Harry Redknapp has paved the way for David Beckham to join Tottenham in January after admitting he was a big admirer of the former England captain.

Following a hugely successful loan spell at
AC Milan, Beckham is due to return to LA Galaxy at the end of the European season, but will be keen to rejoin a club in a competitive league in January as the 33-year-old wants to play in the 2010 World Cup.

Milan have already expressed their interest in re-signing Beckham, but although Redknapp insisted the former Manchester United man was not in his immediate thoughts, he believes the signing of Beckham would benefit Spurs.

Redknapp said: “I have not thought about David Beckham, but it would be disrespectful of me to say I would not be interested in him, were he to become available.

“David Beckham is a fantastic player, but he is also a terrific role model and a terrific professional. If the opportunity was there to sign him, any club would have to think about it.

“He would still be a terrific player. His delivery of the ball remains exceptional, he is a great trainer and he is a local boy from up the road.”

Beckham was born in Leytonstone, east London and attended Tottenham's school of excellence before signing for United.

His grandfather was known to be a fanatical Tottenham fan and the club, along with United, are the only two he would consider returning to England to play for.

But Beckham still has three years to run on the £125million contract he signed with the Galaxy back in 2007 and Redknapp would have to pay at least £15m to secure his services on a permanent basis.

“Imagine what the young players at the club could get from someone like that,” Redknapp added. “When I signed Teddy Sheringham for Portsmouth in 2003, he was worth his weight in gold.

“He was such a great professional that the other players all looked up to him in training. He did everything right, he was superb around the place, and that is what it is about.

“I have met him only once or twice, but he seems a great lad. To have someone like Beckham at your club . . . if the opportunity came and someone said he was available, any club would have to think about it.”

After being dropped by Steve McClaren in 2006, Beckham fought his way back on to the international scene and is now used by Fabio Capello as a regular second-half substitute.

Redknapp agrees that Beckham appears to be winning his battle to play in his fourth World Cup.

The Spurs boss added: “I think he will be part of the squad, for sure.”

Spurs travel to Old Trafford tomorrow and Redknapp believes close friend Sir Alex Ferguson may have already done enough to finish top of the table after they opened a three-point gap on rivals Liverpool this week.

“United have it more or less sewn up now,” said Redknapp, whose team also travel to Anfield in the final game of the season on 24 May.

“I would be surprised if they lost the title from here.

“They are three points clear with a game in hand, so they are in a great position. Chelsea failing to beat Everton on Wednesday means Liverpool are now their only danger.

“You are asking United to lose two of their final six matches, which is a tall order.”

Redknapp's team are just one point adrift of seventh place, which will almost certainly be good enough to guarantee a place in next season's Europa League for the club.

“If we could finish seventh, it would be fantastic but the advantage lies with Fulham and West Ham as they have three home games each,” said Redknapp.