The talk that Rupert Murdoch (left) is showing an interest in Tottenham Hotspur Football Club hardly comes about because of a love of the game. Rather that he collects teams in the same way as a entomologist collects rare butterflies.

Murdoch wants his foot firmly in the door of the new European League which seems certain to come about sooner or later. What other way to maximise control than to buy your own team.

The Australian billionaire already owns a few outfits so he knows what he is doing. He bought the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team for £187 million and has part shares in the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, the New York Knicks basketball team as well as the New York Rangers ice hockey team.

His company also owns the television rights to every major team that appears on American cable television.

Spurs fans appear to be faced with Hobson's Choice - present owner Alan Sugar or Murdoch.