Tottenham in Konchesky talks

Tottenham will open negotiations with Charlton today in a bid to extend Paul Konchesky's loan spell.

Caretaker manager David Pleat confirmed that he wants the defender to remain at White Hart Lane but hopes of securing Konchesky on a further loan deal have been hampered by a shock illness to utility player Gary Doherty.

Doherty spent the weekend in hospital undergoing tests on a blood disorder although he is hoping to meet up with the Republic Of Ireland squad tomorrow ahead of their European Championship qualifier against Switzerland on Saturday.

The uncertainty over Doherty's illness has left Pleat short of defensive cover although Chris Perry, on loan with Charlton, was due back at Spurs today.

However, Pleat said: "I want Paul for a further loan period. We are very short of cover in defence with injuries to Ledley King and Gary Doherty."

Konchesky, who played in Spurs' 3-0 win against Everton on Saturday, is adamant he does not want to go back to The Valley just yet. He said: "I want to stay at Spurs and extend the loan if it is possible."