The silence was finally broken this evening, after reports earlier in the day had suggested a deal between the two clubs for the England midfielder was close.
First Sir Alex Ferguson, who targetted Carrick since May, told United's official website: "We made a move for Carrick and there have been some agreements."
Then Martin Jol responded on the official Spurs site. He said: "This was a move that Michael wanted to make. We have given him every reason to stay, but he has asked to be allowed to leave."