Jol intends to keep Carrick

Tottenham coach Martin Jol has told Manchester United they would be wasting their time trying to prise England midfielder Michael Carrick away to Old Trafford.

United have been linked with a £10m summer bid for the Spurs midfielder, who has helped to put his club on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League.

Alex Ferguson is determined to strengthen United in the summer in a bid to break Chelsea’s domination of the Barclays Premiership – but Jol insists that any approach for Carrick will be rejected.

Carrick has two years left on his Spurs contract, and the club are likely to re-open talks about an extension during the summer.

Ledley King, Robbie Keane and goalkeeper Paul Robinson have all signed long-term deals this season, but Jol says there is no panic to add Carrick to the list.

“There is no more progress on his contract,” said the Spurs boss.

“I don’t think it is important. It was the same with Ledley. It is nice he has signed a new contract – but he still had another two years to go. Carrick’s contract may be a worry next year, but not now.”

Quizzed about United’s interest and whether he would reject any summer bid, Jol snapped: “It is the first time I’ve thought about it, but I probably will reject it.”