Tottenham In The News, Danny Rose, David Marshall, Steven Caulker

The news from today’s papers has Tottenham linked with David Marshall and Steven Caulker while Tim Sherwood has urged fans to be patient with Danny Rose.

Danny Rose [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]Danny Rose

He’s still learning

Tim Sherwood has backed Danny Rose and urged supporters to be patient with the left back as, in the words of the Spurs manager, “he’s still learning”. Left back has been considered a weakness by many fans over the past few seasons with Benoit Assou-Ekotto and now Rose coming in for criticism. With BAE on loan this year, Rose had his chance to stake a claim for the position having had a good season on loan at Sunderland last year.

Having started as a left winger where he played for the England Under-21 team and in the London Olympics, Rose was moved into defence and Sherwood has compared him to Ashley Cole who made the same move when a young player at Arsenal. In comments reported by the Tottenham and Wood Green Journal, Sherwood said,

"Danny’s done well. He’s only young and he’s still learning. He went out on loan last season and proved himself in the Premier League…….Don’t forget that Danny’s only been a left-back for a few seasons."

Injury in the early part of the season denied Rose the opportunity to settle into the team but he has made 28 appearances this season and Sherwood has encouraged Spurs to give him a chance rather than look to sign an experienced player in the summer, saying,

"But he’s still got things to learn and he appreciates that, and he works hard to try to get better. He needs to improve all different factors of his game."

David Marshall

The Daily Mirror have linked Tottenham with two players from relegated Cardiff City. Goalkeeper, David Marshall, has had an outstanding season and will attract the attention of a number of clubs during the transfer window. Marshall was outstanding in the two games against Tottenham and was regarded, with Hugo Lloris, as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.

With concerns that Lloris will be the target of attention from other clubs this summer, Spurs will want to ensure they have an adequate replacement should the French international be lured away from White Hart Lane.

Steven Caulker [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]Steven Caulker

A year ago Caulker left Spurs for Wales to get regular football and he has played every minute of every game for Cardiff in the Premier League this season. Spurs are now considering a move to resign the central defender who developed through their Academy. Caulker has a release clause in his contract which would allow him to leave Cardiff as they have been relegated.

Many were disappointed to see Caulker leave White Hart Lane last summer and would welcome his return although Liverpool could be interested in signing him, and Marshall, as Brendan Rodgers was manager at Swansea when he had his loan season at the Welsh club.

Caulker who was captain of Cardiff, is regarded highly by his former Tottenham captain, Ledley King who was quoted in the Daily Mail,

"He can go right to the top, there is no doubt about that. He will play many, many games for England. One thing that comes across is his calmness. As a young defender, you’ll always make mistakes but I’ve been really impressed with the maturity of one so young."

Other Snippets

Andrija Balic

The Daily Mail have suggested that Tottenham have been in discussion with Hadjuk Split over the possible signing of Andrija Balic, a 16-year-old midfield player. Balic has already played into the senior team but an opening offer is reported to have been rejected.

Roberto Soldado

This is likely turn into another story, similar to last summer when Spurs were reported to be set to sign two young players from Hadjuk Split but nothing materialised despite much speculation in the press.

The same paper is also suggesting that Atletico Madrid are interested in taking Roberto Soldado back to Spain after a disappointing debt season at Tottenham.