Football: Venables loses Earl's support: Tottenham saga takes new twist while Charlton's men keep American dream alive

TERRY VENABLES' hopes of buying out the Tottenham chairman, Alan Sugar, have received a setback after Robert Earl, the millionaire owner of a fast-food chain, said he did not want to be involved in any takeover of the club.

Venables, whose sacking as Tottenham's chief executive was upheld in the High Court this week, had said backers were in place should he win High Court support to purchase Sugar's 48 per cent stake in the club.

Matthew Freud, speaking for Earl, said: 'It's not the deal Robert thought he was going in on. He went in as a fan trying to help, but he wouldn't want to involve himself now. It hinged on the court date which Terry Venables was required to win.'

The FA and Inland Revenue are to investigate allegations, made by Sugar in an affidavit at the court hearing, that under-the-counter payments were made in Teddy Sheringham's pounds 2m transfer from Nottingham Forest.

Wimbledon's owner, Sam Hamman has denied speculation that Joe Kinnear, the former Spurs defender, might return to his old club as manager. Hamman said: 'I've spoken to Joe twice today and he didn't mention anything about Tottenham. As he (Sugar) has not contacted me I can't see how this can be a possibility.'

Lee Dixon is doubtful for England's final US Cup match against Germany in Detroit on Saturday. He has a foot injury and Earl Barrett is likely to continue at right-back.

Dale Gordon, the Rangers winger, is expected to join West Ham for pounds 500,000.