently that the club would be focussing on producing home-grown talent, despite the massive spending power of owner Roman Abramovich. He said: "We will invest a lot in the scouting department. "We want to have the best possible network of scouts around the world and to produce our own players because when we are at this level we can only buy the best players in the world. "Where are the best players? At the best clubs in the world - and they don't want to sell. So you want to improve your team and it is difficult. "Even with money you cannot buy them so you have to produce."

Former League chief slams Chelsea
Former Premier League chief executive Peter Leaver has accused Chelsea of "breathtaking arrogance" over their alleged approach to Frank Arnesen. Tottenham suspended their sporting director on Saturday, although Chelsea deny an illegal approach. Leaver told BBC Five Live: "Where does the truth lie when one has had what happened over the Ashley Cole case? "My problem is it is a breathtaking display of arrogance by Chelsea in the aftermath of the Ashley Cole affair." Chelsea have insisted that they made an "official approach" to Spurs for Arnesen to move to Stamford Bridge. But a statement on the Spurs website said: "This approach was made both prior to requesting permission and without permission from the club." The story broke only days after Chelsea were fined £300,000 and handed a suspended three-point deduction for 'tapping up' Arsenal defender Ashley Cole. And Leaver said that Chelsea's behaviour is damaging their relationship with the other Premier League clubs. "I think if people behave well it doesn't really matter what their muscle is," added Leaver, who resigned as the Premier League's chief executive in March 1999. "I think the real problem arrives when people start behaving arrogantly and behaving improperly and behaving badly. "They have to live with 19 other clubs in the Premier League. The way they are going about things at the moment seems to me to make it very difficult to live with those clubs." Leaver wants to see tests introduced to ensure that the right kind of people are working in football. "It seems to me it is going to be inevitable that there should be a fit and proper qualification for anyone who is going to be involved in football administration," said Leaver. "If there were such a test, as there is in financial services, the authorities would be looking very long and very hard at what is going on at Chelsea at the moment." Former Tottenham director of football David Pleat believes that 'tapping up' happens all the time. "I am surprised but there is no loyalty in football," said Pleat on BBC's Sportsweek. "People have agreements and contracts but, inevitably, in 90% of the cases when they move they have already had the whisper and then comes the formal approach. "I left last year in May and the following day Frank Arnesen was in place, so exactly the same thing happened when he left PSV Eindhoven. "Unfortunately football does not stand up when you talk about loyalty." And he suggested that Spurs deserved better from Arnesen. "I think Frank Arnesen, having secured a very good job in certain circumstances, has been rather disloyal to Tottenham - if he now needs to go and he is obviously going for one reason," added Pleat. "When Frank was thinking of retiring from PSV, Tottenham came along and I introduced him to them, to speak to him about how the football director relationship works. "They came back and were obviously quite seduced by Frank, gave Frank a terrific opportunity here to continue his career in that role, gave him a contract at whatever money and was more than happy to come. "Now a few months later, he is more than happy to go and that stinks a little bit, doesn't it?"

Jol unfazed by Arnesen suspension
Tottenham head coach Martin Jol has insisted that he is looking forward to next season, despite the suspension and probable departure of Frank Arnesen. Sporting director Arnesen, who brought Jol to the club, was suspended after it was alleged that he was the subject of an illegal approach from Chelsea. But Jol told Spurs' website: "The news about Frank is a big disappointment. "But I want to reassure fans there is a lot to anticipate and we already have our plans in place for the season." Tottenham suspended Arnesen on Saturday and the Dane has told Spurs that he wants to move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea deny making an illegal approach but, with Arnesen now suspended, he is unlikely to have any future at White Hart Lane. Jol added: "We finished last season on an optimistic note and I am determined that we stay that way. "The teamwork here is such a big feature at Spurs and that impressed me from day one. "We move on and I'm really looking forward to seeing the fans all again at the Lane at the start of the new season." Jol was made head coach at Spurs following the resignation of former France coach Jacques Santini in November. Dutchman Jol has a contract with Spurs until the summer of 2007.

Tottenham miss out on Uefa place
Tottenham have missed out on a Uefa Cup spot after the Fair Play draw which took place in Manchester on Sunday. Spurs were vying with clubs from Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Estonia and Germany. Two places in next season's competition were up for grabs in the draw which took place at half-time in the England-Finland Women's Euro 2005 game. A Danish club - as yet unknown as their season has not finished - and German side Mainz were chosen to take part. Tottenham head coach Martin Jol said he was disappointed, but said he would look on the bright side. "It makes us all determined to secure European football for our club and supporters through strong performances next season," he told Spurs' website. "We just missed out. To take a positive it will give myself and the players time to prepare for next season. "We hope that will be be where we make the next step in our development." The Norwegian Football Association topped Uefa's fair play rankings, which are based on criteria such as positive play, respect of opponents and officials, behaviour of the crowd as well as cautions and dismissals They gave their place to Viking FK. Spurs finished second to Arsenal in the Football Association's domestic fair play rankings - but the Gunners' Champions League qualification ruled them out of contention. Sweden's Hammarby, Tulevik Viljandi of Estonia and Young Boys of Switzerland were the other clubs to miss out on a place.

Robinson set for new Spurs deal
Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has revealed he is close to agreeing a new, long-term contract with the club. The 25-year-old told Spurs' website: "I've been in negotiations for a few weeks and we're just about there. "It's a long-term contract that will keep me here for a few years. It's a commitment but one I'm happy to do. "There has never been any doubt on my part that this is where I want to be. I've thoroughly enjoyed my first year here and I hope to have many more." Robinson signed for Tottenham from Leeds in May 2004 and has established himself as number one for the club and for England. "The chairman showed his commitment to me by signing me in the first place and by signing this new deal I'm repaying that faith," Robinson added.

Clubs still in talks over Arnesen
Chelsea and Tottenham will continue discussions over a compensation package for sporting director Frank Arnesen. The two clubs spent much of Monday discussing the amount of money Spurs required before considering the release of the Dane from his current contract. Arnesen was suspended from his duties on Saturday amid Tottenham's claims of an alleged illegal approach by Chelsea. A Premier League spokesman revealed they were still waiting for an official complaint from Spurs. Chelsea deny they are guilty of breaching FA Premier League rules. But a spokesperson at White Hart Lane said: "Frank was suspended on Saturday and the club is still weighing-up its options with regard to a formal complaint." Tottenham also revealed on Saturday that Arnesen had told them he wanted to leave to take up a similar post at Stamford Bridge. The news about Arnesen came only three days after Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho were fined for an illegal meeting with Arsenal defender Ashley Cole. Chelsea do not dispute that a letter requesting permission to approach Arnesen was sent to Tottenham - and was addressed to chairman Daniel Levy. However, Spurs have revealed the letter to ask for permission to approach Arnesen was also copied to the Spurs supremo. "By definition, Frank was approached prior to the club having had any chance to refuse permission," said a statement on the club's website. But Chelsea feel that they have not breached the Premier League rules covering employees of a club outside of the playing staff. The rule in question is U10, which governs that: No club shall directly or indirectly induce or intend to induce any employee of another club to terminate a contract of employment with that other club (whether or not by breach of that contract). No club shall directly or indirectly approach any such employee with a view to offering employment without the consent of that other club. The Premier League commission's verdict on the Cole case said that the Blues could be deducted three points for the 2005/06 season - but only if it is a repeat offence of Rule K3 which concerns players. Mourinho was found guilty of breaching Rule Q, which governs managers' conduct, and Cole Rule K5, which prevents a contracted player making an approach to a club, with a view to negotiating a contract without permission. It has been reported that the Blues believe negotiations with Spurs for Arnesen are still open - and that it may take £5m to secure the Dane's services. He was suspended by Spurs after apparently indicating that he wishes to make the move across London. Former Football League chairman David Sheepshanks told BBC Radio Five Live it was not only vital that the rulebook was adhered to but also that clear guidelines involving the role of agents are made. "It is very difficult. The more wealthy the guys are at the top the more important it is that the rulebook is applied," said Ipswich chairman Sheepshanks. "It really is very important we have strong rules on the way agents operate. At the end of the day it has to come from Fifa. "It is absolutely vital there is a clear rulebook and protocol set out for the behaviour of agents."

Easy for Arnesen to quit - Robben
Chelsea star Arjen Robben says he understands why sporting director Frank Arnesen wants to quit Tottenham for Stamford Bridge. The Dutch winger's comments come as Spurs still ponder whether to make an official complaint over the alleged tapping-up of Arnesen by Chelsea. "I don't what his reasons are," he said at a news conference on Monday. "But if you can make a step from Tottenham to a top club like Chelsea, I think it's not a difficult decision." And Sir Bobby Robson believes Chelsea would get one of the best talent spotters in the game if they employ Frank Arnesen. Robson, who was with Arnesen at PSV Eindhoven, told Radio Five Live: "We worked together for three years and he was an ideal colleague. "I could see him working in any football club. "Frank is a great judge of a player. He makes a proper assessment of a player and does not make any big mistakes. "He is hard working, has a good personality and I admire him very much. He is a very shrewd man. "Frank knows the game and has great knowledge." Robben was one of a host of talented players unearthed by Arnesen during his time as technical director, advisor and manager of scouting and transfers PSV. The 48-year-old was directly involved in the £12m deal that took Robben to Chelsea before joining Spurs as their sporting director in 2004. Robben added: "He brings new players into the club and in the past he has brought some great players to PSV. "I think maybe from that point of view they (Chelsea) want to take him." Tottenham first-team coach Chris Hughton said the club will recover from the loss of Arnesen. "Whatever direction the club go in winning matches is always the most important thing," Hughton told Radio Five Live. "You have always got to look after yourself and your own situation. "I feel that we made good progress last season and the most important thing is to continue that."

Spurs turn down £4.5m Kanoute bid
Tottenham have turned down a £4.5m bid from West Brom for Fredi Kanoute. The 27-year-old Mali striker has been targeted after scoring nine goals in 41 appearances for Spurs last season. Baggies boss Bryan Robson originally wanted the Spurs forward on a season-long loan but when that was rejected he returned with a firm bid. Kanoute joined Spurs for £3.5m from West Ham in August 2003, having arrived at Upton Park from Lyon in 2000 for a £3.2m transfer fee. A spokesperson for Spurs said: "We can confirm that we have rejected a bid from West Brom for Fredi Kanoute." Kanoute's Spurs career has been less than exceptional but coach Martin Jol sees the player as an integral part of his plans for next season. Jol preferred to play Kanoute alongside either Robbie Keane or Jermain Defoe last season and Spurs seem determined to hang on to the former West Ham striker.

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