Reports: Spurs Duo Apparently Coming In But Defoe A No-Go

In an effort to bring in a few more players before the transfer window shuts for the summer, it's been reported that Martin O'Neill is chasing any number of players from Tottenham Hotspur. The most recent of which appear to be Jermaine Jenas and Danny Rose.

The Telegraph and former North East-based reporter Luke Edwards was the first to pick up on this late last night, much to eh bemusement of Sunderland fans.

Jermaine Jenas would be an odd signing to say the least. We're quite well stocked in the middle of midfield with Lee Cattermole and Jack Colback first choices while David Meyler and when fit David Vaughan will battle for places. There's also the potential additions to the middle of the park of Seb Larsson if a move is made for Adam Johnson, and Craig Gardner returning to the role when Phil Bardsley regains fitness.

Jenas will of course be available having not had a look in at Spurs in recent years through managers choice or injury, but the move wouldn't be a favourable one for either us or him who likely wouldn't even be first choice.

Danny Rose would be a little more interesting. He seems to be a bit of a Kieran Richardardson v2.0. a former winger who got found out at the level and has been moved to left fullback where he's been 'alright'.

Rose seems to be highly touted by England youth managers in the past, so he must have something about him, although if Richardson goes a permanent replacement rather than loan would be more advantageous to us. Equally, I still think if we applied ourselves a move for someone like Blackburn Rovers' Martin Olsson could be possible to replace Richardson.

Both moves would come with question marks over them, however it still is only one report at this stage. It's also worth remembering Edwards also reproted on Sunderland's 'interest' in Fernando Llorente (here) which was later debunked (here).

Meanwhile the world has been told that another Spurs player, Jermain Defoe, will not be leaving the club. Manager Andre Villas-Boas told reporters yesterday;

It is a different situation for him now. I have nothing to do with anything that happened in the past. He is our striker.

It was never a particularly likely move, although word on the grapevine was that enquiries were made on our behalf for the England goal-getter. Other targets will now have to be looked at, with all reports suggesting there might be a breakthrough in the deal for Steven Fletcher this week.