'SPURS FAIL IN ASHTON BID'

Tottenham have reportedly failed in a £15m bid for West Ham striker Dean Ashton.

According to The Guardian, Spurs have turned to Ashton as it becomes increasingly likely that Dimitar Berbatov will join Manchester United, leaving them with only Darren Bent in the striking department.

A bid of closer to £20m would probably tempt the Hammers, who have so far failed to get huge earners Lucas Neill and Freddie Ljungberg off their wage bill.

Tottenham's dream transfer target is Valencia's David Villa, but he is likely to choose the Premier League only as a last resort as he favours remaining in Spain.

Though his agent has been making all the right noises about a move to White Hart Lane.

"David likes London and likes how Spurs play under Ramos." Villa's agent Luis Tamargo said.

"If they present an offer Valencia will seriously study the subject."