Bentley nears Birmingham move

Tottenham midfielder David Bentley reportedly travelled to Birmingham City for a medical on Monday as his proposed loan move gathers pace.

Bentley, 26, has struggled to cement his place at White Hart Lane since arriving in 2008 and is keen to explore other opportunities after falling behind the likes of Rafael van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon in the plans of Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

The former Blackburn Rovers playmaker has made just a handful of appearances for Spurs this season, and Redknapp sympathises with Bentley’s wish to leave.

“David did well at the end of last season but he wants to play,” Redknapp said.

“It’s difficult. He’s not happy because he’s not playing and I understand that.”

“I wouldn’t want him to sit there and say ‘I’ll take my wages’. He needs to play somewhere and there are a few clubs that want him.”

Meanwhile, Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson could be on his way to Newcastle United.

The Blues have reportedly given Newcastle permission to talk to the midfielder about a possible switch to St James’ Park.