Redknapp hopeful over Defoe

And White Hart Lane boss reiterates interest in Bellamy

Last updated: 31st December 2008  

Redknapp hopeful over Defoe

Redknapp: Remains keen for strikers

Portsmouth haven't got to sell Defoe if they don't want to. If they say, 'no' then that is the end of the story.

Harry Redknapp
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has not given up hope of agreeing a fee for Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe.

Former Pompey boss Redknapp signed Defoe from Tottenham last January and he is now eager to bring the England international back to White Hart Lane.

Redknapp, who took over in North London in October, has previously voiced fears that he will be priced out of the market should Pompey decide to sell Defoe.

But the Spurs boss remains interested in the forward, despite recognising that Portsmouth - who recently agreed to sell Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid - cannot be pressured into allowing players to leave.

"If we could agree a fee with Portsmouth, then fine, he is a good player," Redknapp told Sky Sports News when asked about interest in Defoe.

Fantastic

"But if Portsmouth do not want to sell him, then that is up to them.

"They haven't got to sell him if they don't want to. If they say, 'no' then that is the end of the story.

"It is like Diarra. They didn't want to sell Diarra, but they got a fantastic offer."

Redknapp - who is also rumoured to be tracking Pompey's Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson, and Atletico Madrid's former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia - has also reiterated his interest in West Ham attacker Craig Bellamy.

"We made an offer and they turned it down," added Redknapp. "He belongs to West Ham and if they don't want to sell that is their prerogative.

"We can't force them to sell him but, yes, he is a player I like."