Opinion : Where Now After Merseyside

You could have been forgiven in thinking that it was a top Italian or Spanish match, such was the skill, organisation and tactical sparing on show at Anfield yesterday. It was a tight and entertaining encounter, if not for the attempts on goal, but the level of football on display. When you watch teams as good as Liverpool and Spurs, there isn't going to be the goal fest that we would all like. Both sides are too good and too disciplined for that sort of match.

Both midfield quartets cancelled each other out in large portions of the match. Although Liverpool created the better scoring chances overall, Tottenham missed the chance of taking a deserved point when Robbie Keane missed almost an open goal. If Keane had less time to think about where to place the ball, it would have been 1-1. But, as ever, whenever the Irish international has too much time, he lacks the composure to slot home.

Spurs can be proud of their performance, with everyone on the pitch showing that they can play at that level. A good sign if we are to steal a place in the Champions League next year.

The only concern one would have is something which every Spurs supporter already knew. For the amount of possession that we have, we really ought to make more goalscoring chances. A left midfielder is a must this transfer window along with another striker. The game against Leicester also showed that our second string are maybe short of a little quality. Especially now a trio have left for Pompey.

Money will be available as always for the right players under Levy, and Jol has already stated he needs new players. Wayne Bridge is reported to be at White Hart Lane today finalising a move.

The future for Tottenham has never been brighter, and as long as Jol is in charge, we can look forward to being Champions League contenders every year.

Arsenal Set To Win Walcott Race

Theo Walcott looks set to join Arsenal Park Lane understands. More news to follow....

Spurs In Massive Torres Bid

A source close to the club has leaked information regarding a £20m+ bid for Fernando Torres of Atletico Madrid. Tottenham bid a similar amount for the 21 year old Spainish striker in the summer however, a move failed to materialise. Atletico Madrid have just recently sacked their manager after another mediocre half season in La Liga, so a move may be possible. Torres is one of the biggest prospects in the world, with a 1 in 2 strike ratio in the league and 9 international goals in 25 games.

It would be very difficult for Tottenham to persuade such a high profile name to join, but a concrete offer has been made.

Portsmouth Wrap Up Signings

The deal for Pedro Mendes, Noe Pamarot and Sean Davis has been completed. A sum of £7M has been reported in the press.

With 3 fringe players of the wage bill Spurs will now carry out their own transfer window business.

For a full story see below

Transfer Gossip : From Various ITK Sources

Information is comming from a host of reliable ITK sources, identifying players that Spurs are targeting this window.

Vicenzo Iaquinta - According to two ITK sources an announcement is due to be made before Thursday to reveal the signing of the player.

Wayne Bridge - The club is reportedly close to signing a deal with the player. It is unknown whether it will be a permanent move or loan until the summer.

Theo Walcott - Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in the player. Chelsea are ruled out due to too much competition for places, Liverpool are too far away from home. Leaving a battle between Arsenal and Spurs. Walcotts father is said to be impressed from his meeting with Levy, and the way in which Marin Jol is prepared to give youngsters a chance.

Morten Gamst Pedersen - There is also ITK news that Morten Gamst Perdersen is targeted by Spurs to fill the left midfield void. But unclear whether a bid has been accepted.

Note : This information is from people who are close to the club. I only pass on information that I hear, and take no responsibility for its correctness.

Opinion : Tottenham Away At Anfield

If you have the time to listen to Liverpool fans, the winning team for this fixture has already been decided before a ball has been kicked. Liverpool are in a rich vein of form at the moment having draw 1 and won 10 of their last 11 games. But I don't think 3 pts will be as easy as they would have you believe. Tottenham are a point behind in the league although Liverpool have 2 games in hand, making the outcome of this encounter fairly important to both the clubs seasons.

In previous years Tottenham would maybe not have expected to get anything out of this match. But having lost 3 games in 21, Martin Jol has clearly instilled a new belief in his squad. Spurs where always going to do well this year, given the experience and pedigree of the summer signing. But Jol has brought organisation and intelligence onto the pitch, and a new found resilience and fighting spirit.

One of the things that has impressed me the most is the willingness of the midfield to track back and help defenders. Even if the midfield is in the opponents half, and there is a quick counter attack, the Spurs quartet bust a gut to get back goal side. If you watch closely we never leave a one on one opportunity, a midfielder is always in front of the back four filling the hole. You really have to work hard to score a goal against Tottenham these days (when King and Dawson start).

The other reason why I think we will give a good account of ourselves at Anfield is the way we pass the ball. Even away from home, we have four technically gifted passing midfielders, in Davids, Carrick, Jenas and Taino. Even against Manchester United at Old Trafford we had the better possession. If we can keep the ball under intense pressure, then in all probability we will create chances. And with the form Keane and Mido are in, we don't need too many chances to make them count.

Although I may be slightly biased towards Spurs I don't think there is a great deal of difference between Spurs and Liverpool. In every area of the pitch we cancel each other out. I believe Liverpool have more star players, ie Gerrard and Alonso, but Carrick and Davids are not that far behind. Ive a feeling this will be a close match, that either team could win on the day. Clearly one to avoid with the betting.

Verdict 2-2 Draw

Match Reaction : Leicester City 3 - 2 Tottenham

Tottenham looked to be going into cruise control two goals to the good and it looked like we would score more. Leicester had other ideas and scored in an ideal time just before the break through Stephen Hughes to make it 2-1 at half time. The second half was a scrappy afair with Leicester scoring two unanswered strikes, the winner in stoppage time.

Aaron Lennon was a constant thorn in Leicesters side, but apart from the yorkshireman nobody else put in a noteworthy performance. Jenas and Carrick did ok in not perfect conditions, and Robie Keane looked dangerous up front. The more regular starters didnt do overly bad, but there where some really desperate perfomances from some of the back up players.

Gregorz Rasiak seems to have sealed his own fate with his performance. I know there are alot of people who dont like to hear Rasiak being picked on, but his performance did nothing to change my opinion of him. I beleive he could do a job for any Championship side, but he clearly isnt Premiership material. That is not an insult to him or Jol.

I was pleased that Jol signed Gregorz minutes before the Sep 1st Deadline, because we were short after selling Kanoute, and then the Kuyt deal falling through. Should Mido have picked up an injury then we would have needed an experienced striker to fill the gaps. However, the transfer window is upon us again, and I think Gregorzs' shelf life has expired. Hopefully the Iaquinta deal will conclude, with Wolves interested in Rasiak.

One of the positive points to come out of the game was Aaron Lennons performance. Lennon has certainly earned plaudits this season, and did not disappoint. He plays a very direct game, which us fans like to see. But along with excitement, he does actually produce goalscoring chances for his team mates. Twice in the first half he breezed past Maybury and put an inviting ball into the Leicester box.

One of the few critiscisms of Martin Jols team is the lack of width. I can appreciate Jol would like to ease Lennon in to first team football, and protect him in his first season. My argument is every time Lennon plays, he makes things happen. I would like to see him get more starts, he gives us something we dont have in the usual midfield, pace. It gives us another outlet, and using the wings to get in behind teams is by far the easiest way to score.

The FA Cup defeat could actually be a blessing in disguise. All of our Champions League competitors are competing in Europe and domestic cup competitions. We are soley concentrating on league position. Playing less games will definetly give us an advantage in the season run in, come April/May.

If we could sign one or two players who could benefit the first team straight away, we really have the ability to widen the gap against Arsenal. A Left midfielder, another target man to compete with Mido and a reserve left back could make all the difference between Champions League and Uefa cup. We can count ourselves lucky that the traditional Premier League heavyweights are in transition, and we should take full advantage by investing in the players to make a difference.

Opinion : Fergie Targets Lennon

According to various newspaper reports today, Sir Alex Ferguson has enquired about the availability of Aaron Lennon as he seeks to rebuild his ageing Utd midfield. Lennon has been a revelataion in his first season at Spurs, playing on either flank.

As Spurs become more successful it is inevitable that our star players will become sought after by other top clubs.

Lennon signed a long term contract extension that doubled his wages only last autumn, so it is very unlikely that he would be allowed to leave at this stage in his career. Its is also doubtfull that Manchester Utd could afford Tottenhams' valuation of the player they bought for £1M.

Ledley King and Jermain Defoe have also been the subject of much media speculation in recent weeks. Realistically though, there isnt a team in the Premiership that could afford the double figure transfer fee for either signature apart from Chelsea. Since Chelsea are forbidden from signing any Spurs players for 3 seasons after the Arnesen saga, I believe Spurs fans may live with peace in mind that nobody of importance will be sold.

Vieri To Leave The Rossoneri

AC Milan have allowed Christian Vieiri to find possible suitors following a week of speculation about his future. Vieiri has endured a tough time in the last 2 years, first, loosing his place in the Inter side to Obefami Martins and Adriano, and now at AC Milan, he is 4th choice behind Andrei Shevchencko, Alberto Gilardino and Fillipo Inzaghi.

Vieri is desperate for first team football to boost his chances in regaining his Italian squad place ahead of the World Cup this summer. Rossoneri chief Adriano Galliani has confirmed that Vieri's situation could be resolved in the next few days.

"Vieri is very happy at Milan, but in a World Cup year, he would like to play more regularly".

"He is 33 years old and this will probably be his last World Cup, so he feels that he must safeguard that experience by playing more first-team football".

A list of clubs from Spain and Italy are interested including his former club Atletico Madrid. But sources indicate that he favours the chance of playing in the Premiership for the first time. Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be interested along with Newcastle United. Spurs are looking for a target man to compete with Mido for a first team place.

Signing Vieri will not come without its concerns. There are question marks over his commitment to the game, and it is rumoured that he is carrying excess weight.

Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur Preview

Tottenham go into the fixture at Leicester taking 9pts from a possible 12 over the festive period. An uncharactaristic defeat away to Jols former club West Brom was followed by comprehensive victories over Newcastle and Man City.

Tottenham of course are famous for their 8 FA Cup triumphs in previous years, and Jol will be all out to make sure the clubs name is engraved on the trophy again come May.

Spurs welcome back Mido from his Egypt friendly that never was, and Lee Young Pyo could be fit to play after his injury is not as bad as first feared.

Andy Reid and Ledley King are definetly out. king is due to be back in training around the 21st Jan. Edgar Davids and Temu tainio are doubts for the clash but face late fitness tests. It is unclear whether Jol plans to play a full strength side, or make changes and blood some of the younger players including Wayne Routledge and Aaron Lennon.

Spurs Move For Beto

Experienced Sporting Lisbon centre half Beto is attracting interest from Tottenham and Fulham. The 29 year old defender has 31 Caps for Portugal and joined Sporting as a 17 year old in 1995. He has been everpresent in the Sporting first 11, winning 2 Portuguese titles, 1 cup and a Uefa Cup runner up hammering Middlesbrough along the way.

It is rumoured that Martin Jol is looking to strengthen the centre of defence, due to Nourredine Naybet's contract expiring in the summer. Moves for Ron Vlaar and Ceasar of AZ and Deportivo respectively, have failed to materialise.

Tottenham are in uncharted territory this season, sitting a lofty 4th place at the half way stage. If spurs are to keep the pressure on the top 3 they will need all the experience they can get.

Redknapp Wants Spurs Trio

Harry Redknapp looks set to offer some of Tottenhams forgotten men a route out of White Hart Lane. The strength in depth at White Hart Lane, especially in midfield has been well documeted this season. Noe Pamarot, Pedro Mendes and Sean Davis have all been frustrated by their lack of playing time and competition for places at Tottenham. Harry redknapp sees all three as signings that could stabalise a weak Pompey squad that has struggled in the top division this term.

New co-owner Alexandre Gaydamak has given the go ahead for Redknapp to spend his way to safety. It is yet unkown how deep the coffers at Fratton Park run, but it is thought to be in the region of £20M.

Pompey have already concluded a £4.1M club record transfer for Zimbabwe international Benjani Mwaruwari from Auxerre, along with Polish striker Emanuelle Olisadabe from Panathanaikos last week. With the striking positions resolved, Redknapp is looking to patch up his midfield and leaking defence.

Tottenham are believed to be willing to listen to offers of 5 to £6M for the three players. Spurs fans will be sad to see the back of Mendes who will be remebered for his goal at Old Trafford. However, the signings of Temu Tainio and Jermain Jenas has forced him to look elsewhere for first team football.

Iaquinta Deal Close?

Tottenham are persuing a deal for Italian International Striker Vicenzo Iaquinta according to various press reports. Iaquinta, at 6ft 3ins and 13stone, is seen as the permanent replacement for former fans favourite Freddy Kanoute, who left for Seville last summer. Spurs are in need of a target man to give competition to Mido, who is one of the few players guaranteed a place in Martin Jols starting line up.

Iaquintas' goals fired unfashionable Udinese into the Champions League last year, scoring 13 in 31 league apperances.

The powerfully built 26 year old has built up a reputation in his homeland, and has recently been a fixture in the Italian national squad ahead of the World Cup. Barcelona and AC Milan were interested in his services, however Udinese were not keen on selling their star player at the time. That has all changed following the bust up with Udinese chairman Giampaolo Pozzo over signing a long term contract. Iaquinta eventually signed a new contract last autumn, but not before falling out with the clubs hierachy.

It is thought that an offer of around £7 million will conclude the deal.

Mido flies back for Foxes encounter

Mido has been allowed to fly back to England in time for the Fa Cup 3rd round tie against Leicester City on Sunday. Egypt where due to play Nigeria in a warm up game for the African Cup of Nations, but the game has now been postponed.

Shawky Ghariedb, assistant manager of the Egyptian national team said: "He said he wanted to return to England and since our match was cancelled we approved his request.

The news will boost supporters confidence of victory in a tricky away tie at the Walkers stadium. Had Mido not returned, Spurs would have given a start to as yet unproven Polish international Gregorz Rasiak.