MATTHEW UPSON IS SPURS TARGET

TOTTENHAM want to sign West Ham star Matthew Upson in the January transfer window.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp feels the clubs are exposed at centre-back given Ledley King's chronic knee injury and Jonathan Woodgate's groin problems.

Tottenham were close to landing Upson in the summer despite West Ham's supposed policy of not selling to their close rivals.

The Hammers had slapped a £15million price tag on Upson and hoped to create an auction, with Manchester City and Aston Villa also keen.

But City went on to land Joleon Lescott for £24m and Villa opted for another Hammer, James Collins, in a £5m move.

Spurs made a late bid for Upson, 30, but chairman Daniel Levy would only underwrite a £4m deal.

But Sport of the World understands that when the deadline approached, cash-strapped West Ham would have accepted £6m for Upson.

Redknapp intends to move in at around that mark in January, but will not bid any higher than £8m.

source: http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/523619/TOTTENHAM-want-to-sign-West-Ham-star-Matthew-Upson-in-the-January-transfer-window.html