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We expected the Luka Modric sale to send the redtops into a frenzy of speculation as they have not disappointed. Spurs have barely seen the money appear in their bank account and are been linking them to quite a number of players.

By Declan Whooley

Brazilian Willian does appear to be a main target, with The Daily Mirror “understanding” that an £11.8 million bid was turned down by Shakhtar Donetsk but they are expecting an improved offer.

Joao Moutinho seems to be start/stop speculation while the same paper would lead you to believe that there is a vested in interest in two goalkeepers, Julio Cesar and Hugo Lloris. Leadro Damiao, Falcao, Marseille striker Loic Remy, Moussa Dembele are other names linked to White Hart Lane. A £10 million offer to Rennes for Yann M’Vila has already been turned down.

The most interesting part of the Spurs transfer targets is the reminder that David Bentley is still playing football. The Daily Mirror says he might be used as part of a deal to bring Dembele to White Hart Lane. Here is a clip for those of you who may not remember that once upon a time he used to be pretty decent.

Brendan Rodgers is looking to put more of a stamp on the Liverpool squad with this mornings papers of the opinion that he is lining up a £15 million bid for Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge. Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing would have to be sold to fund this change in personnel. David Moyes is thought to be a firm admirer of the fellow Scot, with a £5 million valuation placed on the man with the mobility of a great grand-parent.

The Irish Daily Mirror points out a lack of activity on the transfer front with Irish players, though suggests that Stoke are monitoring Richard Dunne while Everton are linked with Stephen Ward and Kevin Doyle. The Irish Daily Star says that Moyes has made a third bid of around £7 million for the Irish striker with Wolves holding out for closer to £10 million.

One Irish player who could be on the move is Daryl Murphy. Not a man to take heed to the advice you should never return to your old club, he is said to be on the brink of a loan move to Ipswich Town. The Celtic striker is not in Neil Lennon’s long-term plans and is looking to go to Portman Road for the third time in his career. He spent last season on loan with Ipswich, scoring four times in 33 appearances in the Championship.

In The Sun this morning the learned and wise Ian Wright believes Arsenal should buy Jermaine Defoe from their bitter neighbours Spurs. He also thinks Yohan Cabaye could “fit in nicely”. How wonderfully insightful from the ex-Gunner. To think that the French international and one of last season's top performers could possibly be good enough for Arsenal. Keep the outlandish comments coming Wrighty.

Twitter connoisseur Joey Barton is poised to join Marseilles after declaring his love for the Velodrome on Twitter. Two games into his 12 match ban, he has been told in no uncertain terms he is not wanted at Loftus Road. We wonder how his philosophical outlook on life will translate into French