Tottenham are regarded as favourites for Real Madrid's want-away striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Daily Mail says Van Nistelrooy clearly feels he still has plenty to offer, hence his decision to bide his time in search of a chance to end his career on a big stage.
Such ambition, which may explain his reluctance to sign up for West Ham's relegation struggle, would also seem to put paid to Stoke City's approach, while a move to Turkish side Galatasaray is believed to hold little attraction.
Tottenham, therefore, would seem to be in pole position, although their willingness to offer only a contract based on performance and appearances represents a stumbling block.
Van Nistelrooy is expecting more offers between now and the end of the transfer window and his burning ambition to be part of the Holland World Cup squad means he will almost certain be on his way out of the Bernabeu by the end of this month.
