Tottenham open talks for Carrick

West Ham confirmed yesterday that they are in talks with Tottenham over the transfer of Michael Carrick.

West Ham confirmed yesterday that they are in talks with Tottenham over the transfer of Michael Carrick.

Arsenal, Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, Everton and West Brom have all been linked with the £3.5m-rated midfielder, who is in the last year of his contract. But Spurs made a firm move after their manager, Jacques Santini, failed to bring Danny Murphy and Owen Hargreaves to White Hart Lane.

Alan Pardew, the West Ham manager, said: "Spurs are one of the clubs who've come in for Michael. There have been initial talks between the clubs. We'll see what develops."

West Ham are giving a trial to the Rangers full-back Maurice Ross, with a view to a possible loan deal. The 23-year-old Scottish international is being given the chance to solve a defensive crisis.

The Hammers need cover, with Christian Dailly out after a knee operation and Andy Melville suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Wales.