TRANSFER NEWS: Tottenham's Stephen Carr has again emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal.

The Republic of Ireland right-back had been trailed by Spurs' North London rivals before tendinitis ruled him out of the last Premiership campaign.

He has made a successful pre-season comeback and Arsenal are again tracking a player who, manager Arsene Wenger believes, would fill competently the void left by Lee Dixon's retirement.

Wenger needs to strengthen the right flank of his defence to withstand the rigours of the forthcoming domestic and Champions League campaigns. Lauren is the only recognised right-back at Highbury but prefers the midfield role he performs for his country.

Arsenal bid for Leeds United's Danny Mills towards the end of last season but his value spiralled after his impressive performances at the World Cup - forcing Wenger to turn his attentions back to Carr.

Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle has said he wants Carr to see out see out the remaining three years of his contract. However, there is a growing consensus at White Hart Lane that the player has been unsettled by the club's lack of activity in the transfer market.

"Glenn has stated that Steve is happy and will be a Spurs player for the three years left on his contract but this is not the entire story," said a source close to the club.

"Carr is not happy with the club's predicament and, as an ambitious individual, would be wrong not to keep his options open. But this is not the time to start talking about moving. First, he needs to get back into the Premiership." Carr looked sharp on his first 90 minutes back in Tottenham's 4-0 friendly win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Tottenham's uncertain financial situation suggests there is every chance that owners ENIC will sacrifice Carr to bolster Hoddle's transfer kitty, regardless of the furore that erupted after Sol Campbell's defection to Highbury last summer.

Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland under-21 internatioal Thomas Butler has signed a new three-year deal with Sunderland.

Butler's previous contract expired during the summer and as negotiations stalled, it looked as though his future could lie away from the Stadium of Light.

However, the 21-year-old, who has been heavily involved in the club's pre-season campaign to date, yesterday ended the speculation by putting pen to paper on a contract which will keep him on Wearside until the summer of 2005.

The exciting midfielder made his Premiership debut at Charlton last season and showed superb form when on first-team duty later in the campaign.

Reid was delighted to have finally secured the future of one of his most talented young stars. "He has played well during our pre-season and I'm expecting him to become a full international soon."

Fulham's Republic of Ireland World Cup star Steve Finnan is injured and will miss the start of the Premiership season and the international friendly in Finland next month.

He twisted an ankle in Saturday's reserve friendly against non-league Carshalton and will miss the top-flight opener against Bolton on August 17th.