MAZFIN.COM THFC NEWS

Helstad bid rejected

Norwegian club Brann will not say which club made a bid of around £3.2 million for striker Thorstein Helstad, but it is believed that Tottenham are just one of a number of clubs interested in the player. French club St Etienne are the club that have the offer turned down although Leeds, Sunderland and West Ham are all keen on the frontman.

Helstad was with the Norwegian national team in Honk Kong last month, and he continued to impress in the four team tournament that Norway won. This new offer for Helstad was, according to Brann, from a big European club but it was turned down and director of football Arne Moller explained: "We chose to turn the offer down. It came as a surprise and there where a short time limit." We have reason to believe that Brann turned the bid down because they are expecting a bid from Tottenham.

The player himself added: "I now very little about what happens to me, but I do know that Spurs, West Ham and Sunderland have been interested in me." Brann are travelling to La Manga on Saturday and it's expected that Helstad will be followed closely by several clubs during the tournament, and sold during the fourteen day period Brann are in Spain. Leeds wanted to see Helstad in a reserve match, in connection with his trial at the Elland Road club, but Brann turned the request down. It could be that Leeds interest is over with Robbie Keane arriving at club, if not expect David O’Leary to travel to La Manga.