• City angry over Tottenham manager’s claims of bullying tactics
• Allegations surround transfer of Craig Bellamy from West Ham

Manchester City are understood to have consulted their legal team over Harry Redknapp’s claim that they stopped Tottenham from trying to sign Craig Bellamy in January 2009.

Ahead of tonight’s top-four clash between the two clubs at Eastlands, Redknapp said City had threatened to outbid Tottenham for Wilson Palacios unless they stood back and allowed City to sign Bellamy from West Ham.

In the end, the Bellamy deal did go through, and Palacios moved to Tottenham from Wigan as Redknapp wished. City deny there was any coercion involved.

Although the club are making no statement on the matter, City, sensitive to suggestions they have used the huge amounts of cash at their disposal to buy a place at the head of English football, are believed to be looking at whether Redknapp’s claims merit legal action.

Manchester CityHarry RedknappTottenham HotspurPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk

• Midfielder has been carrying the problem for some weeks
• He had operation in Germany after the advice of a specialist

Jermaine Jenas has undergone groin surgery in Germany but the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder intends to return to full training within two weeks, with a view to a speedy comeback for the first team.

Tom Huddlestone, however, has had his hopes of a swift return from his ankle ligament problem dashed. Jenas’s fellow midfielder hoped to be back in training in two weeks’ time, following the injury he suffered against Everton last Sunday but he has learned that he must wait that long simply for another MRI scan to see how the injury is healing. It appears that his fears of a four- or five-week lay-off at least are set to be realised.

The Spurs manager, Harry Redknapp, is without the winger Aaron Lennon for six weeks because of groin trouble. With David Bentley a major selection doubt for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Fulham, also with a groin injury, Redknapp must improvise in midfield.

He could use Younes Kaboul, the January signing from Portsmouth, as a defensive midfielder, alongside Wilson Palacios who, with nine bookings, is one away from a two-match ban. Redknapp’s other options involve pushing Gareth Bale from left-back to left midfield and moving Luka Modric inside from the flank or using Eidur Gudjohnsen, another January acquisition, in midfield.

Jenas has carried his groin problem for some weeks – he last played in the defeat at Wolves on 10 February – and he was encouraged to seek expert opinion. The specialist in Germany decided he needed to operate but is happy at how the procedure went and Jenas has now targeted a quick return, although it may be delayed as he catches up on match fitness.

Tottenham HotspurDavid Hytnerguardian.co.uk