Coca-Cola Divisions: Dowie wants to keep Routledge

Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie has revealed the Eagles turned down a bid from Tottenham for rising star Wayne Routledge and urged the winger to commit his future to the club.

Routledge was the subject of a £3million transfer deadline-day bid from Spurs after Palace won promotion to the Barclays Premiership and is stalling over a new contract at Selhurst Park.

But Dowie insists the homegrown England Under-19 international is not for sale, and claims leaving for north London would damage his career.

He said: "I'm mindful of the fact when big clubs come knocking for young players it's head-turning.

"But I think his development is very important and I think he should have a few more years here yet before he makes that next step, if indeed he does. We're hopeful of sorting something out.

Sportinglife