THBN

Many of Tottenham’s supposed summer transfer targets ply their trade at Portsmouth. The Harry Redknapp link and implications of a new owner and full-time manager at Fratton Park make this logical, although we should perhaps be concentrating our efforts on raiding the relegated clubs.

The wisdom of this can obviously be questioned – surely the players in question can’t be that good if they’re getting used to the idea of Championship football – but Spurs have a good recent history in this area.

Paul Robinson and Aaron Lennon were picked up from Leeds United at bargain prices following their relegation and financial implosion in 2004 and value for money is an important consideration, as Spurs have finally started to lose the tag of the Premier League’s most reckless spenders.

The comparison between Newcastle United and Leeds hardly needs pointing out, but it should be recognised that the Magpies are desperate to sell many of their players – relegated clubs are keen to remove high earners from their wage bill and Newcastle’s urgency is made greater by their supposed lack of planning for Premier League relegation.

However, do any Newcastle players stand out as potential transfer targets? Sebastian Bassong is their most prized asset and although the young defender is capable of playing for a top club, a centre back is not high on the list of Tottenham priorities.

If defensive cover is needed I would consider Middlesbrough, where David Wheater has been a rare reliable performer. His displays in 2007/08, when he was on the verge of earning international recognition, were more impressive, but he has the attributes to succeed at Spurs.

Indeed, Middlesbrough is the club to concentrate on, as they match Tottenham’s profile of developing and recruiting young English talent. Our desire to sign Stewart Downing is well-documented, although his long-term injury might postpone his move away from the Riverside. Adam Johnson and Nathan Porritt might be young players worth taking a closer look at.

West Bromwich Albion are short of the necessary quality that would strengthen our squad, although Chris Brunt – a Middlesbrough youth product – would provide depth in the left midfield area that remains a concern for the manager.

Many of Tottenham’s supposed summer transfer targets ply their trade at Portsmouth. The Harry Redknapp link and implications of a new owner and full-time manager at Fratton Park make this logical, although we should perhaps be concentrating our efforts on raiding the relegated clubs.

The wisdom of this can obviously be questioned – surely the players in question can’t be that good if they’re getting used to the idea of Championship football – but Spurs have a good recent history in this area.

Paul Robinson and Aaron Lennon were picked up from Leeds United at bargain prices following their relegation and financial implosion in 2004 and value for money is an important consideration, as Spurs have finally started to lose the tag of the Premier League’s most reckless spenders.

The comparison between Newcastle United and Leeds hardly needs pointing out, but it should be recognised that the Magpies are desperate to sell many of their players – relegated clubs are keen to remove high earners from their wage bill and Newcastle’s urgency is made greater by their supposed lack of planning for Premier League relegation.

However, do any Newcastle players stand out as potential transfer targets? Sebastian Bassong is their most prized asset and although the young defender is capable of playing for a top club, a centre back is not high on the list of Tottenham priorities.

If defensive cover is needed I would consider Middlesbrough, where David Wheater has been a rare reliable performer. His displays in 2007/08, when he was on the verge of earning international recognition, were more impressive, but he has the attributes to succeed at Spurs.

Indeed, Middlesbrough is the club to concentrate on, as they match Tottenham’s profile of developing and recruiting young English talent. Our desire to sign Stewart Downing is well-documented, although his long-term injury might postpone his move away from the Riverside. Adam Johnson and Nathan Porritt might be young players worth taking a closer look at.

West Bromwich Albion are short of the necessary quality that would strengthen our squad, although Chris Brunt – a Middlesbrough youth product – would provide depth in the left midfield area that remains a concern for the manager.