Brazilian ace Fred set for Spurs transfer talks

TOTTENHAM’S interest in Fred is believed to have cooled, despite the Lyon striker’s agent suggesting he will meet White Hart Lane officials today.

The Brazil international was looked at when there was uncertainty over the futures of Dimitar Berbatov and Jermain Defoe, although both look increasingly likely to stay until at least the end of the season.

Darren Bent has been linked with a move after failing to make an impact since arriving from Charlton in a £16.5million (€22.1m) this summer but he has insisted he wants to stay.

For all the talk of Juande Ramos’ Spanish revolution, full-back Chris Gunter from Cardiff has been the only arrival so far in the January transfer window.

There is interest from Spurs in Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing but no fee has been agreed yet despite the winger being understood to find a move to London an attractive proposition.

Daniel Jarque has been strongly linked and the Espanyol defender has a buy-out clause — thought to be £9m (€12m) — for potential clubs to match.

“If someone was interested they must contact the club, as I do have a clause,” said the defender.

Fred’s brother and agent, Rodrigo, claims he will meet Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli over another offer, although Paris St Germain are also hopeful of signing the striker.

“Yes, we are meeting with Damien Comolli, Spurs’ sporting director,” Rodrigo said in French daily L’Equipe.

“He is coming with a new offer. If it is good, Fred will sign for Tottenham.”

Robbie Keane has been Spurs’ in-form striker this season, his winner against Reading on Tuesday evening was his 15th of the season. He is also one goal away from a century for Spurs.

“As a striker you are judged on getting goals and it is always important to score and get your confidence up,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have scored a few this season but it is not about me, it is about the team.”

His goal at the Madejski Stadium set up and FA Cup fourth-round tie at Manchester United.

“We are obviously very happy because the most important thing is to get through to the next round,” Keane added.