Defenders in demand

Michael Dawson is being linked with a January return to Nottingham Forest in a double deal also involving Spurs team-mate Gareth Bale.

Forest boss Billy Davies has been promised funds to strengthen his squad by chairman Nigel Doughty and has reportedly identified the Premier League duo as his top two targets.

Davies is prepared to pay £3m for Bale who has struggled for form at White Hart Lane since moving to the club from Southampton, while a loan move for Dawson is being speculated.

However, that rumour seems unlikely given the centre-back's recent involvement in the Tottenham first-team.

He scored an equaliser in yesterday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa and won praise from his manager Harry Redknapp after filling in as captain.

Redknapp said: "It was the first time that Michael and Sebastien Bassong have played together and they did well.

"We have two great players in Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King but they do get injuries and we need cover in those positions."