Football: Ardiles looking to Angell or Allen

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR'S search for a striker yesterday narrowed to focus on Southend United's Brett Angell and the former Spur, Clive Allen, who cannot win back his place in West Ham United's attack, writes Henry Winter.

Since Teddy Sheringham sustained a cartilage injury in October, Spurs have prevailed only twice in 14 League games and their growing need for a regular scorer was highlighted again on Wednesday when they bowed out of the Coca-Cola Cup to Aston Villa.

Forthcoming work on a new pounds 5m South Stand has reduced the funds available to Ossie Ardiles, the Spurs manager, who admits 'I do not have much money to spend'. With a budget of around pounds 500,000, Ardiles could easily afford the 33-year-old Allen, a prolific presence at White Hart Lane in the mid-1980s, but Angell's price is higher. Earlier this season Everton balked at paying pounds 1m for the 25-year-old; Southend are now seeking in excess of pounds 600,000.

Southend have sent Spurs videos of Angell, who last week appeared destined for Portsmouth until negotiations foundered. Ardiles, who has until noon today to register a player in time for tomorrow's match against Manchester United, said yesterday that there 'had been no new developments'.

The Tottenham manager did receive encouraging news yesterday from Gary Mabbutt, who said he aims to be back in action next month after injuries caused by his collision with John Fashanu's elbow.

Harry Redknapp, West Ham's popular assistant manager, yesterday emerged as the choice of Southampton fans to replace the man they forced out of The Dell, Ian Branfoot. 'He is heading the list of managers we would want,' Clive Foley, of the Southampton Independent Supporters' Association, said. Other favoured candidates include three famous former Saints: Plymouth's Peter Shilton, Alan Ball, of Exeter, and Dundee United's charismatic Ivan Golac.