Santini hit by moving Carr

SPURS manager Jacques Santini knew nothing about Steven Carr’s transfer to Newcastle United until he read about it in the newspapers.

“I learned about the deal to my great surprise,” Santini told French newspaper Le Monde. The move was negotiated by Frank Arnesen, Tottenham's Technical Director.

“We must clarify the internal management structures here,” said Santini, whose faltering English has enabled Arnesen’s deputy, Martin Jol, to forge close links with the Spurs squad.

Meanwhile, West Ham are in talks with Tottenham over the transfer of Michael Carrick.

Arsenal, Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, Everton and West Brom have all been linked with the £3.5m-rated midfielder, who is in the last year of his contract.

But Spurs have jumped to the front of the queue after manager Jacques Santini failed with moves to bring Danny Murphy and Owen Hargreaves to White Hart Lane.

Carrick was withdrawn from West Ham’s reserve team friendly against Norwich on Wednesday night after news of Tottenham’s interest emerged.

Meanwhile West Ham are giving a trial to Rangers full-back Maurice Ross with a view to a possible loan deal.