Spurs fail to land Van Bommel

Mark van Bommel is set to spurn the chance of playing for Tottenham in favour of a summer move to Barcelona.

The PSV Eindhoven midfielder, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is on the verge of agreeing a deal with Frank Rijkaard at the Nou Camp.

Spurs have been linked with Van Bommel for several seasons and speculation of a move to White Hart Lane intensified when Frank Arnesen was appointed sporting director last summer.

Having worked closely with the 27-year-old at PSV, it had been suggested that Arnesen would lure him to Spurs when he finally became available on a free transfer. Last year, Van Bommel even said he would like to play for Spurs, adding that he also knew manager Martin Jol very well.

Several Bundesliga clubs were also thought to be interested in the Dutch international, but the prospect of Champions League football - and linking up with Barca's Dutch contingent - has proved too enticing.