Tottenham look to scupper Real's plans to sign Metzelder

14 April 2012

Ambitious Tottenham want to strengthen their defence in the summer by hijacking Christoph Metzelder's move to Real Madrid.

The Borussia Dortmund centre-half is a free agent at the end of the season and is looking for a fresh challenge.

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All white on the night: Christoph Metzelder (third left) is wanted by Spurs

Spurs are keen as they want to improve their resources at the back with concerns about Ledley King's long-term fitness still lingering.

They realise a move to La Liga is an attractive proposition for the Germany international but it is not certain that Real Madrid will press ahead with the move.

Fabio Capello is far from certain to stay in charge at the Bernabeu and club president Ramon Calderon said: "I'm not aware that any deal has been done yet but the club's technical staff like Christoph Metzelder and he will be out of contract at the end of the season. If he does decide to come he will sign a three-year deal."

That leaves the door open for Tottenham to offer Metzelder a similar deal with the option for a fourth season at around £30,000 a week.

Spurs also remain interested in West Brom defender Curtis Davies although the £10million price tag placed on him by the baggies may seek them to look for cheaper alternatives.

And any new arrival is likely to signal the end of Anthony Gardner's spell at White Hart Lane.

He has been unable to force his way past King and Michael Dawson into Martin Jol's first-team plans and is also behind new arrival Riccardo Rocha although he is considered a more than dependable squad member.

If Gardner is allowed to leave there will be no shortage of takers with Birmingham interested in signing him along with Portsmouth and West Ham.

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