Spurs make Souness No1

Meanwhile, Pleat insisted today that he would not want Brazilian star Rivaldo at the club at the moment.

Pleat, preparing for Sunday's visit to Leicester, added that he was quite happy with the first-team squad he inherited from Hoddle. Pleat explained the latest speculation linking Rivaldo with a move to the club has emerged from agent activity but he dismissed suggestions Spurs were ready to bring him to London.

Pleat said: "People have asked me if I would want him at the club but I would have to say no at the moment. Things change, of course, and we should always look to strengthen but I am happy with the players we have."

Reports suggested that Levy has already begun preliminary discussions with the player's representatives. The AC Milan striker hinted last week that he would relish a move to Spurs after being frozen out by the Italian giants. But the biggest stumbling block in any move to Spurs will be the player's salary, reputed to be around £100,000 a week.

Pleat, who has an outside chance of getting the manager's job permanently, could be forced to face Leicester without adequate cover in the striking department as Bobby Zamora and Helder Postiga are very doubtful.

Postiga was taken off with a hamstring strain in the reserve draw with Watford on Wednesday night while Zamora had to withdraw from the squad after collecting a kick on the knee in training. Pleat could be boosted by the return of defender Ledley King to compensate for the loss of suspended Anthony Gardner. Pleat added: "Bobby and Helder are doubtful. Bobby had to pull out of the reserve game because of a kick on his knee. We'll see how both respond.

"But we are missing Jamie Redknapp and Simon Davies. Simon is still another three weeks away with his groin problem but I don't think it requires an operation. He saw the Welsh doctor and the club's medical staff this week. King has had a reasonable week training and it might be a gamble to put him in."