Spurs are upbeat about Downing

Tottenham have received encouraging signals over the availability of £7million target Stewart Downing. The England winger has failed to agree a contract extension at Middlesbrough despite ongoing talks and is concerned about a lack of first-team opportunities.

Spurs are understood to have made an enquiry about Downing and they have also joined Liverpool in the race to sign Southampton's Peter Crouch. The striker, who started his career as a Spurs youth player, is valued at around £5m.

Meanwhile, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has admitted to feeling betrayed by Chelsea-bound sporting director Frank Arnesen. He said: "Our supporters have openly used the word betrayal and I have to say it's probably appropriate under the circumstances.

"I honestly felt Frank was going to stick to our agreement and that the challenge here at Spurs was one he enjoyed and relished.

"What we are all having difficulty reconciling is the Frank we knew, who was utterly charming and professional, in direct contrast to the man who clearly now wants to walk away from the commitment he had to us."

Tottenham are due for more talks with Chelsea this week over a compensation package which could include the transfer of midfielder Scott Parker to White Hart Lane.