England boss Fabio Capello regards Tottenham defender Ledley King as an outstanding talent.

The Times says despite a row with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, Capello regards King, 28, as the best ball-playing alternative to Rio Ferdinand at centre back and will give him every opportunity to earn a place as the Manchester United defender's understudy.

The Italian will consider him for friendlies against Holland and Slovenia at the start of next season.

Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, and Franco Baldini, the England general manager, have been in regular contact over the past few days and have agreed that King still has the capability to play for club and country.