Spurs rubbish Kerzhakov claims
Tottenham have rejected claims by Alexander Kerzhakov’s agent that they made an £8m (€11.7m) offer for the Russian striker.
The Zenit St Petersburg player’s agent, Konstantin Sarsaniya, claimed Spurs had made a “concrete offer” for his client but the club’s new owners, gas giants Gazprom, turned it down.
However, Spurs have dismissed Sarsaniya’s claims and made it clear they are not interested in signing the striker.
A spokesperson for the club said: “We have no interest in the player and we have not made an offer for him.”
Sarsaniya had claimed Spurs firmed up their interest in his client after coach Martin Jol revealed his admiration for the goalscorer.
“One month ago me, Spurs’ sports director (Damien Comolli) and Zenit president David Traktovenko had negotiations about Kerzhakov,” claimed Sarsaniya.
“The Englishmen wanted to buy Kerzhakov, who is one of the best Russian attackers with whom I’ve worked for a long time.”
“They made a concrete offer, £8m,” he added. “But Zenit refused this offer because in that time, they already knew about the owner change in the club and new owners Gazprom didn’t want to lose Kerzhakov.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas says the players are in good spirits despite losing 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
Spurs lost out to Harry Kewell’s wonder volley in the 59th minute but Jenas believes there were plenty of positive aspects to the game.
“It was close and it was a tough one to take,” he said. “We did really well, had a few chances but came away with nothing. It was a special goal, we know what Harry is capable of and that was definitely one out of the top drawer.
“If we play like that in most games then I’m sure we will win. We are not down, there are a lot of positives to take out of it and I’m sure we will do.”
Kewell was also involved in the dismissal of Spurs right-back Paul Stalteri in the closing stages when the Canada international was red-carded for a professional foul on the Australian as he attempted to race clear on goal. But Stalteri claims that Kewell went down because he knew he would not get the ball.
“It was one of those where it was minimal contact,” insisted Stalteri. “He looked to get in front of me and ran across me.
“He fell under my feet really and has gone down quickly. He knew he wasn’t going to get the ball.”
Meanwhile Spurs have announced they are to unveil their new club badge on Thursday.
