O'Hara eyes Spurs return in FA Cup tie in January

Jamie O'Hara hopes to make his return from a long-term back injury in Tottenham Hotspur's FA Cup third-round match against Charlton Athletic next month.

O'Hara had to undergo an operation this summer after fracturing his back while on loan at Portsmouth last season.

He has yet to make an appearance for Spurs this season but is now back in training and hopes to play some part in the January 9 match with the club's League One neighbours at White Hart Lane.

O'Hara tweeted yesterday: "Doing ball work and sprinting now, aim to be back for Charlton game at [White Hart Lane], can't wait to play football again."

O'Hara, 24, a star performer for Portsmouth last season, faces tough competition for a place in the Spurs midfield and has been linked with a loan move to West Ham United, who are managed by O'Hara's former manager at Portsmouth, Avram Grant.

West Ham are closing in on the signing of Steve Sidwell, the Aston Villa midfielder, Press Association Sport understands.

The Hammers are desperate to add to their ranks in the January transfer window as they look to climb off the foot of the table. Sidwell, who has made just three starts for Villa this season due to an Achilles injury, is understood to be in negotiations with the Hammers.

Chelsea announced late last night that they had signed a new four and a half-year deal with forward Gael Kakuta.