Spurs in chase for Carrick
14 April 2012
Tottenham have emerged as front-runners to sign West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick.
Coach Jaques Santini is searching for a central midfield player and has seen moves for England internationals Danny Murphy and Owen Hargreaves fall through.
He has now turned to former England Under-21 star Carrick, who is in the last year of his contract at Upton Park.
A deal for Carrick could see Spurs defender Dean Richards moving in the other direction on loan for the season.
Carrick has been linked with Arsenal, Portsmouth, Everton, West Brom and Crystal Palace.
Hammers boss Alan Pardew has reportedly told Carrick to make up his mind up about a move or sign a long-term contract.
