Hoddle is confident he will sign at least one player before the 31 August transfer deadline - and insists the �15m-rated Morientes is not opposed to a move to White Hart Lane.

Morientes, however, has also been linked with a move to Inter Milan as part of a swap deal involving Brazilian striker Ronaldo.

"We're still trying to negotiate a deal and it's a very difficult one. I know he wants to come, but there are all sorts of added factors that are out of our hands," said Hoddle.

"I know the lad would come if everything was sorted out, it's as simple as that.

"I don't think it's going to be a financial reason but there are other things that need to be sorted out.

"We're just in the middle of it and it might happen.

"But I've got a list of players and if that one doesn't come to fruition then obviously there are quite a few players that I'm interested in.

"I'm confident that we can make a signing or two, that's the preference. But we'll wait and see."

Hoddle has been trying to bolster his forward line to provide back-up for Teddy Sheringham and Les Ferdinand as Sergei Rebrov is still out of favour.

He has already failed in a bid to bring Brazilian star Rivaldo to White Hart Lane and has been linked with Leeds front man Robbie Keane.

Asked if Morientes was his number one target Hoddle said: "I've probably got about three players that I would call my number one targets.

"I'd be very happy if I can get them. But with this transfer window it's becoming very difficult.

"You have to keep all the balls juggling. There are more things now with swap deals and loan deals. It's more complicated.

"It (the Morientes deal) is still on the go and I'm still optimistic it can be done but it's not simple. There are other people who we feel might be just as good."

Hoddle hit back at suggestions that the club has been over-ambitious in its attempts to sign big name players like Rivaldo and Morientes.

"No one, apart from Rivaldo who went to AC Milan, is turning us down," he said.

"There are more players out there who would come to us than people imagine.

"If we can get those two (extra players) in, if we can get one in, then I think that'll be a boost at the right time for us and we can go on from there."