Teddy must wait

Teddy Sheringham's future at Tottenham is dependent on the club qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

Spurs today confirmed they will not be offering their captain a new deal until their position for next season becomes clearer.

The club were contractually obliged to inform Sheringham of any improved offer this month. Glenn Hoddle revealed he has told Sheringham, 37 next month, that no new offer will now be made until closer to the end of the season. Spurs are ninth in the Premiership, at least three places away from a UEFA slot.

Sheringham is a free agent in June and Hoddle wants to wait and see if Spurs's bid for European football is successful before making a decision on whether to retain his services.

The Spurs manager is understood to have informed Sheringham of the club's stance two days before their defeat by West Ham at Upton Park.

Hoddle said: "I have spoken to Teddy about his contract situation and told him that we will now review it nearer the end of the season when we will have a better idea of our position regarding Europe."

Spurs have an option to hand the former England striker an extra 12-month deal but it is likely that he will be offered different terms to his present £30,000-plus a week.

Sheringham remains determined to carry on playing at Spurs and has ruled out a move into coaching in the short term.