• ‘He was fantastic in England and a great goalscorer’
• Manager rules out bid for Ben Foster or David James
Harry Redknapp has confirmed he is interested in signing Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to battle it out for a Champions League place. The manager, speaking before tomorrow’s game against Liverpool, at Anfield, admitted that the Dutch striker was one player he was looking at this transfer window.
“It’s interesting but it depends what the deal is,” Redknapp said of the possibility of landing Van Nistelrooy. “The chairman would deal with that side but he’s an interesting player. He was fantastic in England and a great goalscorer. If he was available it could be of interest. It’s not impossible … if it was right we could be interested.”
The manager admitted that – if the Dutch striker was brought in – Roman Pavlyuchenko would have to leave the club. “Pav is looking to move,” he said. “He was tremendous in training this morning. Only if someone came in and it was a good offer though, otherwise it would not be possible. I could not have five. It is difficult enough with four and I find it hard leaving one out of picture.”
One area Redknapp is not looking to strengthen, however, is the goalkeeping department. There have been reports of a possible bid for Manchester United’s Ben Foster but the Spurs manager said: “As for Foster, I never made any offer whatsoever. Ben’s a good keeper but I’m looking for back-up. Foster and David James [the Portsmouth goalkeeper] want to go to World Cup – not sit on the bench as a No2.”
Tom Huddlestone is a doubt ahead for the game against Liverpool because of a knee problem while Alan Hutton, Aaron Lennon (both groin), Benoît Assou-Ekotto (hip), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Carlo Cudicini (wrist/pelvis) remain sidelined. Jamie O’Hara, however, back from his loan spell at Portsmouth, is available for selection.
Tottenham HotspurTransfer windowHarry RedknappPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk
