Spurs seek to revive £5m move for Leeds pair

Leeds United have rejected an offer by Tottenham Hotspur to buy Paul Robinson and James Milner for £5m then to let the players remain at Elland Road for the rest of the season.

Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, said: "Our offer meant that Leeds could have the money but also use of the players until the end of the season. They chose not to accept."

Tottenham will try to revive the deal today and with Leeds under pressure to find funds by midnight tonight it is one of the more acceptable offers on the table. The Yorkshire club would accept £5m up front for the striker Alan Smith, but Newcastle United and other interested clubs would prefer to make a down payment and then pay by installments, which is not what Leeds want.