Tottenham are closing in on a deal for Wigan Athletic midfielder Wilson Palacios.

The Daily Mail says Tottenham's pursuit of Palacios would appear to be nearing completion despite Wigan rejecting an improved offer for the midfielder on Thursday. Spurs are understood to have upped Wednesday's £10m bid by £2m but Wigan are unwilling to accept the money in instalments over four years.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has reluctantly admitted he can't stand in the Honduras midfielder's way if a deal is agreed, but wants the majority of the money up front to provide funds for a replacement.

Wigan are not prepared to accept players in part-exchange despite earlier being offered Jermaine Jenas. Redknapp is prepared to let Jenas go to help balance the books despite the former Newcastle midfielder's determination to stay.