Ferdinand's red card problem

Les Ferdinand is waiting anxiously to learn the Football Association's verdict on his dismissal for Tottenham reserves against Arsenal on Monday night, fearing that suspension could scupper his hopes of a move from White Hart Lane.

The former England striker, who turned 36 last week, was shown a straight red card after 22 minutes of the FA Premier Reserve League game at Stevenage where he clashed with Arsenal's Greek centre-back, Stathis Tavlaridis. The pair squared up and went head to head after a crunching challenge but Tavlaridis was shown only a yellow card. Ferdinand's red card would earn him a three-match, first-team ban, starting on 30 December if it was for violent conduct or serious foul play. For any other offence he would be allowed to serve a suspension by missing only reserve team games. The FA are waiting for the referee's report.

The problem complicates Ferdinand's campaign for a return to higher-profile football having lost his first-team place at Spurs to their £7m signing Robbie Keane.

Spurs' manager, Glenn Hoddle, blocked Wolves' bid to sign Ferdinand on loan last month but Portsmouth are interested, and the striker has also been linked with West Ham. However, the Hammers could be deterred by Spurs wanting a substantial fee when the transfer window re-opens next month.

Tottenham's chairman, Daniel Levy, has said the club will not do significant transfer business in January but Hoddle hopes to add to his squad if he can move out surplus players.