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Spurs must wait for Jermain Defoe
Simon Johnson and Tom Collomosse31 Dec 2008
Tottenham are still hopeful of re-signing Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth next month - but their chances could depend on whether Manchester City succeed in buying Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is desperate to sign another forward and reports this morning claimed the club have had a £30m combined bid for Defoe, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson rejected by Pompey.
Manchester City are looking to spend big in January and Defoe is also one of their targets - although he is behind Santa Cruz on their wish list.
It is understood City boss Mark Hughes will concentrate on getting Defoe if he fails to sign the Paraguayan international from Ewood Park.
Defoe has told close friends that he would prefer a return to White Hart Lane despite having only left them for Portsmouth in a £9m deal last January.
Spurs also want to sign Defoe's Portsmouth team-mate Crouch, but it is understood manager Tony Adams is prepared to let only one of his forwards go.
It is believed that Adams prefers Crouch to stay out of the two because he feels the former Liverpool striker can play a more significant role in helping Portsmouth stay in the Premier League, especially as he is not convinced Defoe provides much of a threat away from home.
Meanwhile, Gareth Bale will have the chance to finally kick-start his Spurs career in Friday's FA Cup tie against Wigan.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has preferred to use Benoit Assou-Ekotto at left-back, but the Cameroonian is suspended for four games and Bale will now be given the chance to impress.
Reader views (3)
He has been on a spurs winning side I think you all forget how many cup games the young lad has been a part of and how many of his crosses provide opportunities for goal scoring attempts.He has not been given the time by Redknapp to play in games. Under Jol and Ramos he won numerous man of the matches and now only needs a good run to prove his worth. Why be so naive to think superstition loses a game. C'mon u Spurs.
- Richard Brown, UK, 31/12/2008 15:40
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Bale will come good, and Harry will surprise many with some decent signings in January. By the way, the sun is shining and all is well with the world here on Fantasy Island.
- Ted, London, 31/12/2008 15:16
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God i hope he does start performing, as he has never been on a winning Spurs side!
- Adrian, london, 31/12/2008 12:15
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