Soccer

Morientes: I want to play for Spurs

Wed 7 Aug 2002 10.17 EDT

Tottenham Hotspur do seem to be in genuine contention to sign Fernando Morientes, after the Real Madrid and Spain striker reportedly told manager Glenn Hoddle that he wanted to join the north Londoners.

According to the London Evening Standard, Levy spent four hours in talks with the player's agent Colin Gordon and Real director of football Jorge Valdano, and was told the player could be theirs for £15m.

"We are all pulling together at the club and willing to spend the money required," Hoddle told the paper this afternoon.

"But the key considerations are availability, quality to improve the current squad and value."

Spurs have lost patience in trying to prise Robbie Keane and Kevin Phillips from Leeds and Sunderland respectively, and while they are not prepared to pay the £15m up front, will try to broker a five-year repayment plan.

Morientes would also demand a salary upwards of £40,000 per week, but again the board are ready to sanction a deal for the player, who is also a target for Roma.

"Daniel Levy and I are working together in pursuit of the players that I have targeted," added Hoddle.

"It can be frustrating but he has been one of the most active chairman in recent months in his determination to bring extra quality to the club. Our moves for Rivaldo and Morientes illustrate our ambition plus the support I receive from Daniel and the board.

"We are a big club with a demand for quality that matches our aspirations."

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