Hoddle steps up interest in Chiesa

Tottenham today increased their efforts to land a new striker before the 31 August transfer deadline by showing further interest in Enrico Chiesa.

As revealed exclusively by Standard Sport, the former Fiorentina striker has been on Glenn Hoddle's hit list for some time but the club were forced to check out the player's medical history before firming up their interest.

Spurs are understood to be ready to offer the 31-year-old a threeyear contract following his release on a free transfer by cash-strapped Fiorentina.

The former Italian international is also wanted by Juventus, Lazio Milan and Sampdoria but the player is interested in a move to the Premiership.

Chiesa made only seven appearances last season because of a knee ligament injury but medical reports suggest he has made a complete recovery.

Hoddle's move for Chiesa comes after attempts to land Brazilian star Rivaldo failed, while his bid for Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes is on-going.

Meanwhile, Hoddle wants Scottish international goalkeeper Neil Sullivan to fight for the No1 jersey.

American goalkeeper Kasey Keller was selected ahead of Sullivan against Everton on Saturday and now looks certain to become the club's first choice this season.

But Hoddle stressed the door is not shut for Sullivan and says competition for places is exactly what he wants in that position.

Keller played superbly in Tottenham's friendlies against Celtic and Lazio but Hoddle says he chose Keller because the player had done nothing wrong at the end of last season.

Hoddle said: "Kasey finished last season for us and did very well. Probably going to the World Cup and the fact that he trained, even though he didn't play, meant he came back looking very sharp.

"I've got two very good goalkeepers, international goalkeepers, experienced goalkeepers that I can call on. What I want at this club is competition for places and I want to be able to rotate a little.

"At least at one end of the pitch I've got that pressure to perform which I think is healthy for any club."