Routledge Move Falls Through

By Mark Heys
July 10 2007

England U21 international Wayne Routledge will remain a Tottenham Hotspur player after seeing a potential £3 million move to Bolton Wanderers collapse at the last minute after the Trotters pulled out of negotiations.

The 22-year old Londoner's career has stalled ever since he moved to White Hart Lane from Crystal Palace in July 2005 and he has been farmed out on loan to the likes of Portsmouth and Fulham in recent times.

He made a huge impact for Palace upon their return to the Premiership in the 2004-05 season and impressed many with his speed and ability to create goals for the likes of Andy Johnson who is now plying his trade back in the top flight with Everton.

Earlier this summer he was rumoured to be on his way to West Bromwich Albion as current club Spurs wanted the Baggies highly rated defender Curtis Davies and where prepared to offer Routledge in any deal.

Meanwhile, Liverpool favourite Xabi Alonso is tipping his elder brother Mikel to be a success should he turn his trial stint at Bolton into a permanent arrangement.

"He has the right attributes to play in the Premier League and would be a very good signing for Bolton," said the 2005 Champions League winner 

Alonso could replace Idan Tal who is returning to Israel for family reasons.