Baardsen stalls on new contract with Tottenham

Norwegian goalkeeper Espen Baardsen is resisting pressure from his club Tottenham to sign a new contract until his first team future is clarified.

Baardsen is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers playing in England but has been replaced in the first team by former England international Ian Walker. The Norwegian is free to move at the end of this season under the Bosman ruling and wants assurances that he is still the first choice goalkeeper from new coach George Graham. Graham rarely gives such assurances so Baardsen may be open to other offers.