DEFOE SET FOR SPURS RETURN; Pompey agree pounds 15m fee for England striker.

Byline: by MIKE McGRATH 

JERMAIN Defoe is set to clinch a return to Tottenham after a fee was agreed with Portsmouth for the England striker.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie have been in talks over the weekend to negotiate a deal in the region of pounds 15million.

The 26-year-old is thought to be scheduled for a medical with the club he left just under a year ago.

"Portsmouth can confirm a fee has been agreed with Tottenham for Jermain Defoe," said a statement from Pompey.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp bought Defoe for Pompey in the 2008 January window and his return had been suggested since the change of manager at White Hart Lane two months ago. Tottenhamfans continued to sing his name while Defoe went on a run of eight goals in his first seven Pompey games. He has added nine goals in this campaign.

"I wouldn't have sold him if I was manager at Portsmouth and Tottenham came back in," Redknapp admitted. "I'd be keeping him."

Defoe could put last season's Wembley misery behind him if he moves back to White Hart Lane - but Tottenham have to do their part against Burnley first.

Redknapp's men face their Coca-Cola Championship opponents tonight in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg, the trophy Spurs won less than a month after Defoe left them for Fratton Park.

The 26-year-old striker, who also missed out on another medal when he was cup-tied for the FA Cup final in May, did not feature in Pompey's Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool earlier in the season and would be able to play in the competition if he rejoins Spurs and they get through their last-four clash.

Redknapp has prioritised a striker and a left-sided midfielder in the current window, with Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing also subject to a bid from Spurs.

Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah is on trial at Spurs this week and could sign until the end of the season.

Appiah, who has been a free agent since the summer following a dispute with Turkish side Fenerbahce, looks set to be offered a deal until the summer.

The 28-year-old has suffered knee injuries in the past, but Redknapp is confident that will not be a problem and is hoping to arrange a deal.

"I watched him an awful lot for Ghana - about six times - but I ended up taking Sulley Muntari because Juventus were asking pounds 14million for Appiah," said Redknapp.

Against Burnley, Spurs want to avoid being the Championship side's third top-flight scalp.

"They've done well," Redknapp said.

"Iwatched them on Saturday against QPR and they are well organised and have experienced players.

"They've had a fantastic run - Chelsea, Fulhamand Arsenal - so we won't be underestimating them."

Midfielder Hossam Ghaly is in contention for a place in the Spurs squad.