The decision to leave Robbie Keane on the bench for Saturday's 5-1 mauling of Southampton may convince the 24-year-old that reuniting with his former Leeds manager now at Villa Park could be viable.
Aston Villa will definitely be in the market for a striker and there is every chance Keane and Southampton’s James Beattie could be wearing claret and blue by the end of January 2005. Everton are also interested in both strikers who both totalled 14 Premiership goals last season.
Southampton are resigned to losing Beattie who they value at £6m. O'Leary angered Saints chairman Rupert Lowe when he approached the 26-year-old last summer. Whether O'Leary could convince Doug Ellis to part with a further £10m for Keane is a different matter, but Spurs themselves are also interested in signing Beattie.
Martin Jol and Frank Arnesen are also believed to be tracking Crewe Alexandra's Dean Ashton, who has already scored 18 goals for the Championship side this season.
"The aim is that Ashton moves on in the summer, but if someone came in January and made us an offer we couldn't refuse then we'd listen to it. He's 21 and ready for the next challenge," said Crewe boss Dario Gradi.
Another £3m transfer target for Tottenham is Belgian international striker Thomas Buffel. The Feyenoord frontman has a similar approach in front of goal to Jermain Defoe. He likes running at defenders and isn't afraid to use the channels. The 23-year-old Belgian international is joint top scorer in the Dutch League. After a bust-up with Feyenoord coach Ruud Gullit, he is suddenly keen to join a Premiership side.
However Tottenham’s sporting director Frank Arnesen remains confident no player will leave White Hart Lane in the forthcoming transfer window.
"If ridiculous money comes in then we will be called upon to take a business decision. But you also always have to consider if the players are happy with us or not. Sometimes there is that aspect and we have to realise and respect that. At this moment however I'm absolutely confident none of our players will leave in the January," he said.