Spurs To Fight It Out With Bolton For £8million Richardson?

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Sunderland winger Kieran Richardson is a January transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, with Bolton Wanderers also keen on the England International, according to The Mirror.

24-year-old Richardson was persuaded to join the Black Cats by former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane, when the Irishman took Sunderland into the Premier League in 2007. However, with Keane walking out of the Stadium of Light earlier in December, Richardson has reportedly become unsettled at the Premiership club and is looking for a move away from the North East.

Redknapp, who is also understood to be close to a deal for Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing is believed to be ready to offer Sunderland £8million for Richardson in January, but will face competition from Trotters manager Gary Megson, who also wants Richardson at the Reebok Stadium.

Spurs have identified the left side of midfield as an area that needs strengthening next month, with Aaron Lennon filling the void for Redknapp in recent weeks. While it is believed that Downing is the main target for Tottenham, Redknapp is considering Richardson as an alternative, with Boro manager Gareth Southgate wanting Gareth Bale as part of any deal to allow £15million rated Downing to leave the Riverside Stadium.

Tottenham are reluctant to let Welsh International Bale leave White Hart Lane, which has led them to Richardson, but with Bolton also interested it remains to be seen whether the winger opts for Spurs or Wanderers or decides to stay put at Sunderland in January.