Tottenham are remaining silent over speculation that England midfielder Michael Carrick is set to join Manchester United for a fee in the region of £18million.

Spurs, who rejected a bid of £10million from United earlier this summer, are reported to have accepted an increased offer for Carrick.

Carrick's move to Old Trafford would land Spurs a handsome profit on a player they signed from West Ham for £2.75million two years ago.

But it would be a major blow for Spurs coach Martin Jol who helped the 25-year-old force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad for the finals in Germany this summer.

The Dutch coach had hoped that Carrick, who celebrates his 25th birthday today, would repay the club's loyalty by staying at White Hart Lane but Spurs would not agree to the player's wage demands - reported to be around £50,000-a-week.

Carrick has two years left on his Tottenham deal but rejected a new contract offer in the wake of United's interest.

Spurs already have a ready-made replacement for Carrick in the form of Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora.

Tottenham have already signed 22-year-old Benoit Assou-Ekotto from Lens and spent £10.9million on Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov but missed out on Chelsea's left-winger Damien Duff.

West Ham refused to confirm speculation they will receive up to £3million as part of a sell-on clause included in Carrick's contract when he moved to White Hart Lane for £2.75million two years ago.

The Hammers acknowledge they have some financial issues to resolve with Tottenham but stressed they will remain confidential.