Tottenham Hotspur announced last night that they had signed Edgar Davids from Internazionale, but the player's representative has accused them of jumping the gun.
The saga could prove another embarrassing transfer-market failure for Spurs, who have previously missed out on the signings of John Hartson, Fernando Morientes and even Davids himself despite discussions with these players having reached an advanced stage.
"We have signed Edgar Davids on a free transfer from Inter Milan," said Spurs in a statement last night. "The player will undergo a medical in the next couple of days and agree personal terms."
However, the Dutch international's lawyer Rob Geerling said there were several clubs seeking to engage his client and that the deal was far from complete. "Edgar has offers from several British clubs, who are talking to Inter," he said. "Edgar is waiting to see what is happening with those clubs."
It is understood Everton are among the interested parties and they have the advantage over Tottenham of being able to offer Champions League football. When asked if the long-term interest of Martin Jol, who tried to sign the midfielder in January 2004, only for the player to join Inter, would count in Spurs' favour, Geerling responded: "(Jol) knows the player and he knows his qualities, and it is vice versa for Edgar."
However, though Geerling refused to confirm Everton's interest, he said: "Edgar likes to play at the highest level; there are pros and cons for all the relevant clubs."
Despite the intrigue, Jol believes Davids would solve what is a problem position for him by becoming Spurs' holding midfielder while adding much-needed experience to a callow dressingroom. Should Spurs miss out on Davids, they are likely to turn their attentions to Real Madrid's former Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen.
Shares in Newcastle United rose another 16 per cent yesterday despite three high-profile businessmen ruling themselves out as being behind an attempted takeover of the club. The news that John Hall has been approached to sell his 28.5 per cent stake sparked an 18 per cent rise to 59.5 pence on Monday, and yesterday the share price went up again to 69p at close of trading.
The development means the value of Newcastle has gone up to £88.8 million from £65 million when trading opened on Monday.
The identities of those behind the approach remain unconfirmed after the most likely candidate, software and horse racing multi-millionaire Graham Wylie, ruled himself out.
Barry Moat, chief executive of Premier Direct plc, has also ruled himself out, as has the former Newcastle defender Ray Ranson.
