Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is keen to hand Ledley King a new contract despite the defender's chronic knee problems.

King's present deal, worth around £55,000-a-week, runs out in 14 months' time and as yet there have been no talks over a new one.

The 28-year-old is unable to train with his team-mates due to the extent of the injuries, which he first sustained in 2006 and which forced him out of the England squad for the games with Slovakia and Ukraine.

But King continues to impress for Spurs and has played a major part in their climb away from the relegation zone in recent weeks.

It is understood that Levy is willing to reward him with a new deal, provided the defender can prove to Harry Redknapp that he play at a high level for a few more years.

While his team-mates train, King spends most of his time in the gym and pool, even using Levy's own facilities to swim on one occasion.

His chances of landing an improved contract after 10-years a as professional at White Hart Lane look good after Redknapp admitted this week he wants him to stay longer.

He said: "Ledley is a class defender. I want Ledley to play for many years yet, to sign a new contract at Tottenham. I hope to get another four or five years out of him."

The news will come as a welcome boost for King after this week's painful club-versus-country row.

Redknapp was angry coach Fabio Capello called the defender into the England squad when it was clear he could not train and then play tomorrow or next Wednesday without risking serious injury.