PREMIERSHIP Tottenham Hotspur are today seeking permission from York City to field move-hunting goalkeeper Russ Howarth.
And the sought-after net-minder told the Evening Press that he was hoping Spurs' dramatic involvement may at last sort out his uncertain future.
The north London club, who out of the blue swooped for the 20-year-old City ace, now want to look at Howarth in a specially-arranged clash against Fulham on Wednesday.
Howarth, the England Under-20 shot-stopper who is currently on week-to-week terms with York, from whom he is seeking a move, today returned to Spurs'
Chigwell training camp for a second spell of intensive coaching.
He was contacted by the White Hart Lane outfit's Football Director David Pleat last week during his stint at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Howarth's hopes of a move to current nationwide First Divison leaders Wolves have stalled because the Midlands outfit are well shy of City's vaulation of
the 'keeper, who this summer earned a call-up to the England U-21 set-up in the Toulon tournament.
Now former England manager Glenn Hoddle's club have entered the race.
However, if Spurs are to firm up a bid for Howarth they will have to do so before Saturday's closure of the August 31 transfer window.
Spurs' sudden interest has left Howarth in a state of flux as he revealed exclusively to the Evening Press.
"I have to admit I'm in a state of limbo. If it doesn't work out with Spurs, and nothing else happens at Wolves, then I don't know where I will go from there," said Howarth.
"I'm just hoping that this week's events will sort it out."
City are still paying Howarth's wages. They still hold his registration as that would entitle them to any transfer fee should he secure a move to another club. And the Minstermen are determined they will not let go of one of their prized assets on the cheap.
Howath added that he had pinned his hopes on a move to Wolves, where he has spent the best part of almost the last month since they made their interest in
him clear.
He even disclosed how personal terms had been agreed between himself and Wolves. But because the Midlands outfit have only made what some City sources
have termed a 'derisory offer' for the youngster, who has progressed steadily up the England rankings from Under-16 to the fringe of the U-21 squad, the
transfer has since foundered.
It is believed Wolves have made an offer of around £50,000. Based on Howarth's elevation to the U-21 squad and his obvious potential it is likely the Minstermen would want around ten times that figure.
Now Spurs have entered the equation as the fourth Premier League club to invite Howarth to training in the wake of spells at Leeds United, Sunderland and Everton.
Howarth underwent 'double' sessions at Spurs' Chigwell training base under the scrutiny of the club's goalkeeping coach Hans Segers and then Spurs and Northern Ireland legend Pat Jennings.
"It's been a great experience working with these players," enthused Howarth.
"And it was the same at the other Premiership clubs, but I just want to get things sorted out now."
Updated: 11:51 Monday, August 26, 2002
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