TOTTENHAM Hotspur are expected to make a renewed multi-million pound bid for Blackburn Rovers skipper Tim Sherwood, following today's appointment of George Graham as manager at White Hart Lane.

Rovers will not welcome a revival of the London club's interest, just a couple of weeks after Spurs were informed that Sherwood was not for sale at any price.

But I have been told by very good sources that Graham is poised to make a major bid for the Ewood captain as one of his first transfer missions.

It is a familiar scenario and one that Rovers could well do without in the wake of their bitterly disappointing European exit.

They face a struggle to climb away from the foot of the table and desperately need players such as Sherwood, who was outstanding in Lyon, to lead the fight.

The skipper refused to comment on more transfer speculation and he made his position clear when Tottenham's interest first emerged.

But, as far as I am aware, there has not been any change in his contractual situation at the club. So, presumably, he still feels Rovers have not responded in the way he thought they should have done. So many star names have departed Ewood in the last few years, despite Rovers insisting they are not a "selling club".

And it would be a bitter blow for this particular saga to start again because everyone fears what the ultimate outcome might be.

The fact that Leeds could not hold onto their manager illustrates the fact that, in football these days, no-one is immune from losing key men.

Rovers have lost more than most and have then discovered just how hard it is to find replacements of a similar stature.

Confirmation of football's worst-kept secret, that Graham was the new Tottenham boss, came via an announcement to the Stock Exchange at 8.30am today.

The statement read: "The following agreement has been reached with Leeds United Football Club: Tottenham Hotspur confirms the appointment of Mr George Graham as manager of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club."

The 53-year-old Scot was due to be unveiled at a 4pm news conference at the London club after reportedly signing a four-year deal worth £6million. Meanwhile, Rovers boss Roy Hodgson has to pick himself and the players up after Tuesday's unlucky exit from the UEFA Cup.

The manager was clearly downcast about it.

He said: "This has knocked us down as far as we could be knocked down and, first of all, I have to pick myself up."

Hodgson was furious about the refereeing and, reflecting on the Chelsea game as well as the European tie, he said: "For this to happen twice in a week would test the patience of a saint and I am not a saint."

There wasn't much consolation after such a disappointing ending but he did take heart from the performance of a young reserve side at Preston last night.

"There were good signs for the future from such a fine display of football," he added.

Sebastien Perez faces a six-week lay-off after it was confirmed today that he will need knee surgery for cartilage trouble.

Roy Hodgson said: "He will have the operation in Marseille with the same specialist who has treated him before."

Rovers expected the worst when Perez had to be substituted in Lyon on Tuesday night.

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