No Davids for Spurs

Tottenham have failed in their bid to sign Edgar Davids on a loan deal.

Spurs confirmed to Standard Sport that talks had been held with Juventus about taking the Dutch international on loan for the remainder of the season.

But Barcelona, who are set to sign Davids permanently in the summer when his contract expires, confirmed last night that they will now take him on a temporary basis.

The 30-year-old midfielder, nicknamed the "Pit Bull" for his combative approach, has found himself out of favour at Juventus.

But he needs first-team football to secure his place in the Holland squad for Euro 2004 in Portugal.

Spurs have been consistently linked with Davids in the last few weeks and a spokesman for the club admitted that negotiations about a loan deal had taken place - but any possible move has now fallen through.

The club also ruled out a bid for West Brom's talented midfielder Jason Koumas.

Manager David Pleat said: "There are no plans to make a bid for Koumas. We are looking at bringing someone in on loan."

Spurs have also put their move for Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid on hold.