BBC SPORT | Football | Teams | Tottenham Hotspur (original) (raw)

Tottenham Hotspur have had a work permit application for Chinese striker Qu Bo rejected.

Spurs director of football David Pleat said on Thursday that the club would appeal against the Home Office ruling.

But with the transfer window closing on Saturday, the club have little time to seek a new hearing.

Qu, 21, played in all three games in China's World Cup campaign.

It is very disappointing for both player and club
David PleatSpurs director of football

But the Home Office ruled that he did not meet the permit requirement of playing in 75% of his country's internationals over the past two years.

"After taking all matters into consideration, the tribunal decided that they could not grant a permit at this stage in Qu Bo's career," Pleat said.

"We have had a fair hearing and have to respect their view.

"However, it is very disappointing for both player and club. We shall continue to monitor his progress."

Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle moved to sign the 19-cap international after he impressed during a pre-season trial.

Qu was initially thought to be arriving on a �2m transfer.

But both Tottenham and the player's Chinese club, Qingdao Yizhong, later revealed that only a one-year loan deal was on the table, subject to a work permit being granted.

Hoddle has been trying to bring in a centre forward for most of the summer, with Leeds' Robbie Keane and Real Madrid's Fernando Morientes among other mooted targets.