TOTTENHAM have apparently joined Manchester United in the race for striker Roque Santa Cruz and are prepared to offer £12million pounds for his services, according to media reports, writes Iain Liddle.

The move will only intensify rumours that Dimitar Berbatov will leave White Hart Lane this summer with AC Milan emerging as the latest favourites for his signature.

Ramos is believed to be looking for a tall target man to replace the Bulgarian, having previously been linked with Argentine Diego Milito, and Santa Cruz appears to fit the bill.

The tall striker proved to be the one of the most inspired signings of last summer having scored 23 goals for in his debut season after arriving for £3.5million from Bayern Munich. Blackburn will demand at least three times that figure if they are to even consider letting him leave the club.

Tottenham are unlikely to be put off by the figure quoted and have proved they are willing to spend whatever it takes this summer in their continued search for Champions League football.

Luka Modric and Barcelona starlet Giovani Dos Santos have already signed on and a host of other top names continue to be linked with North London.

Reports had suggested that new Manchester City manager Mark Hughes wanted to take the powerful Paraguayan with him to Eastlands but it appears as though David Bentley will be the only one follow his old boss.