THE ESSENTIAL

Harry Redknapp criticised Tottenham's performance in their 1-0 defeat at Wolves as their worst of the campaign so far. Spurs were beaten by a David Jones goal midway through the first half and Redknapp said: "We had loads of the ball and were camped in their half second half but never really threatened enough to score. They worked hard and closed us down and made it difficult for us and we never overcame that tonight."

Jermain Defoe thanked coach Les Ferdinand for inspiring him to score the hat-trick that helped Spurs beat Leeds in last night's FA Cup fourth round replay. Ferdinand gave Defoe a half-time pep talk after the striker had missed a handful of chances in the first period. Defoe said: "Les did say to me at half-time, 'if you don't get a hat-trick today then you're gonna get it'. That spurred me on a bit."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has played down his interest in Ruud van Nistelrooy but revealed there is English interest in Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes qualifying for the Champions League would be a bigger success than bringing a trophy to White Hart Lane.

Jermain Defoe has his sights firmly set on becoming the Premier League's top scorer this term following his five-goal haul against Wigan.

Roman Pavlyuchenko is determined to leave Tottenham in the January transfer window and has set his heart on a return to his Russian roots.

Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini will undergo wrist and pelvic surgery, with boss Harry Redknapp keeping his fingers crossed.

Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini has broken both wrists and injured his pelvis in a motorbike crash.

Roman Pavlyuchenko wants to leave Tottenham and will call a meeting with Harry Redknapp to "insist" he is allowed to - and at a fair price.

Tottenham striker Peter Crouch admits he far prefers to play for Harry Redknapp than his former boss at Liverpool Rafa Benitez.

TRANSFERS

Who? - Sandro
Where is he? - Internacional
Who is he linked with? - Tottenham Hotspur
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Who? - Roman Pavlyuchenko
Where is he? - Tottenham Hotspur
Who is he linked with? - Lokomotiv Moscow
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