Palacios has medical at Spurs

WILSON PALACIOS has undergone a medical ahead of his proposed transfer from Wigan to Tottenham for a fee of around £14 million (€15m).

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy agreed a price over the weekend for the 24-year-old before personal terms were negotiated.

It is understood that Palacios had reservations about moving to London from the north west, where he was settled, but has agreed to the transfer.

The deal represents a huge profit for Wigan, who signed him for €1m a year ago.

Latics boss Steve Bruce, helped by a recommendation from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, has overseen Palacios’ progress after taking the player on loan to Birmingham from Deportivo Olimpo before signing him permanently when he moved to the JJB Stadium.

Manchester City were believed to be interested in Palacios and another Spurs target in Craig Bellamy, with the latter securing a move to Eastlands.

Both are the type of player Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants to add bite to his squad.

“I wanted Craig and would have loved him here,” Redknapp said.

“He’s a fighter and wants to win. He also has terrific ability but once City come in it’s difficult to compete because they are working another level. We couldn’t get anywhere near him.”

Redknapp will give Ben Alnwick the chance to solve one of the problem areas of his squad when the Carling Cup holders face Burnley at Turf Moor tonight.

Protecting a 4-1 lead from the first leg of the semi-final, first-choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is among a host of injuries Redknapp has to deal with, meaning Alnwick will make his Spurs debut.

Darren Bent will also be in the squad, three days after his glaring miss against Portsmouth – an opportunity Redknapp later suggested his wife could have scored.

Despite facing criticism for his comment, Redknapp said: “I don’t regret saying it. If I had the hump every time somebody said something about me I wouldn’t go out every morning. It’s frightening really.

“Sometimes you say what you think and people take offence. I’ve spoken to him and there is no problem.

“You keep pussyfooting around with people – what am I supposed to say? Really good try? Really unlucky? He’s really done his best with that?”

Meanwhile, Burnley manager Owen Coyle has urged his players to enjoy tonight’s clash and is confident they can win the match, even if the tie appears beyond them.

“You don’t have to be Einstein to recognise that Tottenham Hotspur, with all their quality and a three-goal lead, are clear favourites,” said Coyle.

“There’s no doubt we’re trying to climb Everest and beyond but I believe that if we play to our capabilities then we can win the match on the night.

“That’s what we’ll look to do.”