Fulham have made a bid for Stg£3 million rated Tottenham striker Sergei Rebrov, the Premiership strugglers said today.
Fulham manager Jean Tigana is desperate to bolster his goal-shy attack after they managed only one goal in their last five league games but his chairman, Mohamed Fayed, has made it clear there is little money to spend and he has been looking for loan deals and free transfers.
Rebrov may just be within Tigana's budget and Spurs are keen to get the out-of-favour Ukrainian off their wage bill.
Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle also wants to buy Michael Ricketts from Bolton and may need to sell players to fund the transfer.
"I can confirm that Sergei Rebrov is one of two or three players we are looking at," Fulham chief executive Bruce Langham said.
"It is clear that we do not have a lot of money to spend and a loan deal from outside the Premiership would be the preferred option. But we are talking to Spurs about a deal for Rebrov and we will see what happens."
The 28-year-old has not yet held talks with Fulham but is keen to leave White Hart Lane after a nightmare spell at the club. He joined from Dynamo Kiev for Stg£11million in 2000 but has failed to make an impact.
Rebrov has made just 37 league appearances and has not played for Spurs this season.
"I am talking directly to chairman Daniel Levy and he appreciates that the situation cannot drag on any longer," his agent Sandor Varga said.
"We have been patient and we understand that Spurs need to recoup some of the money they spent. Sergei would prefer to stay in London and Tigana has always liked him."
Fenerbahce tried to sign Rebrov on loan but Tottenham are keen on a permanent deal and the Turkish club's interest has waned after they signed Russian striker Vladimir Beschastnykh.