Soccer

Redknapp casts doubt on Beckham move

Soccer : Harry Redknapp has urged the Los Angeles Galaxy not to scupper David Beckham's potential move to Tottenham by dragging…

Tue Jan 04 2011 - 00:00

Soccer: Harry Redknapp has urged the Los Angeles Galaxy not to scupper David Beckham's potential move to Tottenham by dragging their heels over a decision.

Beckham is keen to return to Europe during Galaxy's close season, with a view to proving to England manager Fabio Capello he deserves a recall to the national side.

The 35-year-old would have to return the United States for the start of the Major League Soccer season, which kicks off with Galaxy playing the Seattle Sounders on March 15.

But Spurs are still waiting to hear whether the Galaxy will sanction the move - and Redknapp admitted any significant delay would force him to have second thoughts.

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"I haven't heard anything for a few days. I was looking at (signing him for) at least three months really," said Redknapp. "If it is a very short-term thing it can be a problem, as much as I would like him and I am a great fan of his. He would be great to have around the place. As a player, as a person and as a professional he is top class. He'd be a great role model for the young players.

"If we are only talking eight or nine games by the time we get him ready, it is a difficult one. I would have to look at that carefully. I can't suddenly be leaving people out and then after a few games David goes back and I have to mess about with the team again. It would be a difficult one if it is that short a period.

"We will have to wait until we get all those answers (from Galaxy) and look at it then."

Beckham went out on loan to AC Milan during the MLS off-season in 2008 and 2009 in the hope of forcing his way into England's World Cup plans. In the end, Beckham injured his Achilles playing against Chievo in March of last year and the subsequent six-month lay-off ruled him out of the tournament.

Blackburn, Sunderland and Newcastle have all expressed interest in signing Beckham but Tottenham are still understood to be the front-runners.

"I see Blackburn are in as well. Maybe they have more to offer him. They can offer him free chicken for life and we can't compete with that," joked Redknapp.