Chimbonda row could Spur deal

Jan 26 2008 by Paul Gilder, The Journal

PASCAL Chimbonda’s representatives last night attempted to distance a player in Kevin Keegan’s sights from the cutting comments about Tottenham attributed to the Frenchman.

The 28-year-old’s name is prominent on the shopping list that Keegan has handed to Newcastle chairman Chris Mort, but although Juande Ramos is understood to be prepared to sell Chimbonda, yesterday’s developments did not go down well at White Hart Lane.

The controversial right-back is quoted as having told friends: “Kevin Keegan has approached me and offered me more money. I’m leaving Spurs. It’s all about the money, I don’t care about the (Carling Cup) final. I don’t care about the cup.”

Chimbonda’s reported comments didn’t go unnoticed at his Premier League club – although Willie McKay, the agent who brokered the defender’s contentious transfer to Tottenham from Wigan in 2006 – last night made a statement on the player’s behalf.

“Pascal denies that he said to anyone that he doesn’t care about Tottenham and that he plans to move to Newcastle,” he said. “There’s no hiding the fact that Pascal is frustrated because the club are looking at full-backs to replace him, but he wouldn’t disrespect Tottenham or his team-mates by saying that he doesn’t care about the club.

“Pascal cares about Spurs, he cares about his team-mates, he cares about his football and he cares about his career. Even if he does move on, Spurs will always have a place in his heart – as will the fans. Anyone who thinks differently just has to look at his celebrations on the pitch after the (Carling Cup semi-final) win over Arsenal (on Tuesday). That proves everything.”

The Journal understands that Chimbonda has been told that he will be allowed to move should Ramos succeed in signing Alan Hutton from Rangers.

Despite his denials, an unfortunate incident will not have endeared the French international to his current paymasters. But it is a situation that could aid Keegan’s efforts as the 56-year-old continues his attempts to strengthen Newcastle’s defence.