Richards ready to lose £2 million

Dean Richards will consider forgoing a £2 million ?golden handshake? to ensure that his transfer to Tottenham goes ahead.

The defender is on the brink of a move from Southampton but talks between the clubs have stalled. Under the terms of his Southampton contract, Richards is entitled to 20 per cent of any fee if he leaves without asking for a transfer. But that could push his price up to £10m and he said today that he would consider forfeiting his share of the transaction to save the deal.

The relationship between Spurs and Southampton is so strained that negotiations are being conducted by an intermediary.

The clubs fell out when manager Glenn Hoddle moved from The Dell to White Hart Lane last season and Southampton have lodged a complaint with the Premiership over what they allege was an improper approach for 27-year-old Richards.

The proposed deal was further complicated when discussions were halted by Tottenham yesterday because of the Jewish New Year.

Another problem is that Spurs want to pay the money in instalments, although Premiership rules state the fee must be paid in full within 12 months. Richards said today: ?Southampton want £8.25m but my sell-on clause would take the deal close to £10m. That is something I will have to think about.?

Meanwhile, Spurs, without the sidelined Gary Doherty (broken leg); Goran Bunjevcevic (fractured cheekbone); Stephen Clemence (knee ligaments); Steffen Iversen (ankle); Willem Korsten (hip), Chris Armstrong (abdomen) and Stephen Carr (knee), have drafted in youngsters Ciaran Toner and Steven Ferguson for tonight?s match at Sunderland.

Tim Sherwood (thigh); Anthony Gardner (knee) and Ben Thatcher (hip) are on the road to recovery but are not in the squad and full-back Stephen Carr has flown to America for treatment on his troublesome knee.

Carr has gone to visit knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman, who helped Newcastle?s Alan Shearer back to fitness. The trip is to ensure that Carr?s knee is strong enough to allow him to return to training next week.

Darren Anderton is doubtful because of an inflamed Achilles tendon, while Hoddle must decide whether to recall Gustavo Poyet, who is available again after serving a three-match suspension for his red card against Everton.

Sunderland have no new injury problems after Sunday?s 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen missed that game after undergoing surgery on his broken nose and is unlikely to play tonight. Austrian Jurgen Macho stands by to retain his place.

Defender Jody Craddock says he is looking forward to facing Les Ferdinand and Teddy Sheringham.

He said: ?They?re two great players. Both are very confident. They?re good on the ball and good in the air, so it?s going to be very difficult for us.

?Let?s hope we can handle them. They?re both old, wise heads. But we?ve kept three clean sheets in the last five league games and you can?t ask any more than that.?