Parker's the man for Spurs

Tottenham's plan to land Scott Parker from Charlton moved a step closer today after winger Matthew Etherington admitted he is still stalling on signing a new deal.

Spurs are on the brink of making an official bid for Parker and will include Etherington as part of the package because he has yet to commit himself to a two-year extension.

Etherington was offered a new deal at the end of last season but he has been unhappy at the lack of opportunities at White Hart Lane. He is a longtime target of Charlton's manager Alan Curbishley and could be the key to the deal.

Spurs are desperate to bolster their midfield and Glenn Hoddle has identified Parker as the player he wants.

The Tottenham manager tried to sign Parker when he was in charge of Southampton and Spurs made another move for him earlier this summer, which also included Etherington but only involved £1million in cash.

Charlton rejected that out of hand but their signing of Matt Holland from Ipswich would appear to indicate they will let Parker go at the right price.

Chelsea are also interested in the England hopeful and their surprise move for West Ham's Glen Johnson will remind Spurs that they may have to move quickly if they are to get their man.

Etherington flew out to La Manga with the rest of the first-team squad for the start of pre-season training today, fully aware that he could be used as the bait to land Parker.

He said: "I am just going to wait until the start of the season and see how things go. If I am part of the plans I will probably sign the new offer. But I am not going to rush into anything.

"I have spoken to Glenn a few times and he has told me that there is a contract there if I want it.

"But I've got a year left and can afford to wait. I am under 24 so there would be a compensation fee, but at the moment I am just waiting to see how things work out with a number of things."

The player would relish a move to The Valley because he knows he will almost certainly be guaranteed first-team football.