D-Day Approaches for Tottenham Hotspur

There are strong rumours today that Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of signing Portsmouth striker Jermaine Defoe and Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing—two arrivals that could be hugely important in the club’s push to stay in the Premier League.

Tottenham are a club famous for recruiting English talent, and new manager Harry Redknapp appears to be embracing that tradition with two new additions to his squad. Defoe and Downing are expected to arrive at White Hart Lane in the next few days, and the club is currently talking to both Portsmouth and Middlesbrough about the proposed transfers. They could even be wrapped up today if things move on quickly and prices are agreed.

It has become clear over the last few days that both Defoe and Downing are keen to leave their current clubs, with Downing making his passion to depart The Riverside crystal clear this morning when he handed in a formal transfer request. Defoe is thought to be equally determined to force a move away from Fratton Park.

Both players are undoubtedly talented individuals, though Downing in particular has seen his form dip in recent times. He has not been producing the excellent performances that Middlesbrough once witnessed, but Redknapp clearly believes he can revive Downing’s fortunes and turn him into the star he used to be.

Defoe, however, has had no such troubles and remains the sharp shooter that he always was.  Building his confidence is not something that Redknapp will have to do.

The fact of the matter is that if Redknapp can get both players playing to their potential, Tottenham have two great players on their hands who are capable of turning their traumatic season around. Both players are match-winners and they can turn a game on its head with one moment of brilliance, something that few of Tottenham’s current cast can do.

Downing and Defoe has a nice ring to it, and Tottenham will be hoping that their arrival at the Lane sparks a push away from the relegation zone. It should be titled ‘D-Day’ when they do finally sign on the dotted line, not just because of the starting letter of their second names, but because it might just be their added flair that saves Spurs from relegation humiliation.