No one is untouchable at Spurs

Perhaps because he wants to keep the Tottenham players performing at their peak, or perhaps because its true, Spurs coach Juande Ramos has suggested that no single player on the squad is guaranteed their position. The Telegraph discusses the planned upheaval to take place in the summer. In the Daily Mail, Ramos explains his high expectations of player performance:

'What I am interested in is to see how my players respond to the other night in Europe and how they perform until our very last fixture,' he said. 'These matches are important. There are many games yet to play, enough for the players to show what qualities they've got and what kind of standards they can achieve.

This comes on the heels of rumors that Aaron Lennon's position is not safe at Spurs and that he may actually be transferred at the end of the season. Clearly Ramos wants to see development by Lennon whose crossing should show better improvement by this stage. With Inter Milan interested in moving for the young winger, this story cannot be immediately discounted.

Someone to Bale us out

If I learned anything from our disappointing performance today against PSV, its that we desperately need a healthy Gareth Bale in the lineup. Between Gilberto's horrendous errors and spot kick taking that would rival my own, it was obvious that the glaring deficiencies that plagued Spurs today could have most certainly been remedied by him. Bale seems to be a class act on and off the field and we shall keep our fingers crossed for his speedy return.

New Transfer News

The Daily Mail is reporting that Carlos Kameni talks with Spurs are at an advanced stage and a deal may be near completion. Kameni has already indicated to Espanyol that he will not re-sign and his escape clause gives Tottenham a chance to secure his transfer. Interesting point to note: Football-Lineups.com lists Kameni at only 6' 1/2" tall.

Sky Sports is reporting that Spurs are tracking Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero who is currently on loan at Getafe. For what it's worth, the news appears to be coming from Granero's agent. Apparently, player and agent are waiting to see if the 20-year-old will feature in Madrid's first team next year before making a decision to seek a transfer. Madrid value the player at 24 million Euros.

give them an inch and...

Seems that after Juande Ramos gave the squad some room to enjoy themselves after Sunday's fantabulous victory over Chelsea, some of players, highlighted by Captain King, had quite a good time.

The Daily Mail has reported that Mr. King did not take well to being thrown out of a club after becoming too drunk to stand. He reportedly "grappled with bouncers as he tried to force his way back in." Way to go Ledley! At least the man knows how to celebrate in style. I mean, really, who the hell grapples anymore?

I think that Gus Poyet, acting in his official role of interpreter in chief, should have made it clear that when the gaffer let them off the leash for the night he really just meant they should enjoy a light sangria and a cigar.

Eh, really, who cares? We just beat Chelsea in a final! As long as none of them wound up in jail or injured then, in my mind, the night was a total success. Rock on boys!

Tottenham Set to Announce Plans for New Ground

The Telegraph is reporting that an announcement from Tottenham is imminent about plans for a new ground.

Link.

Poyet Identifies Transfer Targets: Video

Citing a Catalan publication Sport, the Daily Mail quotes Gus Poyet identifying two Espanyol players as transfer targets. This confirms what we have been tracking here on DCSpurs. Talking about keeper Carlos Kameni and central defender Dani Jarque, Poyet explains "we haven't yet taken a definite decision to bring them in. But we will try to do a deal for them in the future."

The full Daily Mail story with video highlights.

Spurs Headed Up

A few stories circulating affirming Spurs are headed in the right direction:

Ramos rejects parade. Spurs manager declines a Carling Cup parade celebration insisting that the team not lose its focus with the the UEFA Cup and the Premier League. The Spaniard insists Tottenham are not yet a top team and wants the team to continue to fight for greater glory.

On the good news front, it looks like Berbatov is poised to sign a new a contract. While a new deal doesn't preclude a transfer, it should quiet speculation of a summer move.

Bubble boys. Fitness training in a sealed, oxygen-depleted chamber helps Spurs replicate high-altitude conditions optimal for endurance, Daily Mail.