Spurs hold fire on Ashton

Tottenham boss Martin Jol insists the club have not lodged a new bid for Dean Ashton.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol insists the club have not lodged a renewed bid for Crewe Alexandra striker Dean Ashton, as reports suggest the Premiership side have moved back in for Nottingham Forest winger Andy Reid.

Ashton has been a long-term target for Spurs and was recently put under the microscope by sporting director Frank Arnesen.

The England Under-21 international has been in sparkling form for Crewe this season, scoring 20 goals for the Championship club.

Crewe boss Dario Gradi expects Ashton to leave for a Premiership club but hopes it will be at the end of the season, rather than during January's transfer window.

Norwich City are also keen but Nigel Worthington admits he is unable to match Spurs' bid of £2 million for Ashton.

However, Jol has revealed that offer is from the summer when Jacques Santini was in charge and is not a fresh bid for the Crewe hot shot.

"We bid for Ashton months ago when Jacques Santini was here," said Jol.

"But, if you were Crewe, you would tell clubs like Norwich they would have to offer more than £2 million.

"That was our bid five months ago."

Spurs have also been linked with a renewed effort to prise Republic of Ireland international Reid away from the grip of Forest.

The struggling Championship side have twice rejected offers from the North London outfit in the past but reports suggest a new £4 million bid has been tabled.

Speculation claims that Spurs have offered Forest a £2 million down payment on the wide man, along with a further £2 million based on performances.

Jol acknowledged he is looking to recruit players from below Premiership level but refused to confirm if Reid was one of the club's targets.

He added: "There is talent in The Championship and we are looking at two or three players."