Spurs play down Newcastle-Carr link

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Tottenham have moved swiftly to downplay reports that their captain Stephen Carr could be on his way to Newcastle.

According to BBC reports, the Republic of Ireland international right back, is the subject of a late transfer bid from Newcastle, who are eager to strengthen their squad before the transfer window shuts on Monday.

Carr's contract expires at the end of next season and despite numerous claims that contract talks imminent, Carr has still to commit his future to the club. Tottenham lost previous captain Sol Campbell on a free transfer and will be keen to avoid a similar situation, leading the speculation that they are willing to cash in on him.

However Spurs director of football David Pleat has insisted that Spurs have received no official approach for the player. "I certainly hope Stephen is interesting Newcastle, he said. "I would hope he is interesting a few clubs, because I hope that when our team does well all our players interest other clubs with their performances."

"There has been nothing official at all - and all I know is what I have seen in the press. It is completely hypothetical, and if we were to receive a bid then we would react at the time according to what is said," Pleat added.

Pleat went on to reveal that he is hoping to bring some new blood to White Hart Lane before the transfer window snaps shut. "We have been flurrying for the last few hours, that's for sure," he said.

"We have one or two possibilities, but I am not sure if any of them will come to fruition. There may be a bit of brinkmanship at the death or maybe we'll set up something for the summer; we shall have to wait and see."

Filed by Rob Wright