Hughton upbeat in bid for Robinson and Milner

CHRIS Hughton is optimistic Tottenham will not be put off in their bid to land Paul Robinson and James Milner just because Leeds rejected their initial £5million offer for the pair.

Leeds told Spurs they would only be interested if the amount was doubled but Spurs are unlikely to meet those demands, although they may return with an improved offer for Robinson.

White Hart Lane first-team coach Chris Hughton said: “We want to add quality to the squad and if you look at our endeavours at the moment they are pleasing.

“In your endeavours to get a certain player you are sometimes priced out of the market or the competition is too great, but I think we have shown a willing to want to bring players in.”

“If you look at the sides who are doing well and who are consistent then generally they are the sides who have the best players, and if we have the opportunity to bring in quality players then it will certainly be better for us in the future.”

Spurs will welcome back Ledley King for tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round clash at Manchester City, after he missed last weekend’s victory over Liverpool with an ankle knock.

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed that midfielder Milenko Acimovic is in talks with Lille with regards to a loan move.

Slovenia international Acimovic has failed to make an impact at White Hart Lane since joining from Red Star Belgrade in July 2002. He impressed for his country at the 2000 European Championships but has started only four Premiership games for Spurs.

Hughton also denied reports that Goran Bunjevcevic is currently on trial with French club Bastia.