Spurs are the new favourites to land Charlton's £17m-rated England striker Darren Bent after he turned down a move to West Ham.
The Hammers thought they had clinched a deal for the 23-year-old until he had a last-minute change of heart.
BBC Sport understands Liverpool are admirers of Bent, but he is currently not their top striking target.
One stumbling block to a quick deal may be Spurs' current reluctance to match the £17m fee offered by West Ham.
He snubbed a move to West Ham after the two clubs agreed a fee.
"We set a valuation for Darren and West Ham were the only club prepared to meet that valuation," said Charlton chief executive Peter Varney.
"This morning we gave them permission to speak to Darren, which he did, and he has decided not to join West Ham."
The Addicks, who were relegated from the top flight last season, now expect Bent to stay with them.
"We look forward to Darren starting with us in the Championship next season, which is a massive boost to our chance of returning to the Premier League."
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West Ham boss Alan Curbishley had reportedly offered midfield man Hayden Mullins to Charlton in a bid to clinch the move.
If Bent had decided to join West Ham he would have rejoined manager Alan Curbishley, who spent £2.75m to bring the striker to Charlton from Ipswich two years ago.
A West Ham spokesman confirmed the deal was not moving forward, adding: "A fee had been agreed between West Ham and Charlton but it was not possible to reach an agreement with the player.
"West Ham have been considering a number of options in terms of a new striker for the club and will now be pursuing alternatives."
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