Tottenham boss Juande Ramos has had a bust-up with the club's board over his transfer plans.

The People says Ramos put a trio of high-profile players at the top of his shopping list ahead of the January transfer window.

But his £15million spree was knocked back by the White Hart Lane money men when they learned all three were over 26 and the club were, therefore, unlikely to recoup the cash from future deals.

Ramos wanted to raid his former club Sevilla for 30-year-old striker Fredi Kanoute, defender Julien Escude, 28, and goalkeeper Andres Palop, 34.

But he is being forced to consider up-and-coming talent after encountering the same selection criteria that frustrated former Tottenham chief Martin Jol.

For example, Jol was prevented from signing Sylvain Distin and Martin Petrov because they were both pushing 30.