White Hot Lines

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... 

   The Sunday Telegraph claims that Portsmouth goalkeeper David James is said to be "flattered" by interest from Tottenham and that he would be keen to sign in January.
   The News of the World reports that Atletico Madrid are considering a loan move for David Bentley, which would be made permanent at a later date.
   The same paper reckons Spurs and Arsenal are both keen on Newcastle United's on loan to Norwich City goalkeeper Fraser Foster and also they are both watching Watford's England Under-21 keeper Scott Loach.
   Alan Hutton is reportedly a target for Stoke City and Fulham in January, according to the NoTW.
   In the Sunday Express, it reports that Tottenham are the latest club to take a look at teenage Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku of Anderlecht.
   The Sunday Mirror puts Spurs in the frame to sign Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Ledley King and Luka Modric are both expected to start against West Ham United tomorrow, with Jermain Defoe coming back into the side to replace Robbie Keane.  Sebastien Bassong should be declared fit after getting a kick to the head in Saturday's game at Fulham.
   WEST HAM UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  West Ham United will be missing Carlton Cole, Luis Boa Morte and Zavon Hines missing with knee injuries, while hamstring injuries rule out Mark Noble, Kieron Dyer and Daniel Gabbidon.  Either Jiminez or Behrami will replace Noble in midfield, with the rest of the West Ham side expected to be unchanged. 
   For a preview of the game at White Hart Lane against West Ham tomorrow, click here.

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   Spurs drew 0-0 against Fulham at Craven Cottage this afternoon.  For a match report, click here and for reaction click here.
   The Times re-run the story about Harry Redknapp being keen on Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy.

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   MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS.  THANKS FOR VISITING MEHSTG.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Jonathan Woodgate is still out injured with a groin problem, while David Bentley's calf strain is still keeping him side-lined.  Ledley King and Luka Modric are both available for selection for the team against Fulham on Saturday.  Both Simon Davies and Diomansy Kamara are doubtful for the game.
   FULHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Andy Johnson may be fit after his groin problem and could face Spurs at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
   Barnet have extended defender Calum Butcher's loan at Underhill.
   Harry Redknapp says he has no intention of selling Robbie Keane in the January transfer window.

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   The Sun claim that Harry Redknapp is once again watching Craig Bellamy's situation at Manchester City after the latest in a long line of alleged bust-ups and although Roman Pavlyuchenko might have to be sold to raise the cash, it seems the Tottenham manager reckons the Welsh forward could be a useful addition.  It is claimed that Liverpool are interested in the Russian striker and Tottenham might be willing to sell to them, as they need £14 million for Bellamy.
   Over at the Daily Mirror, Harry's Christmas list includes Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy, Liverpool's Ryan Babel and Matthew Upson of West Ham United.  Alan Hutton is likely to be offered to West Ham in part exchange for Upson and although David Bentley is available, Daniel Levy wants the full transfer fee paid for the winger to Blackburn Rovers recouped, which looks unlikely at the moment. 
   The Mirror also regurgitates the Robbie Keane to Glasgow Celtic in exchange for goalkeeper Artur Boruc story.
   Jamie O'Hara's loan spell at Portsmouth may not be able to be extended if the Premier League maintain their transfer embargo on the stricken South Coast club.
   For a preview of Boxing Day's game at Fulham, click here.

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   Sebastien Bassong has not been included in the Cameroon squad for the African Nations Cup, leaving him free to play for Tottenham through January.  Benoit Assou-Ekotto has been chosen in the squad to play in the tournament.
   The Daily Mirror somehow come up with a story that Michael Dawson is set to move to Sunderland with Steve Bruce making a £7 million bid for the defender.
   The same story says Spurs are keen on Internacional's Brazilian midfielder Sandro for £14 million and that with David Bentley, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Robbie Keane possible departures form White Hart Lane, Tottenham might look to Bayern Munich's Italian forward Luca Toni or former Lazio striker Goran Pandev, who is now a free agent and also interests Internazionale, AS Roma and Juventus.  It also resurrects the swap of Keane for Artur Boruc, the Glasgow Celtic goalkeeper.
   The Daily Star claims that Tottenham and Everton are keen on Watford's England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach.

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   Differing futures are predicted for forward Robbie Keane, with the Daily Mirror claiming he will be sold to Glasgow Celtic if Spurs can barter for Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc to be part of the deal, while the Sun reckon he will stay as Tottenham captain.
   The Daily Express have Blackburn Rovers and Everton vying for the signature of right back Alan Hutton in the January transfer window, with £4 million quoted as a prospective fee.
   Harry Redknapp's disciplinary action for 16 of the club's players who arranged a Christmas party without his knowledge have had to pay fines totalling £20,000 (Mirror), £80,000 (Sun), £1 million (Star), £300,000 (Guardian) or £32,000 (Independent) depending which newspaper your read.  The money will go to charity, which may or may not be the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates has been appointed as the new manager of Cheltenham Town ... ... 

   The Daily Mail reports that Tottenham are keen to sign Portsmouth full back Nadir Belhadj with Blackburn Rovers and Everton also keen on the Algerian.

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   Sunderland are said to be keen on signing Robbie Keane for £12 million in January, according to the News of the World, with a list of possible replacements provided including Hugo Rodallega (Wigan Athletic), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux), Carlton Cole (West Ham United) and the old chestnut Lomana LuaLua (some Qatar club).
   The same paper claims Spurs will make a move for West Ham United defender Matthew Upson, but other papers seem to think Manchester City will be in for the England centre-half.
   Continuing on the Spurs theme, they claim that Burnley will sign Gareth Bale on loan until the end of the season.
   The Sunday Express reports that Wigan Athletic have told Tottenham that defender Maynor Figueroa is not for sale.
   The official website has revealed that Club Secretary John Alexander will be leaving to join Manchester United in June next year.

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   Tottenham won 2-0 at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  Reaction to follow.
   A statement from Harry Redknapp's solicitors on the Tottenham website has said that the Spurs manager will face a trial for tax fraud, which occurred before he joined the club, which would be heard on 11th January 2010 and the club said that it would not affect his position at Tottenham.
   The Daily Mail reckons that Spurs will try and sign Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer as he will be out of contract at Bordeaux in the summer.
   The Daily Mirror has had it's abacus out and calculates that the fines for the players arranging their Christmas party behind manager Harry Redknapp's back will be £1.3 million.  That should be enough to pay their wages back to them for about two weeks.
   Former Spurs defender Mark Bowen was part of the casualties in Mark Hughes' backroom staff, who have all left Manchester City today.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Mark Hughes was sacked as manager of Manchester City after today's game and replace him with Roberto Mancini, who will have Brian Kidd as his assistant ... ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  A problem with Luka Modric's ankle keeps him out of the Blackburn Rovers game, with David Bentley also very doubtful with a calf strain and they join Carlo Cudicini, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King on the sick list to miss out. 
   BLACKBURN ROVERS TEAM NEWS : -   Brett Emerton and David Dunn are set to miss the game through injury, but the midfield might be boosted by the return of Vince Grella.
   For a preview of the game at Blackburn Rovers tomorrow, click here.
   The Daily Mirror claim Tottenham are ready to make an £8 million bid for West Ham United's central defender Matthew Upson.
   Crystal Palace winger Victor Moses is believed to be a target for Barcelona and German side Hoffenheim, but wants to stay in England, with Tottenham keen on the £5 million rated 19 year old.
   The Times claims that Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has targeted David Bentley as one of his key buys in the January transfer window.
   The Daily Mirror reckons that Nottingham Forest will make a £3 million bid for defender Gareth Bale and it is believed that Spurs are willing to do business this transfer window.
   A Sun exclusive reports that 16 Spurs players paid £2,000 each to go to Dublin for a Christmas party on Tuesday 8th December, despite Harry Redknapp's instruction not to have one.  It is claimed that the players flew out for what was believed to be a golf trip, returning for training on Thursday morning.  Redknapp was quoted as saying the trip had no effect on the side who went on to lose 0-1 to Wolverhampton Wanderers on the Saturday.  Redknapp is said to be ready to discipline the players involved once he has interviewed them.
   For some festive fun, click here.

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   Not a good day for former Spurs defenders, as Dean Austin (Reading) and John Gorman (QPR), who were assistant managers, have followed their managers out of their respective clubs today.
   The Daily Mirror reports that Spurs may bid £6 million for Wigan Athletic left back Maynor Figueroa, with some of the cash coming from selling Gareth Bale.
   In the Sun, they claim that Tottenham are set to sign 26 year old Monterrey and Chile striker Humberto Suazo.

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   OTHER NEWS ... QPR have appointed Paul Hart as their new manager ... ... 

   Tottenham beat Manchester City 3-0 at White Hart Lane tonight.  Click here for a match report and here for reaction.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Jim Magilton parted company with Queens Park Rangers as their manager by mutual consent tonight ... as did manager Brendon Rogers at Reading ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsene Wenger tonight complained about the level of complaining in the Premier League and the amount of complaining, which he thinks is unreasonable.

   TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS :  -  Spurs will be missing Carlo Cudicini (wrist and hip), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Ledley King (knee), while Luka Modric will start the game on the bench after being sore following Saturday's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.  Jermaine Jenas has been suffering with food poisoning and it is hoped he might be recovered enough to take some part in the game
   MANCHESTER CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Craig Bellamy is suspended for the game after getting sent off on Saturday, while Shaun Wright-Phillips is out with an ankle injury, as are Michael Johnson and Wayne Bridge, whose knee knocks keeps them side-lined.  Midfielder Nigel de Jong is unlikely to be fit after going down with Swine Flu and 
   For a preview of the game against Manchester City, click here.
   Spurs, Wigan Athletic and Sunderland are all interested in Crystal Palace winger Victor Moses, who might be the subject of a £3.5 million bid from Barcelona.
   On trial keeper Asier Riesgo of Real Sociedad hopes he has done enough to prove his worth to Harry Redknapp and earn a contract as cover for Heurelho Gomes.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Notts County manager Hans Backe has resigned as manager of Notts County after just seven weeks in charge ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... The Eritrean national team have gone missing ... not in a game, but after a tournament in Kenya.  It is the treble for the African side, who have lost tow previous squads on trips abroad.

   The fan involved in the incident with Benoit Assou-Ekotto after Saturday's match has withdrawn his complaint of an alleged assault and will meet with the defender later this week to resolve the matter "amicably" according to reports.
   The Sun carry a video of the incident (click here to see it) and claim that BAE will be fined two weeks wages.
   TeamTalk link West Ham United striker Carlton Cole with a move to Spurs, Arsenal or Liverpool in the January transfer window.
   Sky Sports reckon West Ham United will make a move for Alan Hutton in January with some of their players available as part exchange in the deal.

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   The Sunday Express claim that Spurs will make a £2 million bid for Portsmouth goalkeeper David James in January.
   Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach is the News of the World's choice for Tottenham, but Aston Villa are also watching the 21 year old £3 million rated England Under-21 keeper.
   The Sunday People reckon that Harry Redknapp might bring Paul Hart in at Tottenham to be in charge of the youth set-up.
   The People also claim that four Spurs players will be up for sale in January to make way for new signings.  David Bentley, Roman Paveluchenko, Alan Hutton and Robbie Keane are the players named as the manager clears the decks for the signing of Ruud van Nistelrooy and others.
   The News of the World report that Spurs might not renew Ledley King's contract following his injury in the friendly game in midweek, when he was hit in the face with the ball and knocked off balance that ended up with his knee being jarred and him missing more games.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Sheffield Wednesday have sacked manager Brian Laws after their 11th loss of the season yesterday ... ... 

   Tottenham lost 0-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers today.  Click here for a match report and here for reaction.
   An incident between Benoit Assou-Ekotto and a member of the crowd occurred when the players left the pitch and the club are currently investigating what happened.  It is said that Assou-Ekotto was abused and went for the fan near the tunnel with his hands around his throat.
   Rumour has it that Tottenham may be returning to the West Country in pre-season to play Exeter City before the start of the 2010-2011 season.
   Harry Redknapp is said to be interested in 33 year old Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy if he should be available in the January transfer window.  Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and Arsenal are also said to be watching the Dutchman's situation according to the Daily Mirror.
   The Mirror also quotes Harry Redknapp as saying that there is no chance of Robbie Keane joining Glasgow Celtic on loan in the transfer window.
   Also in the Mirror, they say that Spurs are looking at the £3-4 million purchase of 26 year old Lazio and Macedonia forward Goran Pandev.
   Spurs Under-18s beat Birmingham City 6-2 in the FA Premier Academy League with Kudos Oyenuga, Harry Kane and Paul McBride all grabbing two goals each.

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   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Luka Modric might feature after coming through the midweek friendly against Grays Athletic and Giovani dos Santos also did well, scoring twice.  However, after a reported falling out with Harry Redknapp following his performance in that match, David Bentley could miss out on being included in the match-day 18.  Wilson Palacios' injured ribs might not keep him out of the match against Wolves, but Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are both likely to be sidelined once more.  Carlo Cudicini is still out with his injuries from his motor-bike crash.
   WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS TEAM NEWS : -  Keogh has joined Michael Kightly on the injured list as he will miss the next twelve weeks after injuring an ankle in training.  Kightly is out with an injured ankle too, while Chris Iwelumo could be back after a foot injury.  However, the Midlanders will also be missing goalkeeper Matt Murray (knee) and Ronald Zubar (thigh).
   For a preview of tomorrow's match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, click here.
   Former Spurs defender Graham Roberts today said on TalkSport that he had heard a strong rumour in Scotland that Madjid Bougherra would be joining Spurs form Glasgow Rangers in the January transfer window.
   The Spurs youth team has been drawn at home to Portsmouth in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup.  Ties have to be played by 16th January 2010

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   OTHER NEWS ... Martin Allen has left his post as manager of Cheltenham Town by mutual consent ... ... 

   The Daily Mail claim that Liverpool are keen on taking striker Roman Pavyluchenko to Anfield and that winger Ryan Babel might move the other way as part of the deal.
   The Daily Express hint that any move for Robbie Keane by Glasgow Celtic will be rebuffed by Tottenham.
   At today's Tottenham AGM, chairman Daniel Levy said that he did not expect any net spend during the January transfer window and urged Spurs fans to write to Haringey Council to support the development of the area that would include the building of the new White Hart Lane stadium and a possible inclusion in the World Cup stadia list for 2018.
   28 year old Humberto Suazo of Chile and Mexican side Monterrey is keen on a move to the Premier League with Spurs being mentioned as a potential destination for the striker.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Paul Sturrock has been moved upstairs from his manager's role to a business support role while Paul Mariner has been installed as the manager at the club ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Sol Campbell would love it if Manchester United wanted to sign him up.  Yeah, me too !!

   The Sun are surmising that the need for central defensive cover will propel Harry Redknapp into a deal to swap Alan Hutton for Sunderland's Anton Ferdinand in January.  Please no !!
   Harry Kane notched the only goal of the Spurs Youth team's 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium tonight.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Unibond Premier League side League King's Lynn were wound up in the High Court today after owing the tax man £70,000 that they could not pay ... ... 

   Spurs beat Grays Athletic 5-2 in a friendly at Spurs Lodge, in which Luka Modric played 70 minutes as he comes back from his broken leg.  The Tottenham goals came from Giovani dos Santos 2, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Jon Obika and Anton Blackwood.
   Glasgow Celtic are rumoured to be considering a loan swoop for Spurs captain Robbie Keane, who has not been a starter for the club of late.  While Celtic are keen on the move, Tottenham would want the Scottish club to pay the bulk of the Irishman's wages.
   Roman Pavlyuchenko's rent-a-quote agent has claimed that he has spoken to AS Roma by phone, but that Spartak Moscow, Zenit St. Petersburg and Arsenal are all interested in the Russian forward.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... 

   Ivory Coast and Young Boys of Berne striker Seydo Doumbia is the subject of an £8 million bid by German club Hoffenheim and Spurs are looking to see whether they will make a January bid to sign the 21 year old, the Daily Mirror reports.
   Former Tottenham manager Christian Gross has been appointed as the new manager of VfB Stuttgart.

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   CRIMEWATCH ... Hearts and Hamilton Academicals were involved in a tempestuous match on Sunday and to view some hilarious footage, click here http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8398154.stm ... Lincoln City manager Chris Sutton has received a £500 fine and a warning about his future conduct after being dismissed from the touchline in a game against Cheltenham Town ... Newcastle United striker Andrew Carroll has been arrested on suspicion of assault following a fight in a club in the Bigg Market in the city...

   Tottenham drew 2-2 with Everton at Goodison Park this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.  For reaction, click here.
   Spurs are offering a trial to former Spanish Under-21 and Real Sociedad goalkeeper Asier Riesgo, now aged 26.  He will train with Tottenham next week as they seek cover for Heurelho Gomes.
   The Sunday Express reckons Spurs will move for Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand in January, but if unsuccessful, will change their focus to Manchester City's Micah Richards.
   Harry Redknapp is reported to have ordered his solicitors to produce a 16 page dossier on why he shouldn't be tried for the tax evasion charges which have been hanging over him for two years.

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   The Sun claims that Spurs are set to open talks with Ledley King about a new £70,000 a week contract despite the constant knee problems the Spurs defender suffers.  It is believed that Harry Redknapp still considers King to be a major influence on the side and the deal may be a "thank you" for battling on through the pain over the years for the club.
   The Spurs Academy side won 3-1 against Cardiff City at Spurs Lodge.  Ryan Fredericks scored twice and Paul McBride got one as Spurs eased to a good win.

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   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Ledley King (hamstring) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) are the two players who are doubtful for Sunday's match at Goodison, while Luka Modric (broken leg), Carlo Cudicini (hip and wrist) and Giovani dos Santos (ankle).
   EVERTON TEAM NEWS : -  A host of injuries will restrict Davie Moyes in his options available for the meeting with Spurs.  Sylvain Distin and Dan Gosling pulled up with hamstring injuries in their Europa League game in midweek and they are already without Mikael Arteta (knee), Phil Neville (knee), James Vaughan (knee), Victor Anichebe (knee), Phil Jagielka (knee), Joseph Yobo (knee) and Jack Rodwell (groin).  Added to that Johnny Heitinga is suspended after picking up five bookings this season.  Jo, who was injured in the game at AEK Athens is expected to be fit for Sunday, while Leon Osman might take a late fitness test on his ankle injury.
   Switzerland international goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic is rumoured to be a target for Harry Redknapp to provide competition to Heurelho Gomes in the Spurs goal.  The 6'4" 25 year old Bosnian, who qualifies for Switzerland by residence, has been playing for Lokomotiv Moscow, but has had problems there and was loaned out to Grasshoppers of Zurich.  The Russian club would be happy to let him leave on loan with a view to a £1 million transfer afterwards.
   More games have been moved to accommodate TV coverage.
○  Everton (Home) has moved from Saturday 27th February 2010 to Sunday 28th February 2010 with a 13:00 kick off for ESPN to cover the match.
○  The game at Wigan Athletic (away) the week before had already been moved to Sunday 21st February 2010, but the kick off is now to be at 16:15.

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   OTHER NEWS ... England have been drawn against USA, Algeria and Slovenia in their World Cup group to be played in South Africa next year  ... ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Arsene Wenger says he has no regrets about not shaking hands with Mark Hughes after the League Cup tie in midweek ... mainly as he was scared that the Manchester City manager would squeeze too hard.

   The Daily Mirror claim that Spurs are set to sign Sandro from Internacional of Brazil in the next few weeks for a fee of £7 million.  The 20 year old defensive midfielder has said he is looking forward to coming to White Hart Lane.
   Watford's England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach is set to be sold as the Hertfordshire club are in financial difficulties and Spurs look set to make a £1.5 million bid for the goalie.
   For a preview of Sunday's match against Everton, click here.

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Added to his lack of 50-50 vision, Arsene Wenger in his post-match press conference last night admitted he ahs no professional courtesy.

   The Daily Mail claims that Roman Pavlyuchenko could be part of a swap deal for Spartak Moscow's Brazilian striker Welliton.
   The FA Cup Third Round tie against Peterborough United will kick off at 15:00 on Saturday 2nd January 2010, with the replay, should it be required, scheduled for Wednesday 13th January at 19:45.

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   Tottenham lost 0-2 against Manchester United at Old Trafford tonight in the quarter-final of the League Cup.  For a match report, click here.  Reaction to follow.
   The Daily Mirror runs a story that Tottenham are ready to make a £10 million bid for Ivory Coast striker Seydou Doumbia.  The 21-year old currently plays for Young Boys of Berne in Switzerland and is expected to play in the World Cup for his country.
   A number of papers claim AS Roma are set for talks with Roman Pavlyuchenko's agent about a January move from Spurs.  Last transfer window, it was said that Roma were strapped for cash, so I am not sure how they will be able to meet the asking price Daniel Levy is expecting to receive.
   TV scheduling has moved some Spurs games in February.
○  Aston Villa (Home) on Saturday 6th February will now kick off at 17:30 for ESPN coverage.
○  Wolverhampton Wanderers (away) has moved from Tuesday 9th February to Wednesday 10th February with the kick off at 19:45 because the home side will now be playing on the previous Sunday.
○  Wigan Athletic (away) will move from Saturday 20th February to Sunday 21st February with kick off at 16:00 for Sky Sports coverage.
○  Everton (home) on Saturday 27th February will now kick off at 17:30 for ESPN to cover the game, but should Everton progress in the Europa League, the game will move to the Sunday (28th) with the same kick off time for the same channel to show it live.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Crystal Palace are facing an uncertain future after rumours about the financial health of the club have been circulating.  I bet that will leave chairman Simon Jordan red-faced.