Spurs try to lure Mido to Lane
(soccernet.espn.go.com)
Updated: 2005-01-21 15:15

Tottenham are continuing negotiations to bring Roma's Egyptian striker Ahmed Hossam Mido to White Hart Lane.

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed they were trying to sign Roma's Egyptian striker Mido on loan. [AFP]

However, the Barclays Premiership club are set to face a battle for his signature with, according to the player's agent, some '15 teams' chasing the 21-year-old.

Mido played against Liverpool in a fourth-round UEFA Cup tie last season when with Marseille, before moving to Serie A for 4.05 million pound at the end of August.

He has since found opportunities limited at the Italian club, and has made no secret of his desire to play in England, with Southampton one of the sides also reported to have expressed an interest in his services.

Mido also spent time in Holland with Ajax, and so will be well known to both Spurs' sporting director Frank Arnesen and head coach Martin Jol.

A brief statement by Tottenham read: 'The club can confirm that it is in discussions with Roma over the possibility of Ahmed Hossam Mido joining the club.'

The player's agent, though, maintained any deal would only be until the end of the season - and that several other clubs, both in England and on the continent, were in the hunt for his signature.

"Tottenham are one of the teams interested, but no agreement has been reached so far," Mino Raiola told PA International.

"In fact there are 15 teams in France, England and Spain and two in Italy that are interested in Mido."

"At the moment we are evaluating the situation and we hope to reach an agreement with one of the teams, but that doesn't mean Tottenham are the favourites."

"They are talking about a loan deal until the end of the season because that is what Roma want."

"Roma don't want to sell the player and that is problematic when it comes to reaching an agreement."

The striker, though, seems to be very keen on heading to White Hart Lane, adding on his official website, www.mido99.com: "The deal will be confirmed, but the contract hasn't been signed yet."

Tonight, one of Mido's agents admitted that completion of the transfer was imminent.

Hajar Elshafei said: "The deal will be signed before tomorrow. It's not yet clear if it will be a loan or permanent - both options are open."

Mido himself added: "I am not a failure just because of what has happened in the past two years. I have matured a lot and I arrive at Tottenham with a different mentality."

"I have always wanted to play in the Premier League. Now I have the chance, I do not want to fail."

"I have had a couple of years that have not gone well, but Spurs is now the best option for me professionally."

"I do not know much about London so this is an adventure and I am looking forward to it."

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