Palacios Deal Close

Just days after admitting defeat in his attempts to sign Stewart Downing, it seems Spurs gaffer Harry Redknapp is on the verge of making Wilson Palacios his second acquisition of the window. A deal has now been agreed between the two clubs, after Wigan rejected Spurs’ initial bid in the region of £1 million. But the Lactics have now given Palacios permission to join the North London club after accepting a bid thought to be around £14m.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce thinks the Honduran international will have no trouble fitting in at his new club, if the deal goes ahead.

“We brought him over (to Birmingham) for relative buttons, and to be on the brink of joining a club like Tottenham must be exciting for him.” he said.

“It is a little bit daunting for Wilson. But the one thing about him, when he goes on the football pitch he won’t be daunted.”

Bruce first brought the strong midfielder to England during his time at Birmingham. He signed Palacios on a 6-month loan deal, after a recomendation from Arsene Wenger following a trial at Arsenal. He saw enough in Wilson to have him follow his manager to Wigan in 2008. He has impressed in the Premiership in the past two seasons, and has won almost 60 caps for his national team. And, at 24, he would fit well into Tottenham’s ethos, whilst filling the gap in defensive midfield.

If Palacios is to makie the move to the capital, it would be followed by widespread speculation about who could be on their way out of White Hart Lane as a result. Jermaine Jenas was the player tipped by many to be leaving; but, after reported interest from Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, Redknapp has ruled out any move away.

He is one of the best midfield players in the country and I don’t want to lose him.” the Spurs boss told Sky Sports News.

“I need all the players here to be fit and playing well. I can’t afford to lose anybody.”