Tottenham Hotspur reached an agreement last night to loan Kevin-Prince Boateng to Borussia Dortmund until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal in the summer. The midfield player has made only two appearances, from the substitutes’ bench, this season. The Germany Under21 player cost €7.9 million (about £4.9 million at the time) when he joined from Hertha Berlin 18 months ago, since when he has made seven starting league appearances. He was close to joining Stuttgart in the summer but they were unable to agree loan terms with Tottenham.

Hull City have expressed an interest in signing Michael Dawson, the Tottenham defender, whose older brother, Andy, plays at the KC Stadium. Dawson, who signed a new five-year contract in the summer, has found his chances restricted after Tottenham signed Jonathan Woodgate and Vedran Corluka, both of whom are seen as long-term partners of Ledley King, when he is fit However, it is not clear whether Tottenham will be willing to allow Dawson to leave.

Decent bets

Fulham have entered the race to sign John-Joe O’Toole, the Watford midfield player who has scored eight goals this season. Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a cash-plus-player offer for O’Toole, but Watford want straight cash. West Ham United are considering Manchester City’s latest bid for Craig Bellamy and the Wales forward’s future is likely to be resolved this week. City’s hopes of signing Scott Parker, Bellamy’s teammate, are fading as they are unable to agree a fee for the midfield player.

Sheffield United have said that Stoke City have failed to match their £6 million asking price for James Beattie. Stoke are thought to have offered £3.5 million for the forward, who has scored 34 goals since moving to Bramall Lane 18 months ago. Olivier Dacourt can leave Inter Milan on a free transfer and has been offered to Newcastle United.

Dead certs

Sunderland have denied an interest in Calum Davenport, whose proposed move to Bolton Wanderers fell through when they signed Sébastien Puygrenier from Zenit St Petersburg.

Long shots

Modest M’bami, the Marseilles midfield player out of contract in the summer, has been offered to Portsmouth.

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