Hoddle wants Bo on loan

Qu Bo has been on trial at White Hart Lane for the past fortnight and has impressed in pre-season friendlies against Crystal Palace and Watford.

The 21-year-old forward also shone during China's World Cup campaign in the Far East.

Now, Hoddle is exploring the possibility of keeping Qu Bo in North London for the forthcoming Premiership campaign.

"We want to try and get him on loan but there are all sorts of things that would need to be sorted out like work permits and possibilities with his club," Hoddle told the club's official website.

"At the moment it's no more than 50-50. We like what we've seen and we're in no position to say any more than that because we're trying to move the thing forward.

"Since he's been here he's done very well. He's young and there are a few positions he can play in."

Meanwhile, Hoddle has laughed off reports that he is prepared to sacrifice defender Dean Richards in order to boost his transfer war chest.

Richards only arrived at White Hart Lane 11 months ago in an £8.1 million switch from Southampton and Hoddle rubbished rumours he would offload him for a cut-price £5 million.

He added: "This story is totally and utterly untrue."

Spurs have also been linked with a move for Fiorentina striker Enrico Chiesa having seemingly been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Real Madrid's Fernando Morientes.

The Spanish international has rejected the chance to move to White Hart Lane and Hoddle is thought to have switched his attentions to Italian star Chiesa.

The former Parma and Sampdoria ace is available on a free transfer after Fiorentina failed to stave off bankruptcy.