Tottenham buoyed by talks with Trapattoni

Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, has met Giovanni Trapattoni in Italy to move a step closer to naming him as the club's new manager.

Levy, who is looking for the coach of the Italian national side to commit to a pre-agreement, came away from the meeting without his signature but is thought to be optimistic about the outcome. A statement on the club's website said: "At this point in time, no contract has been signed with any potential new manager."

Trapattoni has signalled that he wants to move after the Euro 2004 finals and Levy is close to pulling off the coup of securing the highly rated coach's services.

Trapattoni, who wants to proceed carefully so as not to antagonise his employers, the Italian Football Association, would also like to work with the Wales manager, Mark Hughes, as his assistant. That plan will only be moved upon when he has committed to the post.

Tottenham supporters are urging Levy to attempt to sign the Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt. The Tottenham Action Group has reacted to reports that Butt would be available for around £5m by telling Levy to bring him to White Hart Lane.

A spokesman for TAG said: "Mr Levy recently stated that the club's proposed share issue is aimed at improving flexibility in the transfer market, so this is a great opportunity for him to flex his muscles and add an international player to the team... We have heard a lot of spin, now is the time for there to be some substance to the transfer targets we are continually linked with."

Butt received an endorsement from his club captain, Roy Keane, who said: "I still regard Nicky as one of the best midfielders in England. Unless the right club comes in for him, I don't think he will leave."