Tottenham Transfer News: Mass Exodus of Fringe Players

As Tottenham look to free up finances and room on their roster for incoming transfers, many fringe players could be shipped out before the close of the transfer window.

Spurs currently have a massive squad with plenty of quality players sitting on their bench or in reserves.

If recent rumours are to be believed, the club is looking to offload a good chunk of dead weight to their Premier League rivals.  Offers have been pouring in from other clubs looking to fill out their own squads, and it is up to chairman Daniel Levy to handle negotiations and decide who goes and for what price.

Some deals have already been finalized, while others are in talks or merely speculation.

Have a look at all of the departures that could take place before the end of the day.

David Bentley: West Ham (Loan)

A confirmed move, winger David Bentley has joined West Ham on a season-long loan. 

This is the second deal between the two clubs today, as this morning saw Scott Parker go in the other direction.

West Ham are looking to stock up on options in the wake of Parker's departure, as they hope to return to the Premier League next season.

Bentley had fallen out of favor at Spurs after a drop in form, and was most recently loaned out to Birmingham City for the second half of last season.

Peter Crouch: Stoke City

Striker Peter Crouch is set for a move to the Britannia Stadium with Stoke City.

Sunderland and QPR were also in the race for the gangly forward, but it seems that Stoke have emerged winners. 

Crouch has fallen out of favor at Spurs after a long string of poor performances, going back through last season.  He was previously instrumental in guiding the club to the Champions League, however, and several clubs appeared willing to take the chance on him regaining that form.

If Spurs receive somewhere in the range of the £10 million that was reportedly being offered, they might immediately reinvest it in the squad.

Wilson Palacios: Stoke City

Tough-tackling defensive midfielder Wilson Palacios also looks to be headed to Stoke-on-Trent.

Palacios underwent a medical with the Potters two days ago and discussions have been ongoing regarding a deal.

The arrival of Scott Parker has made Palacios expendable, clearing the path for him to leave for more playing time.

Stoke City aren't the only club looking to do a double deal for Spurs players, however.

Jermaine Jenas: Aston Villa (loan)

Aston Villa are closing in on a loan deal for midfielder Jermaine Jenas, while Spurs may hold out for a permanent switch.

Jenas has also been deemed expendable following the arrival of Scott Parker and emergence of Sandro in the center of midfield. 

Spurs will have little playing time to offer Jenas with Parker, Sandro, Luka Modric, and Tom Huddlestone all ahead of him in the pecking order, not to mention promising youngster Jake Livermore.

The 28-year-old Nottingham native has played with Spurs since a 2005 move from Newcastle, but has rarely been first choice since his arrival.

Alan Hutton: Aston Villa or Fulham

Villa also have their sights set on Scottish defender Alan Hutton, who has been granted permission to discuss a transfer while on international duty.

It is believed that Fulham have also tabled a bid for the fullback, with both fees believed to be in the range of £4 million.

Hutton, like the others on this list, has fallen out of favor due to competition at his position.  Vedran Corluka and Kyle Walker have been battling it out for the starting spot at right back, and there figures to be little chance Hutton would find spare minutes.

Walker had a successful loan spell with the Villans last season, so perhaps the club thinks they can mine some more gold from Spurs' reserves.

Sebastien Bassong: Bolton or QPR

Defender Sebastien Bassong has been linked with a move to either Bolton Wanderers or Queens Park Rangers.

Bassong was rumoured yesterday to be a part of a potential cash-plus-player deal for Bolton defender Gary Cahill.  However, if Bolton decide they could do without the Cameroonian international, Spurs could consider a straight cash deal for Cahill.

Meanwhile, QPR have reportedly announced their interest in the defender as they continue to bolster their squad for life in the Premier League.  The newly promoted side have already brought in Joey Barton and are also connected with moves for Manchester City players Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Bassong, who arrived at Spurs from Newcastle just two years ago, could prove to be a valuable addition for either club.

What It All Means

If Spurs are able to complete all or even most of these moves before the end of the day, they might have time to swing the funds towards one or two new additions to the squad in areas of need. 

Gary Cahill has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, since Arsenal decided to pursue Per Mertesacker instead.  Maybe these moves will clear up the funds Daniel Levy needs to put in a sufficient bid for the player.

Spurs could certainly use that sort of boost to their backline, but there are other deficient areas as well.  The departure of Peter Crouch means that the North London club are down to Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermain Defoe, and Roman Pavlyuchenko for strikers.

Perhaps Levy has continued his interest in some of the pricier names the club has been linked with, such as Fernando Llorente or Giuseppe Rossi.  There is also a chance of a less monumental signing to add some depth up top.  Either way, don't be surprised if Spurs' chairman pulls another Van der Vaart out of the hat at the last minute.