The Premiership Rumour Mill

Spurs spies were able to check the Racing Santander forward in the 0-0 draw with Thursday's UEFA Cup opponents Seville.

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But White Hart Lane bosses will want more than the £10million touted for the England international and don't view the 6ft 7in Zigic as a like-for-like replacement.

Instead he is more likely to replace Mido, who remains on top of Stuart Pearce's wish list at Manchester City.

Pearce has warned the Eastlands board they must spend in the summer if they want to finish in the top ten next season.

"I am acutely aware, as any neutral who comes to watch would be, where we need to strengthen our team," he said. "We have to make every effort we possibly can to do so in the summer. I have to add a few more goals to our tally. That is the key area without a doubt."

United may chase Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella if they fail to capture Defoe while Spurs have failed in their ambitious bid to land German central defender Cristoph Metzelder after he agreed to join Real Madrid.

Lille midfielder Jean Makoun has claimed he will be able to choose between playing at Old Trafford or moving to Arsenal in the summer.

He has claimed United have been following his progress for a while and that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been in contact with him regarding a move to the Emirates Stadium.

"Arsenal are a possibility," said the 23-year-old Cameroon international. "I know their scouts have come to see me play several times and I have had a phone call from Arsene Wenger, too."

And the Cameroon international added: "Manchester United were in touch last year and I know they are still interested."

Portsmouth have joined the race to sign Scunthorpe striker Billy Sharp but also remain keen on Middlesbrough marksman Mark Viduka.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has already been linked with a move for former Manchester United team-mate Nicky Butt, who is at north-east rivals Newcastle and is also closing in on Hibs midfielder Michael Stewart.

Everton manager David Moyes will not allow goalkeeper Iain Turner to join Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent basis but may allow him to go back to Hillsborough for another 12 months on loan next season.

Middlesbrough are keeping tabs on former Riverside Stadium favourite Geremi, who may be on his way out of Chelsea at the end of the season.

Rumour of the day: Chelsea are keen on Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

No chance: Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock wants to sign Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham but is at the bottom of the midfielder's wish list.