Everton ready to rival Liverpool for Spurs outcast

Everton and Liverpool are both set to launch bids for out-of-favour Tottenham star Niko Kranjcar this winter.

The Croatia international has struggled to command a regular starting place in Harry Redknapp's side this season and has spoken of his desire to leave the club.

Kranjcar moved to Spurs for just £2m in 2009 and initially impressed Redknapp before being frozen out.

His father Zlatko has confirmed his son will leave Tottenham when the transfer window opens, with Everton and Liverpool now ready to go head-to-head for the midfielder.

"He'll be leaving for certain. As of January Niko will no longer be a Tottenham player. It's his decision. There really is no point in sitting on the bench all the time. This is really belittling him," Kranjcar's father said.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson will be given money to spend this winter and he has targeted Kranjcar, along with Manchester City's Shaun Wright-phillips.

Kranjcar, 26, is seen as the man to inject some flair into Liverpool's ailing midfield but Hodgson has a fight on his hands as Everton are also keen.

David Moyes is working on a deal to bring Landon Donovan back to Goodison on loan but he is also interested in Kranjcar.

talkSPORT understands Spurs want at least £4m for the wantaway midfielder and there is also interest from Italy.