A meeting last week between Tottenham officials and Sevilla boss Juande Ramos emerged from Spain after Jol oversaw the victory over Derby last Saturday, Spurs’ first win of the season.

Ramos has talked of an “offer” but Tottenham have consistently denied being in negotiations with anyone to replace their current boss, who has now been given a vote of confidence by chairman Daniel Levy.

“Martin has my 100% support and I’d like the fans to understand that they need to take the last few days in the context of what we think has been significant progress over the last six years,” Levy said.

“We both want success and Martin has assured me that I’ve got his 100% commitment and I’ve given it to him.”

Michael Carrick is convinced former club Tottenham will be pushing for a Champions League spot at the end of the season.

The Manchester United midfielder retains a soft spot for the White Hart Lane outfit, who have been in turmoil this week as speculation swirled around Jol.

And, while he wants their season to get worse before it gets better, the England star believes it is only a matter of time before Spurs turn their season around.

“Tottenham will be all right,” he told MUTV.

“They have finished fifth in the last two seasons and now they probably have the players to challenge for a top four spot.

“Whether they get it or not remains to be seen but I am sure they will be just as close, if not closer. I certainly don’t think they should get too dispirited about things just now.”

Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole has set his sights on a first home win of the season as Newcastle make the short trip south this weekend.

Boro had the 19-year-old Teessider to thank for their opening Premier League points when his late strike at Fulham last Saturday secured a 2-1 victory and went some of the way towards atoning for defeats by Blackburn and Wigan.

But Cattermole knows more than points will be at stake in Sunday’s derby.

He said: “We are the home team and we will be really up for the game. I think Newcastle would be happy to go away with a point.

“But we want to get the three points. When you are at home you expect to win - and that will be the case on Sunday.”

Sam Allardyce is tipping James Milner to join the ranks of Newcastle’s senior England internationals.

The 21-year-old midfielder picked up a record-equalling 29th cap for his country’s under-21s in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Romania at Ashton Gate.

Allardyce said: “I hope it’s on ongoing escalation to a full England cap.

“I cannot see any reason why he cannot be very, very successful at Newcastle United and put a lot of pressure on Steve McClaren to select him in an England XI sooner or later.”

Alan Curbishley believes Steve McClaren has plenty of reasons to be cheerful if he keeps an eye on West Ham this season.

England coach McClaren is once again under fire following England’s 2-1 defeat by Germany at Wembley but Hammers boss Curbishley insists the likes of Robert Green, Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker, as well as Dean Ashton, can push their cases for international honours with successful seasons at Upton Park.

“We have a strong squad here, and we have quite a few players who should be looking at having a good season and forcing the issue with their national sides,” said Curbishley ahead of his side’s match with Wigan.

“Kieron Dyer made the England squad this week, which went a bit unnoticed, and Julien Faubert was also in the reckoning for France before his injury.

“Robert Green has to be in that situation, and Scotty Parker was in the squad before he got injured. Danny Gabbidon captained Wales, so we have a lot of players making their mark on the international stage.

“Steve McClaren came to our first game so he’s well aware of our players.”

Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner has revealed Chris Hutchings’ new-look side is revelling in the role of underdogs.

The Latics were written off by many before a ball was kicked in the Premier League this season, with Hutchings tipped to be among the early-season casualties after replacing Paul Jewell as manager.

But two wins from their first three games has made Wigan one of the division’s surprise packages.

“Nobody really expected Wigan to be in the top half of the table so far, so we are all really happy about having six points from three games,” said Scharner.

“I think it’s always a good situation for a club and for a team when nobody expects anything and we can show what we can do.”