Michael Carrick was set to officially become a Spurs player today after completing a medical at White Hart Lane.

And the on-off transfer saga's imminent end is something of a relief to West Ham manager Alan Pardew, who can now concentrate on strengthening his side's defensive weaknesses, a concern made all the more pressing by injuries to Christian Dailly and Andy Melville.

"The balance of this squad is not quite right," said the Hammers boss. "We need defenders, and we need top quality defenders."

Published Monday August 23, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo