Redknapp priced out of Defoe move

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Redknapp's priority in the January transfer window is a forward and a left midfielder but he expects Defoe, whom he signed for Pompey 11 months ago, to be leading an attack elsewhere.

"I think they have a massive offer from somebody for him so good luck to them, I paid about £9million for him," Redknapp said. "He is a good player but we're not going to pay over the top for anyone."

Boro winger Downing, who is thought to be valued at around £15million, would provide balance to Redknapp's team, which currently fields two right wingers.

"I like Downing but I don't know whether Middlesbrough want to sell him," Redknapp said.

"If could find a wide-left player I would like to get one. That and a frontman would be the priority."

It is in attack where Redknapp's men have struggled in the last few weeks as Spurs have gone three league matches at home without scoring.

They head to West Brom with Luka Modric set to continue supporting a lone striker as Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko have struggled to form a partnership.

It has led to Spurs having a bid for West Ham's Craig Bellamy turned down just before Christmas.

"Bent and Pavlyuchenko were £30million and that is a lot of money to spend on two strikers and then say they can't play together," Redknapp said. "I'm left with that problem and whether they can, I don't know."