Decent bets

Tottenham Hotspur are willing to accept in the region of £12.5 million for Darren Bent, who has been made available for transfer. Bent has scored three goals in 14 appearances, half made from the substitutes’ bench, since he moved for an initial £15.5 million from Charlton Athletic in the summer.

Fred has said that his future at Lyons could be decided tomorrow. The Brazil forward has been unable to agree personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain, who have offered a salary of £2 million a season, or Tottenham. The forward has denied that PSG are his leading choice and is thought to want to play in England, with Middlesbrough another potential destination.

Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool watched Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the striker, score twice for Ajax against

AZ Alkmaar on Sunday. Representatives from Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland were also at the game. Tottenham watched Maarten Stekelenburg, the Ajax goalkeeper, too.

Portsmouth have denied reports that they are to sign Lassana Diarra, the France midfield player, from Arsenal today for £5.5 million.

Wayne Routledge, the Tottenham winger, has attracted interest from Queens Park Rangers, who made a £1.8 million bid last night, and Birmingham City, who are hoping to sign Gary Cahill, the Aston Villa defender, on loan for the season.

Long shots

Atlético Madrid have entered the race to sign Mohamed Sissoko, the Liverpool midfield player, who is also wanted by Juventus.

Queens Park Rangers’ offer for Tommy Spurr, a defender, has been turned down by Sheffield Wednesday.

Birmingham’s increased offers for James McFadden and David Murphy have been turned down by Everton and Hibernian respectively.

Dead certs

Olivier Tebily has left Birmingham after his contract was terminated. The defender’s last appearance was more than a year ago.

Southend United have signed James Walker, the forward, from Charlton for £200,000.

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