Winger deal on cards for Ramos

Liverpool are set to miss out on Blackburn's David Bentley because he reportedly wants a return to London which makes Spurs favourites.

The Peterborough-born England international started his career with Arsenal before moving on to Rovers in search of first-team football, initially on loan before signing permanently in 2006.

However, after three years at Ewood Park the 23-year-old wants to play European football as he bids to prove to England coach Fabio Capello that he should start ahead of David Beckham for the national side.

Reds chief Rafa Benitez is thought to be ready to increase his opening offer to £15m for but Bentley's apparent desire to return south means White Hart Lane chief Juande Ramos is in pole position to do a deal.

It's claimed Ramos could also offload some of his unwanted players as makeweight in the transfer which would be appealing for new Blackburn boss Paul Ince who is thought to want Darren Bent.