Some cheeky scamps are claiming that Spurs' impressive youngster, Jamie O’Hara, is attracting the interest of arch rivals Arsenal (various). Clearly this is someone’s idea of a joke. The 21-year-old midfielder has been excellent in recent matches and has repaid the faith that Juande Ramos has shown in him by displaying maturity beyond his years and experience.

There's no way in the world Tottenham would sell such an asset. One can only hope that O’Hara continues to progress, but I am guessing that the Spaniard at the White Hart Lane helm would like to use him sparingly so as to not burn him out.

Sticking with Spurs, and a recurring transfer rumour appears to be gaining momentum. The speculation surrounds Middlesbrough and England winger Stewart Downing (various). Apparently the excellent crosser has still to finalise a new deal after nearly two years of negotiations and looks likely to leave the Riverside either next month or, more likely, in the summer.

'There's no way in the world Tottenham would sell such an asset'


Recently the 23-year-old has been jeered by sections of the Boro faithful and Downing himself has revealed: "We have been negotiating for two years. It is not sorted and we have a problem. We have to sort it out."

It seems that a statement like that is just the kind of thing that will get people talking about an imminent departure. I'm not sure what the sticking point is with the contract, but after two years you would think things would be sorted. £12m is a figure that has been plucked out of thin air for Downing. Is he worth it? Apparently Spurs and Everton are the most likely candidates should the contract talk finally fail.

Apparently Liverpool and Man United are going head to head in a fight over Real Valladolid goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo (various).

The two big rivals, as well as Everton, have sent scouts to watch the 'teenage keeper in action and have been alerted to a £3.3m clause in Asenjo’s contract. Apparently Rafa Benitez is extra keen to sign the youngster as it appears that his current number one, Pepe Reina, is looking to leave to join Atletico Madrid (Diarosport). But some people have shockingly suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson, keen to snap up a long term replacement for veteran Edwin Van der Saar, may be toying with the idea of persuading the Spaniard to cross over to Old Trafford.

Reina may be getting homesick, but he sure as hell won’t ever sign for United, although a move to Madrid doesn’t seem that far fetched, especially when you take into account his recent statement, which included the following bombshells: "Atletico is a special club for me, I cannot deny it. My father played there and I have many friends at Atletico. They have great fans and Madrid is a great city”

However I think Merseysiders can take comfort from the fact he ended that particular interview with the positive statement: "I have a contract with Liverpool and I am very happy here." So there you have it!