Tottenham could prise Cudicini away from reluctant Chelsea

CARLO CUDICINI may yet join Tottenham Hotspur, despite the reservations of Luiz Felipe Scolari, if Chelsea can find a replacement back-up goalkeeper before the close of the transfer window.

The Chelsea manager was aware of Tottenham’s interest last week and responded by telling the 35-year-old Italian that he remained a valued member of his squad. Scolari knows that his first-choice goalkeeper, Petr Cech, is prone to injuries and behind Cudicini, he has only Henrique Hilario and the 18-year-old Rhys Taylor.

Cudicini, though, who is out of contract in the summer, is giving serious thought to the move after Tottenham made their intentions known with an official approach. They are prepared to pay about €1.57 million and give Cudicini the security of a contract of at least 18 months.

After nine years’ service, Chelsea would not want to stand in Cudicini’s way if he made it clear that he wanted the transfer but they will keep him if they cannot line up a replacement.

Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, is desperate for experienced goalkeeping cover after loaning out Cesar Sanchez to Valencia and with doubts over the suitability of Ben Alnwick. Cudicini would not only provide that, he would also push Heurelho Gomes.

Tottenham are in the throes of their twice-yearly squad overhaul and they have a wide range of targets, including the Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones and the Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who is also of interest to Arsenal.

Chelsea will reopen contract talks with Michael Ballack in the coming weeks, and the midfielder is confident that an agreement to exercise the one-year option in his current deal, which ends this summer, can be reached.

“I am happy to finish my career at Chelsea; that’s what I want,” said the 32-year-old. “There are two parties, Chelsea and me, and I will see how we come together but I am relaxed. We have spoken. There is no pressure from me or the club and we will speak again in the next weeks. I think then we will come to a good result.”

West Ham United expect to announce the club record €9.5 million signing of the highly rated 19-year-old Brescia striker Savio Nsereko today as the replacement for their previous highest acquisition, Craig Bellamy, who was sold to Manchester City last week.