New row over Kanoute

Tottenham today find themselves on course for another international row with Mali after it was confirmed they will include striker Fredi Kanoute in their squad for the Olympic Games in August.

Kanoute is understood to be keen on playing in Athens despite the fact that he will thereby miss the start of the new campaign and some of pre-season training.

The striker's future at Spurs may well hinge on his Olympic decision as the club could opt to cash in on the former West Ham player a year after buying him for £4million. France-born Kanoute angered Spurs this season by agreeing to switch his allegiance to Mali, his parents' homeland, so he could play in the African Nations Cup during January and February.

The 26-year-old was an instant hit during the tournament.

A spokesman for the Mali Football Federation said: "It is expected we will select Fredi Kanoute for the Olympics."

Although the competition is for players aged 23 or less, three over-aged picks are allowed.

The move will cause further friction between club, player and country.

Kanoute has struggled to regain his place in the Spurs line-up since he returned from the Nations Cup.

He started for the first time since then in the defeat at Southampton last Saturday but picked up a bruised shin and could miss the clash with Chelsea tomorrow.

Club officials are still privately smarting over Kanoute's decision to switch from France to Mali and will be further incensed if he accepts any Olympic invitation.

They may react by offloading Kanoute in the summer, regardless of who the new Spurs manager is.