Spurs struggle to tempt Keane

WHATEVER horrors Robbie Keane is experiencing at Liverpool, the Republic of Ireland captain might still consider them preferable to the traumas being endured by Tottenham.

Keane is one of several players being targeted by Harry Redknapp, the Spurs manager, in the closing hours of the transfer window as he seeks a replacement for the stricken Jermain Defoe, but whether he will be able to persuade any of them to jump aboard an apparently sinking ship is another matter entirely.

There was little to impress would-be recruits here, despite a two-goal comeback which briefly enflamed hopes of a point against Bolton, and Redknapp will need to be at his most persuasive to add to his numbers before 5pm this afternoon.