White Hart Lane name may be sold

Tottenham could rename their White Hart Lane home as part of a potential sponsorship deal.

One of the options being considered by the club is a multi-million pound broadcasting tie-in with a major American TV network.

Spurs executive chairman David Buchler is compiling a review of the club's sponsorship opportunities for owners ENIC which he will deliver by the end of next month.

Spurs have been actively pursuing a broadcasting link-up since ENIC took control of the club from Sir Alan Sugar. All aspects of Tottenham's financial opportunities will be covered by Buchler's report, including both the possible change of name for the ground and a media partnership.

Officials have been encouraged by the excitement being shown by the club's fans.

Spurs have logged record season-ticket sales despite the loss of England international Sol Campbell to Arsenal on a free transfer.

Seven consecutive pre-season victories, and such signings as Teddy Sheringham from Manchester United, Christian Ziege from Liverpool and Gustavo Poyet from Chelsea, have increased the optimism for the new season.

Buchler has been working alongside Brand Asset Management to investigate ways of generating extra revenue and stadium sponsorship is one of the main areas under consideration.

Arsenal, Leicester, Everton and Leeds are also believed to be examining the merits of selling the rights to their grounds.

Spurs have been contacted by a number of investment banks to see if the club would be interested in issuing a bond against gate receipts. Spurs could expect to raise up to £30 million from such a move and they have permission to increase ground capacity to around 44,000.

Sports rights expert Jean-Paul de la Fuente is not surprised by Tottenham's decision to investigate raising cash by offering sponsors the rights to the name of their ground. He believes football loses more than £200m every year by ignoring investment opportunities.

He said: "Companies such as ENIC that invest in clubs have an even greater interest in securing the missing millions in football.

"They will then be in a better position to invest in facilities and players."