Jol bids for Routledge

Last updated : 26 January 2005 By Alistair Murray

Spurs had a £3m bid for the 20-year-old rejected in the summer when the player had a full season remaining on his contract. Since then the player has turned down an improved contract extension, preferring a move away from Selhurst Park.

Owing to the player’s age the south London side would expect to recoup the same fee from a transfer tribunal at the end of the season, so the south London club are only preparing to listen to offers starting at £2m.

Eagles manager Iain Dowie would prefer to hold onto Routledge until he becomes a free agent in the summer. Dowie believes the youngster who joined Palace as a trainee in 2001 would continue to show an excellent attitude on the pitch if he did stay until then.

"Maybe if the fans give him a positive reaction and get behind him he'll see how much he's regarded at this club," said Dowie.

Meanwhile, Spurs are hoping to wrap up the deal before visiting Palace in the Premiership this weekend. Whether or not Routledge turns out for the Eagles should go a long way to determining the player’s short-term future.