Tottenham boss Martin Jol insists he wants to hang onto striker Jermain Defoe.

Jol remains hopeful that Defoe can agree a new contract - despite his outburst after being substituted midway through the second half of the Carling Cup game against Middlesbrough.

The England striker has failed to secure a first-team place this season and has so far refused to pledge his long-term future to the club.

But Jol is adamant Defoe still has a big role to play for the club this season. He said: "He didn't want to negotiate last year - nobody sees that. Last year he had more starts than anyone else. It's not my business and Daniel [Levy, the Spurs chairman] is doing it. Of course I want him to sign."