Tottenham have failed with a mega bid for three Portsmouth stars.

The Guardian says Portsmouth last night rejected a combined £30m bid from Tottenham for their England internationals Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson in a move that offered an insight into both clubs' ambitions for next month's transfer window.

The offer was turned down immediately, with Portsmouth insistent that Spurs have significantly undervalued the trio who have all been recent regulars in Fabio Capello's England squad and are likely to be coveted by other clubs, not least Manchester City.