Spurs offer £5m for Robinson and Milner

Leeds United, desperate to raise money to ease their financial crisis, last night received a £5m offer from Tottenham for their goalkeeper, Paul Robinson, and their young prospect James Milner.

Spurs' interest in the England goalkeeper Robinson, whom they have valued at £2m, was already known, but the move for the teenager Milner is more controversial as he is seen as vital to Leeds' future.

Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, thought the time was right for to make a move and that Leeds are resigned to losing Robinson. He hoped Milner might become available if Leeds were forced to sell in the next few days.

Leeds have tried to cut their wage bill for the rest of the season by asking the squad to defer some of their salary, but after initial talks the team seem to favour selling players instead.

Leeds are also trying to cancel the contracts of the on-loan pair Zouma Camara and Didi Domi. The Elland Road chief executive, Trevor Birch. contacted their clubs, Lens and Paris St-Germain, yesterday to ask to end their season-long loans at the halfway point.

Spurs have a rival for Giovanni Trapattoni, who they apparently want as manager next season. Bayern Munich, who may lose Ottmar Hitzfeld in summer, are also interested in the Italian national coach.