Gary Jacob wrote in The Times: ‘Tottenham risk starting the season without solving their problems in two positions. They are believed to be ready to increase their bid for left winger Stewart Downing and are also considering increasing their offer for Pascal Chimbonda who Wigan are demanding £6 million for.'
Alan Nixon wrote in the Daily Mirror: ‘Daniel Levy is offering Danny Murphy and Andy Reid plus cash in a swap deal, but Spurs will probably have to make an improved straightcash bid or miss out on their target. Chimbonda is clearly still Tottenham's top right-back target despite interest in Blackburn's Lucas Neill, who is entering the last year of his contract and with his sights on the glamour of European football on offer at Tottenham is yet to agree a new one at Ewood Park.
Martin Jol is a big admirer of former Blackburn Rovers left winger Damien Duff, who completed a move from Chelsea to Newcastle United last week.
He said: "Duff was a good opportunity. It wasn't a fortune, we tried our luck but for reasons he had a preference for another club. (The Times)