Spurs plot dealTottenham's goalkeeper Paul Robinson may be used as a makeweight in a deal for Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing.
The north London club have yet to make a formal offer for the midfielder, but they had asked Middlesbrough to keep them updated on his situation and during talks they mentioned Robinson's name.
Meanwhile, Lyon striker Fred claims Tottenham are one of two clubs who have made an offer for him. The Brazil international looks to be on his way out of Lyon after losing his place in the French champions' starting line-up.
Smith banned
Newcastle's Alan Smith has been handed a two-match ban by the Football Association following his sending off at Manchester United on Saturday.
Smith was shown red in the closing seconds at Old Trafford as his former club completed a 6-0 rout over the managerless Magpies.
Smith will now miss the FA Cup third round replay against Stoke tomorrow and the Premier League clash with Bolton.
Gunner Beckham
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he tried to sign David Beckham in 2004. The former England captain joined Real Madrid from Manchester United back in the summer of 2003, but his first season in La Liga did not go to plan.
With Beckham struggling in Spain, Wenger spoke to the midfielder's representatives about a possible move back to the Premier League.
"David almost came to Arsenal a couple of years ago when things did not go too well during his first season with Real," Wenger said.
Meanwhile, Burnley have been charged by the Football Association for failing to control their players in the recent FA Cup defeat by Arsenal.
Ronaldo strikes
Ronaldo scored his first two goals of the season for AC Milan on Sunday - and club president Silvio Berlusconi is already expressing his hope that the Brazilian will sign a contract extension.
Ronaldo's current deal runs out in June and the South American has been linked with a move back to his homeland to join giants Flamengo.
"I have an agreement with Ronaldo," said Berlusconi on the club's official website. "Ronaldo knows well that Milan fulfils its duty, the player has always been supported and I don't believe there will be any problems regarding his contract extension."
Ronaldo had a very slow start to the campaign because of a muscular problem sustained in the summer. He had made just one league appearance before the 5-2 triumph against Napoli, a result which marked the Rossoneri's first league victory at the San Siro this season.
Terry hopeful
Chelsea were waiting for results of a scan on John Terry's injured foot which will determine whether their inspirational captain can step up his rehabilitation as planned.
Terry is hoping he will be given the all clear to increase his training workload with a view to returning to first team action inside three weeks.
Capello gets his way
Fabio Capello got his way with the World Cup fixture list yesterday and will employ an equally firm hand with his first England team selection. The manager refused to guarantee either that David Beckham will collect his 100th cap against Switzerland in the friendly at Wembley on February 6th or that John Terry, whose foot fractures may have healed by then, will hold on to the captaincy.
Capello did smuggle in a few words of encouragement for Beckham. "I have not met him," he said in Italian.
"Beckham is important for England and can still give a lot but I consider all on the same level."
England's World Cup programme opens with an away match against Andorra on September 6th and continues with another trip, to meet Croatia in Zagreb four days later.
In brief . . . .
The Scottish FA have made approaches to three clubs in search of a successor to Alex McLeish. The SFA have asked Celtic, Motherwell and Southampton for permission to speak to Tommy Burns, Mark McGhee and George Burley respectively. Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood has agreed a new three-year contract at Pittodrie.
