Spurs close in on Reid

SOCCER: Tottenham caretaker boss David Pleat yesterday identified the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid as his latest transfer target as he attempts to relieve the relegation pressure building around his squad.

Spurs have already tied up the signature of midfielder Michael Brown from Sheffield United for a fee of about £500,000 when the transfer window opens tomorrow.

However, Pleat has revealed Reid is another of his January targets as he looks to escape the relegation zone. Pleat said: "He is a player we are very much aware of and rate very highly."

Tottenham have reportedly lodged an offer for 21-year-old Reid of £2.5 million plus performance-related bonuses. However, Forest could try to hold out for a larger offer as Spurs are not the only club interested in a versatile midfielder who has already scored 10 times this season.

Reid was, meanwhile, still unaware of Tottenham's apparent interest and although he admitted being "flattered" by it, he insisted he is happy at Forest.

"It's a situation I don't know anything about," he said.

"Of course, I am flattered. It's nice and shows I am doing something right, but at the moment Forest is all I need to worry about. All I can say is that I am happy at Forest. I am a Forest player."

Reid's career has flourished under Forest boss Paul Hart and he won his first full cap for Ireland in the recent friendly against Canada.

He is understood to have signed a new three-year deal last summer but Spurs are hoping Forest will be tempted to sell despite being fifth from bottom of the First Division.

Pleat has been determined to strengthen Spurs' midfield, especially as the recent injuries to Darren Anderton and Stephane Dalmat have exposed the lack of depth in their squad.

However, while Jamie Redknapp is still sidelined, Pleat revealed that Simon Davies could make his long-awaited comeback in their FA Cup third-round tie against Crystal Palace.

Pleat is hoping Davies, who has been out with a hip injury since September, could reappear along with Darren Anderton, who missed the Christmas programme with a calf problem, in Saturday's game.

He told the club's website: "Simon is progressing well and we're hoping he'll return soon - maybe as early as this weekend.

"Darren Anderton may also be fit again and that's important because we need our experienced midfielders, although I'm very happy with the contributions of Rohan Ricketts and John Jackson.

"Stephen Carr is back from suspension and Stephen Kelly, who made a very satisfactory debut on Sunday, will remain in the squad."

The possible returns of not only Ireland defender Carr, but also Anderton and Davies, would be a significant boost for Pleat, whose side have lost their last five games.

Defeat at home to first-division Palace would increase the pressure on him considerably, with several fans becoming frustrated at the club's continuing lack of progress.

Spurs nevertheless revealed plans only last week to raise a transfer kitty of up to £15 million by issuing new shares - and Pleat is apparently doing his best to spend it.