Spurs look to be at the head of the chasing pack to sign Newcastle’s Kieron Dyer after boss Sam Allardyce admitted the midfielder could be allowed to leave St James’ Park.

West Ham are also believed to be interested in the 28-year-old midfielder, but it is believed Spurs are Dyer’s first choice.

Boss Martin Jol is believed to have lodged a bid of about £5m for the England international.

Newcastle boss Allardyce confirmed Dyer would be allowed to leave, citing “family reasons”.

Dyer was left out of the squad for the friendly against Celtic on Thursday evening.

Allardyce said: “We are protecting our asset. There’s a big value in Kieron Dyer, the player that he is, so I am protecting the asset.

“He could have ended up playing today and being one of the casualties like Nicky Butt or Steven Taylor, so it was my decision to protect that asset and not risk him today because he is a valuable asset for Newcastle United.”