White Hot Lines  

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs hope to have William Gallas fit after a hamstring injury, but Robbie Keane may be out of the game with a similar problem.  Both Jermain Defoe and Younes Kaboul miss out through suspension and Jamie O'Hara (back), Ledley King (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Carlo Cudicini (shoulder) are all not available for selection.
   FULHAM TEAM NEWS : -  Injuries have hit Matthew Briggs (calf), Bobby Zamora (broken leg), Frederik Stoor (groin) and Philipe Senderos (calf), while Moussa Dembele is doubtful with an ankle injury.
   Birmingham City want David Bentley as well as Robbie Keane, as they settle on their January targets to help them pull away form the bottom reaches of the table, it is reported in the Daily Mail.

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   Spurs are leading a group of six Premier League clubs wanting to sign David Beckham from LA Galaxy on a two month loan deal according to the Daily Mirror.
   The Daily Mail reports that Robbie Keane is willing to take a drop in wages to get first team football away from White Hart Lane with Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers looking to sign the Republic of Ireland striker.
   For a preview of the Fulham game on New Year's Day, click here.
   Former Spurs loan striker Titi Camara has been appointed as Sports Minister in Guinea.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Micky Adams has left the manager's post at Port Vale to take over as boss at Sheffield United ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... .

   Younes Kaboul apologised to his team-mates and Spurs fans for his sending off in the game against Newcastle United on the club's website today.
   The Daily Mirror report that Wolverhampton Wanderers want Robbie Keane on loan to help them battle against relegation.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Preston North End sacked manager Darren Ferguson today ... Brian Laws was sacked as manager of Burnley today ... 

   Tottenham beat Newcastle United 2-0 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.
   The Daily Mirror claims that Cardiff City are keen to take Jonathan Woodgate on loan until the end of the season, but that Middlesbrough are also interested in taking Woodgate back to his home town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Wigan Athletic are all willing to get the ex-England central defender in to help them avoid relegation.
   The Times reckon that Glasgow Celtic would be willing to take Niko Kranjcar on loan for the rest of the season.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Former Liverpool and Israel defender Avi Cohen died today following injuries sustained in a motor-cycle accident  ... 

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   MEHSTG's spin story ...  Roy Hodgson today criticised the Co-op for the lack of support since he took over at Liverpool  ... 

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs hope Luka Modric will play after he suffered cramp late on in Sunday's win over Aston Villa.  Jermain Defoe's red card at Villa Park means a chance for either Peter Crouch or Roman Pavlyuchenko to replace him.
   NEWCASTLE UNITED TEAM NEWS : -  Skipper Kevin Nolan will serve a one match ban after getting his fifth yellow card of the season.  Hatem Ben Arfa is still out with a broken leg and Ryan Taylor is sidelined with an ankle injury, while a knee injury rules out Dan Gosling and a hamstring injury prevents Shola Ameobi from playing in the game at White Hart Lane.
   The Sun claims that Harry Redknapp is to offer a choice of Robbie Keane, David Bentley, Niko Kranjcar or Jamie O'Hara in a deal totalling £15 million for the Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.
   However, the Daily Mirror report that Birmingham City have had initial talks with Spurs about taking Robbie Keane on loan for the rest of the season.
   For a preview of tomorrow's game against Newcastle United, click here.

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   The Sunday People is reporting that Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United are both interested in taking Jonathan Woodgate on loan following Harry Redknapp's comments that this would be good for his rehabilitation following a long lay off with a groin injury.
   The same paper reckons Spurs will make a £2.5 million bid for Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar in the January transfer window.  The 28 year old is said to be keen to stay in England, although German clubs are following his situation and Spurs have turned their attention to him after ruling out a move for West Ham United's Scott Parker.
   The People also carry a piece saying that Redknapp is not interested in Blackburn Rovers central defender Christopher Samba, as Tottenham are strong in that area at the moment.

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  MEHSTG WISHES A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS.

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -   Spurs hope to welcome back Rafael van der Vaart, Jermaine Jenas, Younes Kaboul, Niko Kranjcar and William Gallas, although the captain might need a late fitness test on his hamstring injury.  Still missing are Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Ledley King (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Jamie O'Hara (back).
   ASTON VILLA TEAM NEWS : -  Winger Ashley Young remains a serious doubt for the game for Aston Villa, as he struggers to overcome ankle and knee injuries.  Steve Sidwell's Achilles problem rules him out, although he might be on the brink of a move to West Ham United and Andreas Weimann will miss the game through an ankle injury.
   Jonathan Woodgate could go out on loan in January to get some match practice after his recovery from his long-standing groin problem.
   Robbie Keane is set on a move to get more first team football and Birmingham City are making him their number one target in the January transfer window.  Also interested are Aston Villa, Everton and West Ham United.
   The TalkSport website claims that Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro is set to turn his back on the Premier League and sign for Valencia, thus disappointing Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle United.

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   A new date for the postponed fixture at Blackpool has been arranged and the match will be played on Tuesday 22nd February 2011 with a 20:00 kick off, although should both clubs be knocked out of the FA Cup, the match may be subject to further moving.
   The Guardian is today linking Spurs with a move for Fenerbahce and Turkey striker Semih Senturk, who is 27 and available for transfer as his contract expires in the summer.  Malaga, Real Zaragoza and Deportivo La Coruna are also interested
   The article also hinted that Real Zaragoza could be lucky in taking Giovani dos Santos on a loan spell.
   The Daily Express believes that Spurs and Arsenal will battle it out for the signature of Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba, who wants to leave Ewood Park following the sacking of Sam Allardyce.
   In the Daily Telegraph, it claims that Robbie Keane's loan move to West Ham United might hit the rocks because the player was demanding a £1 million payment should the Irons stay in the Premier League and Spurs were looking for a similar payment, as well as a guaranteed £6 million fee for his permanent transfer in the summer.  The struggling East London club were never certain of signing the Republic of Ireland striker, who now seems to be intent on joining Aston Villa.
   Tottenham are being tentatively linked with a move for AS Roma's Brazilian striker Julio Baptista, who previously played in the Premier League with Arsenal, according to the TalkSport website.
   For a preview of the Aston Villa game on Boxing Day, click here.

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   OTHER NEWS ... The FA have appointed former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein as the new chairman of the FA ... 

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Rafa Benitez has had his contract as manager of Internazionale terminated by mutual consent after a financial deal to ensure his departure was a greed.  Sorry, that should have read agreed.

   Jonathan Woodgate could be set for a shock return to the Spurs first team this season after coming through a tough training regime says the TalkSport website.  After 18 months away Harry Redknapp reports that he is out on the training pitch and progressing well.
   Gareth Bale has been named third in the Young Player of the Year awards in World Soccer magazine and Harry Redknapp came sixth in the Manager of the Year awards.

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   The Sun claims that Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric will be one of Chelsea's top transfer targets in the summer window.
   Robbie Keane looks set to join struggling East End side West Ham United on a six month loan deal in January according to the Daily Telegraph.
   The TalkSport website links Tottenham with a move for 23 year old French international and St. Etienne winger Dimitri Payet and says that they are favourites to snap him up for £7 million.
   Winger Andros Townsend has returned early from his season long loan spell at Ipswich Town, with the Championship team's manager saying that he had not had as much on pitch time as he needs.  It appears that midfielder Jake Livermore will also come back to Spurs from his loan spell at Portman Road in January.
   A Spurs XI beat Leyton Orient 5-1 in a four-quartered match under the dome at Spurs Lodge today.  Playing 20 minutes per quarter, goals from Andros Townsend 2, Ryan Mason, Harry Kane and Kudus Oyenuga eased Spurs to victory.

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   The Daily Express catches up with the rest of the media world with their story about Harry Redknapp offering Peter Crouch in a £20 million move for Newcastle United's Andy Carroll.
   Robbie Keane is a £6 million target for Birmingham City, who want to steal him away form under the noses of their city rivals Aston Villa, according to the Sun.
   A story, maybe somewhat not unsurprisingly, has appeared in the Daily Mail claiming Roman Pavlyuchenko has been told to get English lessons to improve his communication with his team-mates.
   The open training session at White Hart Lane tomorrow has had to be cancelled because of the adverse weather conditions.
   On loan at Bristol City, central defender Steven Caulker has been named as the Young Player of the Month for November in the npower Football League.

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   The Sunday Mirror claims that Spurs are willing to offer either Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane in part exchange in a £20 million deal to bring striker Andy Carroll to White Hart Lane.
   David Bentley is the target of Birmingham City, who are willing to bid more than Liverpool who can only afford around £6 million for the Spurs winger, according to the Sunday People.
   The Spurs open training session at White Hart Lane on Tuesday 21st December may be called off because of the bad weather being suffered in the area at the moment.

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... A game between Club Brugge and Anderlecht had to be abandoned when Brugge fans pelted Anderlecht players taking corners with snowballs !!

   Tottenham's game at Blackpool tomorrow has been postponed because of a frozen pitch at Bloomfield Road.
   Winger Danny Rose has told Spurs that he does not want to sit in the stands at White Hart Lane if he has to return after his loan spell at Bristol City.
   The TalkSport website claims that Spurs face competition from Atletico Madrid for Borussia Dortmund's 21 year old Japanese attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa.
   Following the Spurs players Christmas party on Thursday night, manager Harry Redknapp intends to have talks with Ledley King, who left the West End night club looking decidedly the worse for wear.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Snow and frozen pitches hit the Premier league programme with only two matches taking place today and all of tomorrow's games being called off ... 

   Spurs winger of the 1960s and 70s Ralph Coates died today after suffering two strokes earlier in the week.  MEHSTG sends sincere condolences to all of Ralph's friends and family at this sad time.
   Tottenham were drawn to play AC Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League in Nyon, Switzerland today.  The two legs of the tie will be played on Tuesday 15th February in the San Siro stadium and Wednesday 9th March at White Hart Lane.
   The Daily Telegraph claim that Spurs are willing to offer to upgrade the Crystal Palace sports complex should they be granted permission to occupy the Olympic Stadium at Stratford, so that they can do away with the running track and also leave a sports legacy to London.  A 20,000 stadium, which could be made into a 40,000 in South London would be sufficient to stage World Championships, which is what was intended for the Olympic Stadium, along with world class warm-up tracks and this indication is taken as a sign that Spurs are seriously putting a move to Stratford ahead of developing the Northumberland Park project.
   Tottenham's game on Sunday at Blackpool is under threat by the snow and ice, as the Bloomfield Road pitch does not have under-soil heating.
   The London Evening Standard claims that Spurs are keen to sign David Beckham on loan in January as the MLS season is on a break until March and the LA Galaxy midfielder will be looking for a club to keep fit with.
   Bayern Munich's Dutch international midfielder Mark van Bommel is a target for Manchester City and Tottenham according to the Daily Mirror.
   Harry Redknapp was awarded the Manager of the Year trophy at the BBC London Sports awards, while Gareth Bale won the Footballer of the Year award.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Rafael van der Vaart and Younes Kaboul should both be fit to travel to Blackpool and be ready for selection following their hamstring and hip injuries.  Wilson Palacios should be fit to play after getting a late injury in the Chelsea match, while Ledley King has trained all week, but is not yet match fit to play.  Also out are the current injured players Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back), Ledley King (groin), William Gallas (hamstring), Jermaine Jenas (calf) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle).
   BLACKPOOL TEAM NEWS : -  Captain Charlie Adam is suspended for one game, while keeper Matt Gilks misses the game with a knee injury and a similar injury rules out Malaury Martin, Alex Baptiste and Billy Clarke.  Also unavailable are Louis Almond (shoulder), Mark Basham (foot), Marlon Harwood (hamstring), Paul Rachubka (ineligible), Ludovic Sylvestre (hamstring).  Doubtful for the Seasiders are Craig Cathcart (knee), Mark Halstead (illness) and David Vaughan (ankle).

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... West Ham United manager Avram Grant said he knew nothing of an ultimatum to win one of the club's next three games or get the sack.  What is it that they say about "always the last to know" ?

   The TalkSport website claims that Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra is looking to move back to England in January, with Spurs and Manchester United both supposedly interested in signing the former Portsmouth player.
   Robbie Keane is a target for Wolverhampton Wanderers according to the Daily Mirror.
   The Premier League have confirmed that should Spurs or West Ham United move into the Olympic Stadium at Stratford, they will not be prevented from doing so by the rules of the competition.  The organisation have said that clubs moving should not adversely affect other Premier League or Football League clubs in the vicinity and while West Ham United thought Tottenham moving there would, the PL have come out to make the situation clear ahead of their decision in January.
   For a preview of the Blackpool game, click here.

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   At the club's AGM, Daniel Levy told shareholders that Tottenham were not a selling club and that Gareth Bale would not be leaving, although the squad did need to be trimmed either in the next transfer window or in the summer.  Levy did not expect too much movement in the January transfer window.
   The Daily Mail claim that Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara is wanted by West Ham Manager Avram Grant on loan in the January transfer window.  Grant had previously been his manager at Portsmouth, where he was on loan.

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   OTHER NEWS ... John Trollope was sacked as manager of Bristol Rovers today ... 

   CRIME WATCH ... Ledley King was handed a driving ban of 56 days, a £800 fine and £200 costs today at Sudbury Magistrate's Court for driving at 105 mph near Newmarket in June 2010 ... 

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Andy Briggs writes in to inform us about a survey that is being held after the criticism of the Old Trafford pitch on Monday night to determine which is greener ... the playing surface or Arsene Wenger ?

   Spurs are keen on signing the talented young Dutch striker Luc Castaignos from Feyenoord for £4 million, but they are not alone according to the TalkSport website.  Internazionale and Valencia are also courting the teenager.
   In the Daily Mail, Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says he is willing to move for Robbie Keane in January.
   Leicester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson is planning a £1.5 million bid to make Kyle Naughton's loan move to the Walker's Stadium permanent according to the Daily Mirror.
   The Tottenham Youth team lost 1-3 away to Barnsley in the FA Youth Cup Third Round at Oakwell tonight.
   Spurs have announced that former Merrill Lynch manager Kevan Watts has joined the board as a non-executive director.

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   Metro claims that Spurs are keen on Carlos Tevez, but Real Madrid and Barcelona lead the way in the chase for the Manchester City want away striker.

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   OTHER NEWS ... Sam Allardyce was sacked as Blackburn Rovers manager today ... 

   Tottenham drew 1-1 with Chelsea at White Hart Lane this afternoon.  Click here for a match report.
   The Sunday People claim that Spurs and Chelsea are looking at signing Manchester City's surplus to requirements England defender Joleon Leescott.
   Tottenham director Sir Keith Mills may be asked to be the new chairman of the FA according to the Mail on Sunday.
   We have been sent a link to a website for accommodation should you be staying when you travel away.  Just visit www.supportersaccommodation.com, fill in form and receive 5x10% vouchers..
   For any Spurs fan going to Blackpool next week ...

Blackpool are looking for a brave fan to take on a Blackpool supporter in the half-time Wonga Cash Dash, when the teams meet at Bloomfield Road on Sunday, December 19.
To enter, CLICK HERE.

The Cash Dash is a race in two giant zorb balls, across the Bloomfield turf, between one home and one away supporter. The winner will be the fan who crosses the finishing line first, and will earn themselves £250. There will also a £250 donation to Blackpool’s Trinity Hospice. 
So if you fancy representing Spurs, register your details at www.wonga.com/blackpool

And if you don’t know what a “zorb ball” is, here is Blackpool’s Ian Holloway demonstrating! http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~2136928,00.html.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... .

   Spurs are being linked with a move for Atletico Madrid right back Andoni Iroala, who is rated at £25 million in the Spanish press it says on the TalkSport website.
   For a preview of the Chelsea game, click here.

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   The Daily Mail claims that David Bentley may be on his way back to Blackburn Rovers in January on a  £1 million loan deal.
   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Luka Modric is fit again for consideration after about of flu and Younes Kaboul could be ready for selection again, after training today, but Jermaine Jenas (calf) and Niko Kranjcar (hamstring) will not be fit.  Jonathan Woodgate (groin), Ledley King (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring) are all still sidelined.
   CHELSEA TEAM NEWS : - Jose Bosingwa picked up a hamstring injury on Wednesday in the Champions League and will miss the encounter with Tottenham this weekend.  Frank Lampard's groin and hernia injuries keep him out, while Yuri Zhirkov also misses out with a calf problem.  Also missing are Alex (knee) and Yossi Benayoun (Achilles).
   Former Spurs reserve defender Joe Martin has signed on non-contract terms at Gillingham after being released by Blackpool.

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   Glen Johnson could be a January transfer target for Spurs according to the Daily Mirror, with Bayern Munich and Juventus also keen on the England and Liverpool full back says the Daily Express.
   The Daily Star reckon West Ham United have joined the £5 million race for Robbie Keane, while the Daily Mail have Aston Villa ready to bid £6 million for the Republic of Ireland striker, while the Sun claim that he has rejected a move to Leicester City.
   The secretary of State has indicated to Haringey Council that he does not intend to call in the planning application for the development of the new ground at Northumberland Park for an inquiry.
   Spurs will face Charlton Athletic on Sunday January 9th with a 1:30 p.m. kick off after the South London side won 3-1 away at Luton Town in their Second Round replay tonight.
   Spurs Academy team will play a league match against Birmingham City tomorrow (Friday 10th December) at Spurs Lodge, with a Noon kick off, in a game brought forward from it's arranged date.

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Having sacked Chris Hughton and then sought to appoint a more experienced manager, Newcastle United named Alan Pardew as their new boss today.

   A Spurs XI beat MK Dons at Spurs Lodge in a friendly today, with Tottenham winning thanks to goals from Cameron Lancaster 2, Simon Dawkins and Michael Dawson.
   The Daily Mirror states that Wolverhampton Wanderers wish to re-sign Robbie Keane from Tottenham.
   Metro report that Liverpool are favourites to sign Ajax striker Luis Suarez in January, ahead of Spurs.
   Roman Pavlyuchenko's agent claims that his client is in talks about signing a new deal with Tottenham.

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   Spurs drew 3-3 away to Twente Enschede in the Champions League tonight.  The point helped them to top their group.  For a match report click here.
   The Daily Express says that Scott Parker is on his way to Tottenham in an £8 million deal as he has fallen out with Matthew Upson and does not rate manager Avram Grant.
   The West Ham United player is believed to be ready to put in a transfer request to ease his way out of the struggling Premier League. according to the Metro newspaper, who also hint that Harry Redknapp might use Robbie Keane as part of the deal for the England midfielder.
   The TalkSport website claims that Brazilian striker Julio Baptista will not be leaving Roma for Spurs in January.
   In the Daily Mail, they have Spurs down as being in for Russian 6'2" striker Pavel Pogrebnyak of Stuttgart, who also interests Blackburn Rovers and Everton.
   Also in the Daily Mail, they reckon that Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar will join Tottenham for a minor fee in January or for free in the summer, as the player is said to have made up his mind to join Spurs.

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  MEHSTG's no-spin story ... Leyton Orient come from 0-2 down against Droylsden in their Second Round FA Cup tie replay to draw 2-2 with ten men and then nine just before the end, with Droylsden down to ten.  Into extra time, Droylsden were also reduced to nine men and Orient's comeback continued to leave the score at the end of the extra half hour 8-2 to the Londoners !!

   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -   Spurs hope Jermaine Jenas will be recovered from his calf injury, but Luka Modric might be out of the game after suffering with flu.  With Ledley King (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (ineligible), Sandro (ineligible), Giovani dos Santos (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring) and Younes Kaboul (hip) all unavailable, it could be a patched up team that takes the field in Holland.  Michael Dawson is back in the squad following his appearance on the bench on Saturday.
   TWENTE ENSCHEDE TEAM NEWS : -  Nickolay Mihaylov is fit again, but might be on the bench to face Spurs, as Sander Boschker may be preferred between the sticks. Dwight Tiendalli is back after a bruised knee and Rasmus Bengtsson following a groin injury.  However, Nicky Kuiper is out with torn knee ligaments, Bryan Ruiz will out for a couple of months with a torn knee meniscus and Emir Bajrami has had ankle surgery keeping him out of contention.
   For a preview of the Twente Enschede Champions League game, click here.
   The Daily Express reports that Spurs may have won their pursuit of long time transfer target Scott Parker of West Ham United, who is said to be ready to leave Upton Park after Tottenham raised their bid for the England midfielder to £8 million.
   The London Metro paper carries an article saying that Spurs and Arsenal both had scouts at Werder Bremen's 0-0 draw with Wolfsburg at the weekend, watching midfielder Marko Marin.
   Tottenham's home Premier League match against Arsenal will now kick off at 12:45 on Saturday 26th February 2011, as it will feature live on Sky Sports TV, but should Arsenal reach the League Cup final, which is on February 27th, the league match will be postponed.
   Tottenham's FA Cup Third Round tie against either Charlton Athletic or Luton town will be played at 13:30 on Sunday 9th January 2011.  The game has not been selected for live televised coverage.
   The youth team's FA Youth Cup tie at Barnsley has been postponed.  No date has been set as yet to play the tie again.
   Gareth Bale has won the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year.
   Former Spurs assistant manager, coach and player Chris Hughton has been sacked as manager of Newcastle United.
   Former Spurs Head Coach Martin Jol has left Ajax.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... How ironic that on the day that Chris Hughton gets sacked by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, his former colleague at Spurs Martin Jol steps down after some bad results at Ajax ... with potential to be the one who replaces the former Spurs full back at St. James' Park.  And we all know that Ashley is a Spurs fan.

   According to the News of the World, Manchester City are planning to make a £60 million offer in January for Gareth Bale which includes Emmanuel Adebayour as part of the deal.
   The Sunday People have Fulham willing to battle Aston Villa for the services of Robbie Keane.
   Also in the People, they claim that Manchester City are favourites to sign Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach ahead of Spurs.
   Niko Kranjcar may not be moving to Everton in the January transfer window, as the Merseyside club cannot afford the £3 million fee according to the Mail on Sunday.
   In the News of the World, yesterday's Spurs goals-scorer Sebastien Bassong says he is considering a move back to France with Paris St. Germain.

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  MEHSTG's spin story ... Rumours that David Beckham could be a future chairman of the FA for World Cup bids in years ahead were fuelled when the England midfielder responded to questions about the role by saying, "Yeah.  I could be quite good at that.  Me and Posh have some good chairs."

   Tottenham drew 1-1 with Birmingham City at St. Andrews this afternoon.  For a match report, click here.
   The Daily Telegraph reveals that Spurs are ready to let Robbie Keane leave in January should the bids coming in for him match the club's valuation of the Republic of Ireland striker, with Aston Villa the club who might be the ones to snap him up.

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   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM NEWS : -  Spurs will be without Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring), Younes Kaboul (hip), Jermaine Jenas (calf), Ledley King (groin), Tom Huddlestone (ankle), Giovani dos Santos (groin), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Jamie O'Hara (back) for tomorrow's match at Birmingham.  Kaboul could be out for two weeks and van der Vaart for three, but Harry Redknapp welcomes Michael Dawson back into the squad for the match.  David Bentley (calf) and Robbie Keane (ankle) are doubtful for the game.
   BIRMINGHAM CITY TEAM NEWS : -  Late decisions will be made on Craig Gardner (ankle) and Alexander Hleb (calf) before the game at St. Andrews on Saturday.  Martin Taylor (shoulder) and James McFadden (knee) are definitely out of contention to face Spurs.
   For a preview of the game against Birmingham City, click here.
   The Daily Mail reckon that Aston Villa are interested in pairing West Ham United's Frederic Piquionne in attack with Robbie Keane in January.
   On the TalkSport website they claim that Giovani dos Santos is going to turn down approaches from Mexican clubs to join Genoa in Italy.

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   Spurs are rumoured to be showing interest in £7 million rated Bordeaux defender Michael Ciani, who is also being tracked by Fenerbahce according to the TalkSport website.
   The Daily Mirror says that Manchester City's former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayour is determined to join Spurs on loan in January.

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   OTHER NEWS ... England failed in their bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals, with the tournament being given to Russia, while the 2022 World Cup will be hosted by Qatar ... 

   The Daily Star reckon that Newcastle United have upped central defender Steven Taylor's wages to stop any interest by Spurs form tempting him from St. James Park.
   Over at the Daily Express, they claim that Spurs will have to battle to hang on to William Gallas, who is wanted by a number of MLS teams.

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