EPL News: Tottenham Hotspurs manager Harry Redknapp looking to sign Manchester City rejects
Tottenham Hotspurs boss Harry Redknapp has indicated to sign players who face the axe from Manchester City. City has to reduce its squad drastically, as they currently host a 38-man squad. They would have to sell at least 13 players if they are to meet the new FA rule which restricts all English Premier League clubs to have a squad of more than 25. The squad has to be named by 1st September and the clubs would have to stick to these players till the winter transfer window.
Redknapp would be looking to bolster his squad, as they finished their best ever 4th in the league. They have a chance to play in the UEFA Champions league and would be looking to improve their squad to tackle Europe’s finest clubs. Spurs would want to add more players without spending too much and would therefore be looking at the players who don’t make it into City’s 25-man squad.
Redknapp has been rejected by his two potential transfers, with Joe Cole snubbing Spurs for Liverpool, while West Ham United refusing to listen to any offers for club captain Scott Parker. Harry, however, still needs to bring in some new faces to the club, but believes that he wouldn’t need that many finances to do. Stephan Ireland would be the most appropriate signing for the Spurs, but Redknapp confirmed that he doesn’t have the cash for such a move.
However, Redknapp does find the Eastlands to be a good shopping place and would want to negotiate the price of the rejects. Manchester City would be under pressure to sell off 13 of its players and wouldn’t be in a position to impose its decision. Such a scenario would be perfect for a club like Tottenham, who would get quality players in cheaper rates.
"I just need a couple of fresh faces that would make the difference," stated Tottenham Hotspurs manager Harry Redknapp. The manager added that a few new faces would motivate everyone at the club, and that is exactly what he is looking for. The manager stated that had Joe Cole inked a deal with the Spurs, it would have given everyone a lift. Redknapp stated that two or three players may be signed on a season long loan, which would not cost that much. Teams would be looking to get some players off their wage bill and the Spurs would be looking to sign one of these rejects in order to bolster its squad.
Spurs manager confirmed that although he fancied Stephan Ireland, he would not be able to sign him owing to his price. The manager rated Ireland to be worth around 11 to 12 million pounds, and Redknapp confirmed that the club wouldn’t be able to spend that much. Redknapp has also concerns over his defence line, as veteran key defender, Ledley King is yet to prove his fitness. The player picked up a knock while playing the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and is suffering from a knee issue just a week before the start of the new season.
The manager confessed that he may well have to leave Ledley out of the opening premier league match against City to play him in the UEFA Champions league qualifier a few days later.
The manager explained that he is having headaches over the starting XI. He stated that he would either have to play King in the league or in Europe. Redknapp added that both the matches hold equal importance, as one is against arch-rivals Manchester City which is followed by the Champions league qualifier. The manager also notified that defender Jonathan Woodgate is injured and Ledley King’s persistent knee concerns make him unavailable for every match who will be handled with care.
Tottenham Hotspurs had a dream run last season, when they finished 4th in the EPL. In the process, Liverpool was dethroned as they finished on a embarrassing 7th position. They perhaps have a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in UEFA Champions league and Harry Redknapp would want to manage his squad carefully.
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