Tottenham in the News

Good News at White Hart Lane

Tuesday, 28th March.

Having made such an exciting start to their careers at White Hart Lane, it is good news that both have signed extensions to their contracts with Spurs.

Michael Dawson who signed from Nottingham Forest in January, 2005, in the package that included Andy Reid, has made the central defenders position, alongside Ledley King, his own. Having overcome the initial injuries that hindered his introduction to the first team, he has bacome an important part of the team. He is enthusiastic and competitive and has the ability to play the ball accurately out of defence, seeking out the wide players. The extension to Dawson's contract keeps him at Tottenham until 2011. He has captained the England Under-21 side and is seen as a future Captain of Spurs with good prospects of making it into the England team.

Michael Dawson Aaron Lennon

Aaron Lennon was signed from Leeds United last summer. Originally, he was seen as a young player who would get an opportunity of some experience in the team during the year but with the injury to Routledge at the start of the season, Lennon was given the chance earlier than had been planned. However, he has taken his chance and put in some exciting performances. he is a vital member of the team, providing width on both wings and putting defenders under pressure as he carries the ball forward at pace. He scored his first goal for Spurs in the win at Birmingham and looks a very good prospect. He is another young player with aspirations of playing for England.

That he has signed an extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until 2010, is very encouraging as rumours have been circulating that he has been homesick and also that Manchester United are trying to sign him in the summer. Hopefully these stories are unfounded and that he will be part of the Tottenham team for many years to come.

Goalkeeper, Radek Cerny has also signed a new agreement which will extend his loan spell at the club until 2008. Agreement has been reached with Slavia Prague and the player who came on loan in January, 2005 will continue to provide cover for England's number 1, Paul Robinson. Cerny has made two full League appearances plus one as substitute, at the end of last season when Robinson received an injury in the League win over Aston Villa at White Hart Lane. He is a very competent goalkeeper and is highly regarded at the club.

With Robbie Keane also signing an extended contract earlier in th emonth, Spurs have made significant strides to ensuring their important players remain at the club. Talks are expected to start with Michael Carrick in the summer sabout a new contract and Ledley King has also had talks with the club about his position.

Sunday, 26th March.

The Defoe/Cisse, Benitez/Levy row rumbled on at the weekend. Tottenham have reported Liverpool to the Football Association and Benitez has refused to apologise or retract his comments, referring to an article in the Daily Express 0n 1st February to support his case.

However, on reading the article it supports the case that Liverpool were definitely interested in Defoe but had been turned down by Spurs. The article is headlined:

Levy Says No Deal over £12M Swap

WINDOW SHUTS ON DEFOE

Spurs snub United and Liverpool bids for England star

It is a strange row as such enquiries usually don't come to light but the agents of both players may hacve been active in briefing the press.

Martin Jol has re-assured Defoe that he is an important player at the club and in an interview in the Sunday Mirror, defoe stated that he had no wish to leave the club.

The News of the World reported that Tottenham have made an offer of £15m to Atletico Madrid for their young striker, Torres. They want to set up a deal for the summer but may have to increase their bid to £20Million.