Tottenham
Hotspur are
ready to step up their pursuit of Newcastle United
star
Andy Carroll
with a £15 million bid as it
appears increasingly likely the striker could be sold in
January.
Goal understands Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is ready to offer
out-of-favour players Robbie Keane and David Bentley in the deal as
he looks to add firepower to his forward line.
The 21-year-old is seen by Tottenham as their most attainable
target in the new year, and Newcastle owner Mike Ashley appears
prepared to cash in on his hottest talent despite public statements
that Carroll is not for sale.
Newcastle are likely to hold out for a deal worth £20m, and new
Toon boss Alan Pardew has been made aware that such a deal would be
hard to turn down for the cash-strapped club.
As Goal revealed last month, Carroll would be prepared to leave St
James' Park despite recently signing a five-year contract at the
club he supported as a boy.
Carroll, who has scored 10 Premier League goals this season, is
happy on Tyneside but there is a feeling among people close to him
that he may have to leave the area to settle down after a series of
controversies off the pitch.
Manchester United and Chelsea are both tracking the England
international but Tottenham have shown the most serious interest
and are ready to test Ashley's resolve with a £15m opening
offer.