Santini wants Wiltord for Spurs

Jacques Santini wants to raid the France team again to make Sylvain Wiltord one of his new stars at Tottenham.

The France coach, who will take over at White Hart Lane at the end of Euro 2004, has already targeted Bixente Lizarazu. Now, more controversially, he wants the former Arsenal striker to join him at Spurs.

The 30-year-old, who is still the Gunners' record signing at £13million until all the money is paid on Jose Antonio Reyes, is available on a free transfer following the breakdown of talks over a new deal.

Arsene Wenger wanted Wiltord to stay but the player and the club could not agree terms. Santini has always enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Wiltord, who has played for his country 22 times, and admires his versatility and has often remarked on Wiltord's professionalism. He could be offered a three-year deal.

Spurs signed Rohan Ricketts from Arsenal last summer but the last big-name player to cross the north London divide was Sol Campbell, whose contentious move three years ago still rankles with Spurs fans.

Wiltord has a reputation of being an awkward customer but Wenger spoke highly of him as did Santini's predecessor Roger Lemerre.