Sevilla-bound Kanoute accuses Spurs of forcing him out

Simon Stone

The Mali international striker, who left the North London club in the lurch the season before last when deciding to play for his adopted country in the African Nations Cup instead of Premiership games, has still to face a medical at his new club.

But he has reportedly agreed personal terms on a four-year deal and has already had his name removed from Spurs' official website.

Despite Robbie Keane's absence with an ankle injury, Kanoute who played second fiddle to the Irishman and England's Jermain Defoe last season was given only a few minutes as substitute for Egyptian loanee Mido in Saturday's 2-0 win over Portsmouth.

He said afterwards: "I know Spurs are trying to move me on and when you know that you might as well listen to offers.

"But I am happy to stay and be part of the squad here. My family are settled in London."

Kanoute, 27, had been linked with his former club West Ham, whose manager Alan Pardew decided not to bid for him in the end after sensing the Upton Park fans would not welcome him back.

He had an unfortunate injury record there but scored 21 goals in 72 appearances for Spurs, whom he joined for £4m in August 2003.

Newcastle were also said to be interested in buying him possibly as a makeweight in any deal to sign their £12m-rated England midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

But although the Sevilla fee for Kanoute will enable Spurs to raise a considerable bid for Jenas, that now looks unlikely with Keane, who missed Ireland's match against Italy last night, still doubtful with ankle trouble as is Moroccan signing Mounir El Hamdaoui, yet to make his debut.

That leaves only Defoe and Mido as the recognised first-team strikers for the home match against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Kanoute, meanwhile, is set to become failed Arsenal target Julio Baptista's replacement at Sevilla after the Brazilian's £13m move to Real Madrid. He will link up with Spanish international striker Javier Saviola.