John Terry: Modric Would Be A Great Addition

John Terry insists that Luka Modric would be a great addition should Tottenham allow the Croatian to join the Blues, the Tottenham player has been locked in talks with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy as the midfielder seeks permission to leave White Hart Lane.

Chelsea have had two initial bids rejected by Spurs as the club try it’s best to keep hold of the highly-rated player, Luka Modric has since submitted a written transfer request in an attempt to force through a move to Chelsea.

Terry has praised the 25-year-old's ability and believes he would be a good addition to manager Andre Villas-Boas' squad who are likely to challenge for the title this season, with the lure of Champions League football Modric is keen on the move to West London.

"He's a world class player who is very difficult to play against," said Terry.

“He's very agile, very quick and a great finisher like we've seen over many years.

"I know there are problems. It's probably a little bit disrespectful towards Spurs. He has his own problems at the moment.

"We've got a good squad of players. If he comes he could certainly add to that."

John Terry also believes that striker Fernando Torres will be back to his best when the season resumes in August, The Spaniard is enjoying a full pre-season with the Blues this summer and looking as sharp as ever.

"He backs himself," he continued. "He realises from the World Cup he had a slight injury and carried that towards the end of last season.

"He feels fresh, he's happy. He's fully settled. I'm certainly looking for him to get double figures goals wise.

"He was still good at times last year. He's a world class player and the price tag is big weight to carry on your shoulders.

"He's got all the ability in the world. He's very quick and a great finisher.

"We're delighted to have him and if he can bring goals along with what we already have then fantastic."

Shay Given Joins Aston Villa

Shay Given has earlier completed his move from Manchester City to Aston Villa; Given put pen to paper signing a five-year deal at Villa Park, while the goalie was seeking first team action. Shay Given found his opportunities limited at City last season due to the form of current England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Aston Villa had been on the lookout for a goal keeper after their goalie Brad Friedel departed for Tottenham Hotspur.

Aston Villa released a statement saying "Aston Villa  are delighted to confirm that Shay Given will be unveiled tomorrow (Tuesday) as the club's new goalkeeper, having agreed a five-year deal to June 2016.

"The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international completed a medical over the weekend and the formality of his signing this morning.

"He will be available for Thursday's friendly fixture against Walsall at the Banks's Stadium and for the club's participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy next week."

Niko Kranjcar Unsettled At Tottenham

Niko Kranjcar’s agent has suggested that Tottenham need to decide whether they want to keep the midfielder at the club, the Croatian endured a tough season at Spurs with limited first team opportunities last season for the player.

Kranjcar had been linked with a move to Serie A side Florentina after expressing his frustration at being a bit part player at White Hart Lane and the club are currently monitoring his situation.

Kranjcar's agent Adrian Aliaj told firenzeviola.it: "At this moment I cannot comment on any market rumours, it is for Tottenham to decide whether the player leaves or not.

"I read a lot of news about him in newspapers, but his future is in the hands of the English club.

"Niko has a contract with Tottenham, and then I cannot say if he wants to stay or not. Certainly his priority is to play with more regularity."

Liverpool Interested In Landing Charlie Adam

Liverpool are hoping to persuade Blackpool to let Charlie Adam join the Anfield outfit with Jonjo Shelvey going the other way. Liverpool have made it no secret that they are interested in landing the Scottish midfielder.

Blackpool are resigned to losing their prize asset following their relegation from the Premier League. However, they are holding out for the highest offer for Adam.

A host of clubs are thought to be monitoring Adam's situation with the Seasiders with Aston Villa and Tottenham thought to been preparing to join the chase.

Adam is believed to be keen to make the move to Liverpool having made Anfield his first-choice destination from his list of suitors. 

Harry Redknapp Wants Tottenham To Show Ambition

Harry Redknapp has called on Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy to show their aim of keeping hold of Luka Modric. Chelsea is the latest club to come knocking at the door for the Croatian midfielder.

The Blues have tabled a £22 million offer for the player. Although Spurs have rejected the bid, Daniel Levy has insisted he will not sell Modric for any price.

Redknapp now wants Tottenham to spend big and prove to Modric he does not need to join "a bigger club" to win silverware.
 
"I think we have to show him our ambition, which we will do," Redknapp said.

"If we can add one or two good players to our squad there's no reason we can't have another great season.
"So Tottenham could be a great club for him to stay with for the next few years. That's what we're hoping for."

Redknapp also revealed there are other clubs who have expressed an interest in signing Modric this summer.

"Chelsea are not the only club that have been in for him," added Redknapp. "There have been other clubs - top, top clubs.

"But if Tottenham are looking to go anywhere we can't be selling Luka. We have to do something to keep him at the club.

"We can't afford to sell Luka Modric if we want to be a successful club."

He added: "He's a fantastic lad. You'll never meet a better lad than Luka. I suppose he's seen a massive contract and the chance to win the Premier League and play in the Champions League and that's what he wanted.

"But we want that as well. We want to get back in the Champions League and we need him to help us do that.

"If Daniel's saying no he really can't be seen to be going back on that now. He's made a very strong statement. I wouldn't see Daniel backtracking on that at any price."

Will this be enough for Luka Modric to stay?

Harry Redknapp: We Need To Keep Luka Modric

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that it is key that Spurs don’t sell Luka Modric If they are to break into the top four of the Premier League, the midfielder has been the subject of speculation that Manchester United are keen to secure his services.

Harry Redknapp suggested that is vital Spurs are not seen as a selling club or there chances of qualifying for Champions League football could suffer, Redknapp also added that the White Hart Lane side want to add quality to the team and are not looking to sell there best players.

"For sure we can keep Luka [Modric], he's a special player and we have to keep Luka Modric," Said Redknapp.

"If we sell Luka we are just a selling club basically.
"Manchester United won't sell Wayne Rooney, Chelsea won't go and sell Lampard or Terry and you never hear people talk about them getting sold so why should we sell Luka.
Speaking of the need to improve on last season, he added; "Of course we have got to keep him and add to him - that's the key,"

He also went on to say; "Unless we improve in the summer then you can't expect to be in the Champions League.

"We have to keep improving every year because everybody else is going to improve.

"We just missed out last year, we finished fifth because the four teams in front of us were just a little bit stronger and they are going to get much stronger in the summer.

"So if we don't get stronger then you can't expect to pass them next year, so you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out.

"We need to improve the squad, the team in the summer and get two or three real quality players in.
"If we can do that and keep Luka and Gareth Bale and all them boys we will have a great side again next year."

Harry Redknapp: Modric, Bale or Sandro Are Not For Sale

Tottenham manager has insisted that none of stars are for sale, Luka Modric has been the subject of newspaper speculation that Manchester United could bid for the playmaker.

Redknapp described Modric as 'irreplaceable' and also said Gareth Bale and Sandro are not for sale at any price. The Spurs boss is looking in the transfer market to help build on his current squad as he seeks to bolster his squad for a push to claim a UEFA Champions League place next season.

The Spurs boss says he is a long way off of signing any players after being linked with Villarreal  striker Giuseppe Rossi, Falcao at Porto and West Ham's Scott Parker,

Redknapp said; "It's been busy - I've been busy doing nothing really, we haven't got anywhere.

"There's been lots of phone calls, lots of talk in the newspapers but we're really not close to making any signings and certainly not looking to sell any of our better players.

"We're not selling Luka Modric, we're not selling Gareth Bale, we're not selling Sandro.

"We are looking to build a team at Tottenham, not dismantle one. If we're going to push on as a football club we need to keep them players and we need to add one or two other top players to them if we're looking to have a chance of ever getting back in the Champions League again.

"So we're not looking to sell players - that would be a massive backward step for the club."

Redknapp also laughed off suggestions that Modric could leave for £20 million this summer, he replied: "£20 million for Luka? They've got to be dreaming, he's such a fantastic player.

"You know, we've enquired about players and we're getting quoted more than that for people that couldn't lace his boots, so it's not a go-er.

"I wouldn't put a value on him, I wouldn't want to sell him. He's one of those boys every day you come into work for, and that's what it's about now.

"I come in and I see him and he's just a great guy, he trains, gets on with the job, never complains, he loves his football.

"He's the most low maintenance, easy to handle professional you've ever seen and he's a fantastic player. So he's the last player you ever want to see leave your football club - he's irreplaceable."

Fergie Targets Luka Modric

Alex Ferguson has been told that he will need to offer no less than £20 million to sign Tottenham’s Luka Modric, Ferguson is a big admirer of the playmaker and made it no secret that he would like the Croatian at Old Trafford.

Spurs do not want to lose a player or Modric’s calibre and Harry Redknapp will try to lure Joe Cole away from Liverpool should the Croatian join United.

A source at White Hart Lane said; The word is that Sir Alex has already spoken directly to Harry and said how much he admires Modric and how much he wants him.

“And as much as Harry wants to keep him he know United can make an offer we just can’t refuse.

“So Harry’s busy now trying to do the Joe Cole deal to bring in a new playmaker to compensate for the expected departure of Luka”.

Luka Modric Unsure Of Spurs Future

Croatian and Spurs midfielder Luka Modric as admitted that he is not sure if he will still be at White Hart Lane next season, Modric has insisted that he has now caught the bug of Champions League football after the experience from this season.

But Spurs have failed to qualify for the tournament this time and the Croat is unsure of his future.

The midfield ace says he is happy at Spurs and is not thinking of leaving White Hart Lane and he is focusing solely on Croatia's up-coming Euro 2012 qualifier with Georgia on Friday.

But Modric believes a transfer is always possible in football and he admits he would like to play in the UEFA Champions League again.

Luka Modric said; "I'm trying to stay calm as my national team has a really important match coming.
"But of course, if there will be an offer which will be good for Tottenham and for me also, then a transfer is of course possible."

"So I will tell you the same as all ways - my club status is the same as it was before.
"But of course, if there will be an offer which will be good for Tottenham and for me also, then a transfer is of course possible.

"That doesn't mean that I'm bothered with leaving Tottenham - I'm not thinking about that every hour and every minute.

"I'm happy at White Hart Lane - my status is great, the fans like me and I do have everything I need.
"But then again - when you experience playing in Champions League, you want to keep playing in this tournament."

Liverpool Bid Accepted For Andy Carroll

Liverpool FC confirmed this afternoon that Newcastle United have accepted a club record transfer offer for Andy Carroll after the striker asked to leave St James Park.

Carroll had been a subject of a failed bid from Tottenham Hotspur last week and if Torres is sold to Chelsea before the end of the transfer deadline it would of left Liverpool short up front without Torres.

Liverpool has been given permission by Newcastle to discuss personal terms with Andy Carroll, who will now travel to Liverpool for a medical with a view to completing the deal today.

Liverpool Manager Kenny Dalglish had stressed the need for a replacement when a player leaves the club. “If someone’s going to go, you’ve got to have a replacement”,

Andy Carroll has signed a 5-and-a-half year deal at Anfield

Kenny Dalglish has been a busy man in the transfer market after Liverpool confirmed the services of another player earlier, Luis Suarez has signed a five-and-half-year contract at Liverpool. The striker moves to Anfield from Ajax in a deal worth 26.5million euros (£22.7m) and Liverpool are also hoping to announce the signing of Blackpool’s Charlie Adam before the end of the day.

Robbie Keane Joins West Ham

West Ham have signed Robbie Keane on loan until the end of the season after rejecting a bid from Tottenham for Scott Parker. Keane was subjected to a failed bid two weeks ago when Birmingham tried to snap up the striker on a permanent deal.

"We're delighted to sign a world class striker. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy drives a hard bargain but we've got our man," said West Ham chairman David Gold.

Keane will become West Ham's fourth signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Demba Ba, Wayne Bridge and Gary O'Neil at Upton Park,

David Gold has also assured West Ham fans that Scott Parker is not for sale and that he will resist any future offers for the England international before the transfer window closes.

"Nobody can leave. You can see our situation. We would fight off any club pursuing our players," he said Gold. "The next 14 games will be as important a 14 games as there have been in the history of the football club."

Will West Ham Avoid Relegation?

Bentley Joins Birmingham On-Loan

Birmingham City have taken David Bentley on loan until the end of the season, the wide-man has been out of favour for a while at White Hart Lane and going to St Andrews would be the only way to gain first-team football.

Birmingham City had been linked with Bentley throughout the season and the 26-year-old will hope that the move breathes life into his career, which has stalled after making only three appearances all season.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish said: "We're delighted to have David's services. He is a classy footballer and will enhance the quality of the squad.

"He is a natural footballer capable of top delivery at set-pieces. With the likes of him, (Alexander) Hleb and (Sebastian) Larsson, who has had a great season consistency-wise, we have creative players. Bentley can provide more competition.

"He has had his moments at Spurs, but there is fierce competition for places there.

"They have a glut of superstars at Spurs. With the introduction of people like (Rafael) van der Vaart, players of that ilk, and the rise of (Aaron) Lennon, it has become very difficult for him. The quality is amazing and maybe he can get his career back on track here."

Redknapp Happy At Spurs

Tottenham Manager Harry Redknapp has all but ruled himself out of the running for the England manager’s job when current boss Fabio Capello steps down after Euro 2012.

Redknapp has insisted that he would be happy to finish off his career at Tottenham, with Spurs having enjoyed success with Harry at the helm, qualifying for UEFA Champions League football at White Hart Lane a feat that had never been achieved by them previously.

Harry says he would be content to stay at Tottenham for the rest of his career.

"Of course I would. For sure, only I don't think that far ahead," he said.

"In this game you just never know. Yeah, it's gone great but I was enjoying my life before and out of the blue suddenly you get a phone call (from Tottenham).

On Leaving Portsmouth, Harry said; "It never entered my mind that I would leave Portsmouth, I was enjoying it there and suddenly you get an offer to come here.

"Whoever thought Sam (Allardyce) would get the sack. It can turn so quickly, half a dozen games and suddenly you don't know what you're doing.

"You go from being the cleverest person in the world to being the biggest idiot in the world. That's how this game works unfortunately."

Ledley King Dilemma

Harry Redknapp is hoping that Ledley King will avoid surgery as he bids to recover his latest injury, King has been out of action since the 2-1 win over Fulham in October when he hobbled off with a groin problem.

King is no stranger to the medical room at Spurs and the injury-jinxed defender is hoping he won't need the operation.

"Ledley is improving and we are hoping he might be back soon," said Redknapp.

"We have got two options for Ledley - we have got a date for a lady to operate on him, she is available on the 23rd of this month so we have really got until then to make a decision.

"He is coming on well and if he feels okay we won't operate.

"But if it needs doing we will have to get him done before then."

FA want Harry Redknapp after 2012

FA would like Redknapp to succeed Capello

The Football Association have put Spurs manager Harry Redknapp at the top of their wanted list, current England manager Fabio Capello has said that he doesn't want to continue past the European Championship 2012 when his contract runs out.

It has been no secret that Harry Redknapp would be the FA's ideal replacement to succeed Capello and Redknapp’s success over the last two seasons have improved his chances, having seen Spurs claim fourth place in Premier League last season, qualifying for Champions League football and beating current Champions League holders Inter Milan, both home and away advancing to the second phase of the tournament.

"Harry Redknapp is a great manager," said the FA's general secretary, Alex Horne.

"Tottenham are playing great football and to qualify for the Champions League (knockout stage) from a position of being fourth favourites in the group is huge testimony to that. I would expect Harry to make a long-list (for the England job). It may not be a very long long-list."

Horne said nothing has been discussed in regards to appointing the successor to Capello,

"He's there until 2012, which gives me 18, 19 months to prepare for that process. It is not a policy decision that (the contenders) would be English. It is an absolute preference for certain individuals. It is not yet a board policy decision," said Horne.

"We thought about this long and hard when we got Fabio Capello. We got the right man for the job and that is what we will do again."

After England’s World Cup humiliation in South Africa, Club England's managing director, Adrian Bevington, strongly suggested the next manager would be English.

Bevington, who is overseeing a review as to what went wrong at the 2010 World Cup, said: "I think the English team should be managed by an English manager."

However, Horne told the BBC that was not set in stone: "It is not a policy decision that they will definitely be English. I will be finalising the selection-process criteria during the first few months of next year for internal discussion."

Redknapp has already said this year that he would take the job if offered, when Capello steps down.

"People will always take it because, if you're English, it's the pinnacle of your career if you're in management," said Redknapp, whose credentials have been enhanced by Spurs' performances.

Robbie Keane To Leave Spurs

Keane wants first team football

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed that he expects striker Robbie Keane to leave the club when the transfer window opens in January.

Robbie Keane moved on loan to Scottish Premier League side Celtic last January for the rest of the season where he scored twelve goals out of sixteen games.

Once Keane returned to White Hart Lane, the Irishman struggled to break back into the squad and will now look to move away in order to get first team football.

Keane is best known for his performances at Tottenham, where he gained repute as a consistent goalscorer.

Manager Harry Redknapp added; "Whoever offers the biggest fee will, I suppose, be the answer in January.

"He's not used to not playing. His entire career, he's played and been a big player and he wants to play. He could sit here and take his wages, but that's not him.

"He wants to play football. He trains hard, works hard every day; he's shown a great attitude. Probably the hardest decision I had to make was last week: I couldn't get him on the bench.

"It wasn't easy when you respect somebody and what a good player he is or has been. It was hard, because he's still a good player."

With Jermain Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch all ahead of him in, Keane has only managed two appearances this season.

Tom Huddlestone ruled out for months

Spurs have been dealt with a major blow with the news that midfielder Tom Huddlestone will be ruled out for up to three months after being told that he requires surgery on an ankle injury.

The midfielder missed the Blackburn game at the weekend and has now been told he will be sidelined for three months and won't be back in action until February at the latest.

A statement from Tottenham's official website said, "Following consultation with several independent ankle specialists, it has been determined that Tom Huddlestone will undergo surgery on his right ankle.

"The procedure is likely to rule the England international out of action for around three months."

Gareth Bale Unfazed by Speculation

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that Welsh Wizard Gareth Bale is an integral part of the squad and it would take a massive offer to tempt him away from White Hart Lane, a whole host of top European clubs have been looking at Gareth ever since his trouncing of Brazilian full-back Maicon in the two Champions League encounters with Inter Milan.

The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid being linked to the Spurs star, but Gareth will not be distracted according to the Spurs boss.

"If someone comes in and offers something crazy you never know do you?"

"But he is certainly not a player we want to sell. We are looking to build a team and he is a massive part of that."

"No, I wouldn't have to do that with him because nothing would turn his head because he is such a level-headed, down-to-earth kid it wouldn't change him at all."