Spurs face race to sign Van Bommel

PSV Eindhoven have indicated that Tottenham Hotspur could face competition from other Premiership clubs to sign their midfielder Mark van Bommel in the summer.

Spurs and the German clubs Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund were thought to be the only three clubs chasing the Dutch international, but the PSV spokesman Pedro Salazar Hewitt hinted yesterday that the trio are not the only contenders for Van Bommel's signature.

"We know about the interest of some clubs from England," Salazar Hewitt said. "But we have yet to reach an agreement with anyone."

Van Bommel had been quoted as saying he would prefer to play in the Premiership next term, indicating that he was ready to join Spurs. But Salazar Hewitt said the player's agent was also speaking to Schalke and Dortmund about a possible switch to the Bundesliga.

"We are busy with talks and his agent is having contact with all three clubs, Spurs, Schalke and Dortmund," Salazar Hewitt added. "You never know what will happen - I cannot say whether it will be in three or four days, or three or four weeks. But what is certain is that PSV are in no hurry."

Van Bommel is a regular with the Netherlands side and is expected to be a member of Dick Advocaat's squad for Euro 2004. He has publicly stated his desire to leave the club and, with his contract due to expire in June 2005, PSV are keen to avoid the prospect of him leaving on a free transfer next summer.