Brad Friedel set to sign for Tottenham

Last updated : 01 June 2011 By Daily Mail

Share

Simon Jones is Sportsmail's man on the inside of all the major transfer moves this summer.

His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why.

A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.

Don't miss your daily Insider instalment here.

?BRAD FRIEDELAston Villa to TottenhamTHE INSIDER says: 4/5

WESLEY SNEIJDERInter Milan to Manchester UnitedTHE INSIDER says: 3/5

The 40-year-old American has decided his best chance of prolonging his Premier League consecutive appearance record is with Tottenham.

A deal with Liverpool had long been in place in principle but the Pepe Reina factor has weighed heavily in Friedel's thinking.

As Sportsmail exclusively revealed, Tottenham also made a two year contract offer and, realising that Heurelho Gomes's future is in severe doubt, Friedel believes the opportunity to continue as a number one is greater at White Hart Lane.

West Brom also made a two year offer while Aston Villa offered a deal heavily based on bonuses but Friedel is excited by the challenge of helping a relatively young Tottenham side take the next step forward.

Harry Redknapp will be hoping Friedel's presence gives his defenders greater re-assurance than that of the error-prone Gomes.

Redknapp's patience ran out with Gomes towards the end of the season as he was dropped in favour of experienced former Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini.

The Dutch midfielder has long been a target for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and remains at the forefront of his thinking.

With the expected retirement of Paul Scholes, Ferguson has always wanted to bring in two midfielders this summer and is eager that at least one of those can give United the experience and creative spark they crave.

The deal is not as difficult as has been painted but the possibility of bringing in Luka Modric from Tottenham has caused a slight re-think.

Although Tottenham have insisted the Croat is not for sale they have a pattern for doing business at the right price.

If United are prepared to hit that mark whether in straight cash or with makeweights then a deal is distinctly possible and that would bring in a player who needs little time to settle and is fully accustomed to Premier League pace.

Sneijder, who is also wanted by Manchester City, is understood to be ready to leave Inter and would prefer United for football reasons in terms of style and opportunity to win things. For around ?30m, perhaps cheaper than Modric, a deal could be done.

?ANOUAR HADOUIRRoda JC to Middlesbrough? THE INSIDER says: 4/5

PHIL JONESBlackburn to LiverpoolTHE INSIDER says: 2/5

Hadouir could prove an astute bit of business by manager Tony Mowbray.

The 28-year-old is a free agent after running his contract down at Dutch side Roda and has a good reputation as a skilful striker who is also comfortable playing in midfield.

Former Ajax manager Martin Jol is among his admirers and Jol was ready to sign him last summer for around ?1.2million with Mitchell Donald going the other way.

Hadouir is a product of the Willem II youth academy and made 99 Eredivisie appearances for the Tilburgers before leaving the club for Roda in the summer of 2007.

He then developed into a key player at the Kerkrade side where he wore the number ten shirt.

Boro have to work to a tight budget and are looking to offload other members of their squad but Hadouir has the ability to set the Championship alight next season.

It could prove a difficult summer for Blackburn as their owners consider changes all round and players take stock of how quickly the club can move forward.

The disappointing finish to this season has prompted concern and talents such as Jones will be pivotal to what is considered. He is wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham while Manchester United have also been impressed.

Blackburn know they can bank around ?15m now if they sold but the knock-on effect could be worse if it gives out the wrong signals to fans and teammates that selling their young players is the way forward.

An easier solution may be to bank ?10m to ?12m on Christopher Samba and nurture Jones for another season when his stock could rise even higher. Arsenal would take Samba and if they can't agree a fee then Aston Villa would like to even under a new manager such as Mark Hughes.

Don't miss your daily instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline.??Spurs boss Redknapp set to wrap up signing of Friedel to replace GomesHands off, Arsene! Blackburn warn Arsenal over move for starlet JonesModric, Sneijder, Rodwell... who can fill the void left by United legend Scholes?

?Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, Tony Mowbray, Carlo Cudicini, Mark Hughes, Harry Redknapp, Simon Jones, Wesley Sneijder, Martin Jol Places: Liverpool

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail