MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea appear to have stolen a march on Tottenham and rivals Arsenal for the signature of Real Madrid forward Robinho.
Spurs have shown great ambition so far in the summer transfer window, after pursuits for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o and Giovani Dos Santos.
And, with the latter reportedly close to agreeing a deal at White Hart Lane, boss Juande Ramos is keen to further bolster his attack with the capture of one of the brightest talents in world football.
Robinho has enjoyed a successful season in Spain, helping take Real to their second successive La Liga title, but reports suggest the Brazilian is ready for a new challenge.
Spurs appear to have been pushed out of the race along with Arsenal, as United and Chelsea's financial power appear to have handed them the initiative.
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