Kanoute target for Barcelona

Barcelona have indicated that Fredi Kanoute could be one of their targets during the transfer window.

With Henrik Larsson injured, the Spanish League leaders are looking for cover and their sporting director today spoke of his admiration for Tottenham's in-form striker.

Txiki Beguiristain said: "At the moment, Kanoute is an option for the coach to study but nothing has been determined. Kanoute is a good player and he has a European passport, which is a point in his favour, but we have still not spoken with Tottenham about him."

Barcelona were last week linked with Manchester City's Nicolas Anelka but were unable to fund an outright bid and would prefer a loan deal. Any such approach would be strongly resisted by Spurs.

France-born Kanoute's goalscoring and creativity has been a key factor in their eight-match unbeaten Premiership run but he will miss tomorrow's FA Cup clash with Brighton due to a hamstring injury.

One player far more likely to be leaving White Hart Lane is defender Dean Richards. The 30-year-old, who has recovered from a recent brain tumour scare, has not played in the first team all season.