Newcastle boss Keegan joins Villa in race to land Spurs star Defoe

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• More Premier League news club by club

The 25-year-old is third-choice striker at Tottenham and has been told by coach Juande Ramos he will be allowed to leave White Hart Lane.

New Toon boss Kevin Keegan has targeted the unsettled forward after being handed a £25m transfer kitty by owner Mike Ashley.

Defoe's arrival would see him form a potentially lethal partnership with fellow England striker Michael Owen.

However, it was reported today that Defoe has already held preliminary talks with Martin O'Neill. The manager was linked with a move for the forward last summer.

A Villa spokesman could "neither confirm or deny" speculation surrounding Defoe's future.

However, a source said: "Jermain has been to talk to Villa. The problem now is negotiating a fee and that may prove to be the sticking point."

O'Neill is keen to bolster his striking options with Luke Moore refusing a new contract, Marlon Harewood failing to make an impact and lingering doubts over John Carew's fitness.