Tottenham and Arsenal on alert as Lyon midfielder Jean Makoun admits future is in doubt

Midfielder Jean Makoun admits his future at Lyon is in doubt after a disappointing campaign.
The Cameroon international has had a turbulent second season in which his relationship with Lyon fans was strained as the club finished second in Ligue 1.
In demand: Makoun in action for Cameroon during their friendly with Georgia on Tuesday
Makoun, who scored the goal which knocked Real Madrid out of last season's UEFA Champions League, admits he may be forced to consider his options if the chance to leave arises.
'After no title it is quite difficult. So, even though I have two years remaining on my contract at Lyon, I don't reject any hypotheses because it didn't go smoothly at Gerland this season' Makoun told L'Equipe.
He added: 'I am prepared to fulfil my contract, but my agents will meet the Lyon officials and anything can happen.'
Tottenham, Arsenal and Juventus have monitored his progress in the past and will no doubt be alerted by the 26-year-old's apparent unhappiness.
 Cheer up, Ledley, you could be King for England, says Spurs boss Harry Scare for Van Persie as Arsenal star limps out of Holland training session

Keane 'hungry' for Spurs success

Robbie Keane expects to resume his career at Tottenham having been on loan at Celtic since February.

The 29-year-old striker has been linked with a move from White Hart Lane.
But the Republic of Ireland captain has insisted he rediscovered his "hunger" for success while at Celtic Park.
He said: "Going to Celtic was maybe the best thing that ever happened to me."
"I am going back to Tottenham unless someone tells me different."
Keane, who has been linked with a possible move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa, added: "I have a three-year contract left and I am going back to train at Tottenham on July 5."
The Irishman has admitted that he lost confidence after returning to the north Londoners for a second spell in February 2009 after a disappointing six-month stint at Liverpool.
He failed to keep a regular spot in the Spurs starting line-up in the first half of the 2009-10 season and was loaned to Celtic this February for the remainder of the campaign.
"I did not have the hunger I had, and I certainly got that back at Celtic and got my life back on track and really enjoyed my football again," he revealed.
"It's up to me now to go back to Tottenham and get back into that team and stay in that team.
"Harry [Redknapp, Tottenham manager] knows what I am like and the type of personality I am. I just love playing football and he fully respects that."
Keane, who will lead his country in an end-of-season friendly against World Cup finalists Paraguay on Tuesday, added: "I love to play football and I am not one of those people like to sit on the bench and pick up the money and be happy with it."
He has also hailed Tottenham's "massive achievement" of breaking into the top four of the Premier League and so earning a shot at the Champions League.
Keane cost Tottenham £12m when he returned from Liverpool six months after the north Londoners sold him to the Anfield club for £19m in July 2008.
The striker, who joined Tottenham from Leeds for £7m in 2002, will face competition for a starting place from Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko next season.

By BBC

Leyton Orient to sign Tottenham goalkeeper Lee Butcher

Leyton Orient have agreed to sign goalkeeper Lee Butcher on a one-year contract following his release by Tottenham Hotspur.

The 21-year-old, who spent three years at White Hart Lane, enjoyed a month on loan at Brisbane Road this season.
He is Orient's third signing this month and will now battle with Jamie Jones for the number one jersey.
Butcher told the club website: "It's a great chance for me and a good step to move on and make my career."
He added: "I'm going to try to push Jamie, try to get into the first team and make a name for myself."
Butcher played eight Blue Square Premier games whilst on loan at Grays Athletic during the 2008/09 season.
Orient boss Russell Slade has already agreed deals to bring Wycombe striker Alex Revell and Cray Wanderers youngster George Porter to the club.

By BBC

Luka Modric signs new six-year contract at Tottenham

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric has signed a new six-year contract with the club that will keep him at White Hart Lane until 2016.

The 24-year-old, who joined Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb in April 2008, had been linked with a move to Manchester United after impressing in the last two years.
But he has committed his long-term future to Tottenham, insisting he had "no interest in going anywhere else".
Boss Harry Redknapp said Modric was "key to everything that's happening".
United were thought to be lining up a £25m bid for Modric, whose form helped Spurs clinch fourth place in the Premier League this season and qualification for the Champions League.
Business has been done between the clubs in the past, with Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov both lured to Old Trafford in big money deals.
But that was before Redknapp arrived at Spurs, and he has shown his determination to hold on to his best players as he prepares to lead his team into Europe's elite club competition next season.
And Modric feels he will be able to satisfy his ambitions at Tottenham.
He told the club's website: "Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them.
"Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere.
"Last season's top four finish was an indication of where we are as a club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs."
Modric has made 77 appearances for Tottenham and scored eight times.

By BBC

King can play holding role - Les

Les Ferdinand has told England manager Fabio Capello he should have no qualms about playing Ledley King in the holding midfield role.
King is among the 30-man England squad who are currently undergoing an intensive training camp in Irdning, Austria, ahead of next month's World Cup.
The Tottenham club captain was a surprise choice for Capello's preliminary squad due to the fact he is restricted to playing one game every six days because of a chronic knee injury which has dogged him throughout his career.
Nevertheless, Capello is thought to be a big admirer of the commanding 29- year-old, who was a rock at the heart of Spurs' defence last season.
The Italian's decision to leave out Owen Hargreaves leaves him with few options in the holding midfield role should Gareth Barry fail to overcome an ankle injury.
Tottenham coach Ferdinand insists King, who started his career in midfield, would be a perfect replacement for Barry should the Manchester City man miss out.
"I think if Ledley King was playing week in week out he would be a starter for England," Ferdinand said.
"We have always been crying out for a ball-playing centre half and that's what Ledley is. As well as being that, I think what he does offer Capello is the opportunity to play him in front of the back four if needs be.
"If Barry doesn't make it then Ledley can play in that role, without a shadow of a doubt.
"I think Frank Lampard once said after playing with Ledley in midfield that he was the best player he had played alongside in that role apart from Claude Makelele so that speaks volumes about how good he is in that position."
Jermain Defoe is one of five strikers hoping to catch Capello's eye in the next 10 days, which will see England take on Mexico and Japan.
The 27-year-old's form took a worrying dip towards the end of last season, but Ferdinand is convinced Spurs' top scorer will make Capello's final squad.
"It was a bit of concern that he wasn't scoring," Ferdinand continued.
"Capello shouldn't have any fears about taking him though. He's watched him quite a lot this year.
"He came to a lot of Spurs games at the end of the season. He's seen enough of him to know that he is always capable of scoring goals.
"There's certain players that are guaranteed a spot and I'd like to think that Jermain is one of them."
Spurs' successful season has meant six of their players have made Capello's 30-man group, which will be trimmed to a final 23 on June 1.
King, Defoe, Peter Crouch and winger Aaron Lennon look set to make the squad but midfielder Tom Huddlestone and uncapped defender Michael Dawson are far less certain to make the final cut.
Ferdinand, who was an unused squad member during his only World Cup with England in France '98, admits he fears that Dawson and Huddlestone will miss out due to their inexperience.
"My only concern is that you tend to find it is the boys with lesser experience
tend to miss out, no matter how good their season has been," said the former Spurs striker.
"If you look at the likes of Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson, they haven't been involved in too many squads under Capello and they will find it very difficult to get in the final 23."

By football.co.uk

Crouch hails Redknapp

Peter Crouch has hailed Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp for "getting the best out of me" as he looks to clinch a place in England's World Cup squad.
Crouch capped a fine season by scoring the goal against Manchester City which ensured Spurs will be playing in the Champions League next season - an experience he enjoyed previously with Liverpool, but he is quick to pay tribute to the contribution of Redknapp to his development into a player who has netted 20 goals in 37 internationals for his country.
He said: "Harry has got the best out of me at Spurs. I believe that. I also played for him at Portsmouth and for a very short spell at Southampton. Whenever I've played for him, I've always played well. He does get the best out of footballers."
He added: "He's proved that with the whole team this season by finishing fourth in the Premier League and having a fantastic season. For me personally, I know he's going to get the best out of me.
"What is it about him that does that? I just feel that if I've played really well he'll tell me I'm a world-beater who can do anything. It gives you a boost. He believes in me and I know that he believes in me.
"On the flip-side of the coin if I've been rubbish, he'll tell me that as well. It works both ways. He's an honest fellow and, certainly when he's dealing with me, he's always seemed to get the best out of me."
Crouch concedes that there is a more serious and focused approach from head coach Fabio Capello, his backroom staff and the squad than past England regimes.
And the former Aston Villa striker has immense respect for Capello's tactical nous and awareness.
He said: "We're just working hard as we would do under the previous management. There was probably a lot more free time [in the past]. Sven (Goran-Eriksson) was a lot more laid-back. Everyone was saying that. This time the atmosphere seems a lot more serious, a lot more focused.
"Equally, we've always done tactical work but this manager is probably the most tactical I have worked for."

By football.co.uk

Jermain Defoe court trial to start after World Cup

The judge wanted to know why Jermain Defoe could not attend cou

The trial of Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe on motoring charges has been delayed until after the World Cup.

Mr Defoe, 27, of Cuffley, Hertfordshire, denies using a mobile phone while driving a Range Rover in Loughton, Essex, in October 2009.
A judge sitting in Chelmsford, Essex, said a hearing would take place on 11 June, the day the World Cup tournament starts, but he need not attend.
The trial will take place at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court after July.
District Judge David Cooper initially considered setting a trial date in June but was told that Defoe would be unavailable as England would be involved in the World Cup tournament.
The judge asked for more information and prosecutor Joseph Stickings said: "Mr Defoe is probably playing in the World Cup."
Mr Defoe did not attend the hearing.

By BBC

Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini pens new Tottenham contract

Cudicini's last game for Spurs was a 2-2 draw at Bolton last October

Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini has signed a new contract that will to keep him at the club until 2011.

The Italian fractured both wrists and injured his pelvis when his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a car in Walthamstow last November.
However, the 36-year-old is back in training and will work through the summer to improve his fitness.
"We are delighted at how well Carlo has progressed," head of medical services Wayne Diesel told the club website.
"He has shown a great deal of self-discipline and motivation to come back from this."
Cudicini's last appearance for Tottenham was in a 2-2 draw against Bolton in October 2009.
But the hope is that he will return fully fit for the start of next season, challenging current number one keeper Heurelho Gomes as Spurs - should they get through a two-match qualifier - embark on a first season in the Champions League.
And the club's decision to tie Cudicini to a new deal suggests speculation linking them with a summer move for Portsmouth goalkeeper David James is wide of the mark.
The England keeper was heavily linked with a switch to White Hart Lane during the January transfer window.
But that never materialised and it would appear now, with Cudicini and Gomes tied to the club, Spurs have little need to sign James who, at 40 years old, would probably demand first-team football.
Cudicini has made 11 starts for Spurs since moving to the club from London rivals Chelsea in January 2009.

By BBC

Ben Arfa có thể tới Premiership: Tottenham hấp dẫn hơn?

Man United đã thất bại khi để Barcelona nẫng mất David Villa. Tiền vệ người Pháp, Hatem Ben Arfa, người mà HLV Alex Ferguson theo rất sát 2 mùa bóng trở lại đây, nhiều khả năng sẽ trở thành tân binh của Tottenham.

Theo tin mới nhất, cầu thủ chạy cánh của Marseille đang trở thành mục tiêu mà Tottenham muốn có. Với việc vừa giành quyền dự Champions League, đội chủ sân White Hart Lane đang quyết tâm đầu tư mạnh tay trong mùa Hè này. Do Modric có thể ra đi trước sự theo đuổi quyết liệt của rất nhiều đội bóng lớn, HLV Harry Redknapp đã tính phương án thay thế và Hatem Ben Arfa được coi là lựa chọn lý tưởng nhất.



Theo tờ The Mirror, tuyển thủ Pháp này đã quyết định rời Marseille và đích đến của anh chính là Premiership. Man United từng muốn có anh nhưng sự thiếu nhiệt tình của Quỷ đỏ khiến Ben Arfa cũng chẳng lấy gì mặn mà. Hiện anh có hai mục tiêu khác để lựa chọn là Tottenham và Everton. Nhưng xem ra, là một người đầy tham vọng, Ben Arfa nhiều khả năng sẽ chọn Tottneham, đội bóng có thể mang đến cho anh nhiều thành công hơn.

Năm nay 23 tuổi, tiền vệ này được đội bóng Pháp định giá vào khoảng 10 triệu bảng. Đó không phải là một số tiền quá lớn với khả năng của Tottenham và thêm một chút quyết tâm nữa, họ sẽ qua mặt nhà cựu vô địch Premiership để giành chiến thắng.

Theo BaoBongDa.com.vn

OHara wants first-team action at Spurs

Jamie O'Hara has warned he has no intentions of returning to Tottenham as just a bit-part player following a breakthrough season on loan at Portsmouth, but one which failed to bring a fairytale ending in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Having now tasted first-team football on a regular basis, returning to warm the bench at White Hart Lane has no appeal.

"They have some fantastic players at Spurs, but I will go back there and see what happens. It is up to the manager whether he wants to keep me," said O'Hara. "No-one likes to sit on the bench. I have proven that I can play in the Premier League by what I have achieved this season."

He added: "I have got to play football every week, the fans have been fantastic and I will really miss playing for them."

Pompey may have ridden their luck at times during the 1-0 defeat on Saturday, especially during the first half, as Chelsea hit the woodwork no fewer than five times, with Salomon Kalou somehow striking the bar from two yards with the goal at his mercy.

Avram Grant's men were handed a glorious chance to take the lead just after the break when Juliano Belletti tripped winger Aruna Dindane in the penalty area.

However, Chelsea keeper Petr Cech made what turned out to be a crucial save from Kevin-Prince Boateng's poor penalty, before Didier Drogba's stunning free-kick secured an historic double for Chelsea and Frank Lampard failed to convert a late spot-kick.

O'Hara reflected: "Everyone wrote us off. They thought we would get hammered, but we made a good account of ourselves and we could have nicked the game.

"We had one great chance in the first half, and then the penalty. Sadly we did not take them.

"But to lose 1-0 in a cup final against a team which won the league is an unbelievable achievement."