Source: ESPNSoccernet
Harry Redknapp has confirmed his interest in bringing David
Beckham on loan to Tottenham, although he admitted the midfielder’s
wages could be a possible stumbling block to the move.
In what was a U-turn from his recent denials of interest in
Beckham, Redknapp revealed he would ask chairman Daniel Levy to
persuade Los Angeles Galaxy to lend the 35-year-old to Spurs until
the Major League Soccer season begins in March. Beckham has spent
the last two MLS close seasons on loan at AC
Milan, partly in a bid to extend his England career.
Reports suggest he is eyeing a similar move to Europe this
winter and that Premier League sides are queuing up to bring him
home. Spurs have now jumped right to the front of the line, with
Redknapp revealing he would attempt to bring him back to the club
where it all began – before Manchester United even – for the
world’s most famous player.
“It’s whether Galaxy will let him go on loan,’’ said Redknapp,
well aware of Beckham’s softened stance on a Premier League return
having previously stated he would only go back to Old Trafford. “If
they did, we’d be interested and plenty of others would be as well.
He’d be a good influence to have, the type of lad you want at your
club and he’d give the whole place a lift.
“He’s been a fantastic player and he is someone the players
would look up to and respect. And I still think he can do a job for
sure. He had no pace when he was 17 but he had a great brain and a
great delivery and strike. He’s a worker. It’s not as if he’s
suddenly lost blistering pace. He makes the ball do it and plays
around people.’‘
Redknapp revealed that if Beckham and the Galaxy agree to the
move, the only stumbling block would be the midfielder’s wages.
“He isn’t going to come here and get big money – we aren’t
massive payers at this club,’’ Redknapp said. “He has probably got
a fantastic house with a pool and he could sit out there every day
and enjoy his life for a few months before he starts with LA Galaxy
again. But he wants to come over here to the freezing cold and play
football. Doesn’t that tell you something about the boy that he
lives in Los Angeles and he might be a billionaire?
“I’ve heard stories about how much he earns, it is just
incredible, mind-blowing. He could buy any football club in this
country if he wanted to. He is not going to do it for the money is
he? That tells you everything about him.’‘
Insisting Spurs’ interest in Beckham was not itself motivated by
money – chiefly selling shirts – Redknapp also shrugged off
concerns about the media circus the former England captain’s
homecoming would spark, saying: “I don’t think it would be a
distraction. Once you’re in here, the gates are shut.’‘
Redknapp hoped to exploit Beckham’s connection to north London,
where he was born and raised.
“He is a local boy isn’t he? Leytonstone,’’ said the Spurs boss
of the man who received a lifetime achievement award at this
month’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year
ceremony. “The reception he got was incredible.’‘
Revealing he would play Beckham on the wing, Redknapp insisted
the veteran midfielder would have to “fight for his place’’ at
White Hart Lane.
“I’m not say he’s going to come in and take (Aaron) Lennon’s
place but he would be a good option,’’ Redknapp added. “I am sure
Aaron would love to work with him, on his crossing and everything,
and on his final ball. He’d be a good influence around the
place.’‘
Beckham would also bring title-winning and Champions League
experience in what has been a stellar first season in the latter
competition for Spurs. But his arrival would mean even fewer
opportunities for David Bentley, who Redknapp revealed he would
consider loaning out during the transfer window.
The Spurs boss is also planning to send injury-blighted defender
Jonathan Woodgate out for a spell in the npower Championship,
confirming Cardiff were one of a number of clubs wanting to sign
him. Ledley King could yet require surgery on his troublesome groin
problem, while goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini may also go under the
knife.
Redknapp said of Cudicini: “He has a problem with his shoulder
and a problem with his knee. He might need a bit of surgery and he
could be out for a couple of months.’‘