Tottenham are being linked with a £4million move for Portuguese midfielder Maniche, who had a spell at Chelsea two seasons ago.The 30-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder was on loan at Stamford Bridge in the second half of the 2005-06 campaign, and previous to that had helped Jose Mourinho bring Champions League glory to Porto.

Now Spurs boss Juande Ramos apparently believes Maniche is the perfect playmaker for his White Hart Lane engine room.

The player's contract runs out in June, and Maniche appears open to a move.

His agent Jorge Mendes told the Daily Star: "There have been a number of European clubs who have demanded information on Maniche, including the Premier League.

"It all now depends on whether they can negotiate with Atletico."

The club's sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch though says the Portuguese ace is not for sale.

He said: "He is an excellent player, so I am not surprised that there is so much interest.

"But there is nothing concrete and he can add great value to the team this season because it will be a long one."

If Tottenham do put in a bid for Maniche, it looks like the stiffest opposition will come from Inter Milan.

They are reportedly ready to offer £4million to seal a deal, and reports in Spain suggest another Portuguese star Luis Figo has already sounded Maniche out about a move to the San Siro.

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