Transfer news – Redknapp promises football to free agent Cole

Harry Redknapp has stepped up his pursuit of Joe Cole by publicly promising first-team football to the ex-Chelsea winger, should he sign for Tottenham Hotspur.

After finishing fourth last term, Spurs are 28/1 to win the Premier League.

At 28 years of age Cole still has a good number of years left in his tricky legs and would add class and experience to either flank, and offer more consistent skill than current pacey wide duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon.

Redknapp said: “I managed Joe before [at West Ham]. We have always had a good relationship. I know what makes Joe tick and it’s his love of the game, and his need to be playing it. That is what I am offering him.”

Cole is also being chased by Arsenal (6/1 to win the league), who are belived to be the front-runners, and Liverpool (14/1), with interest from Manchester, both City (5/1) and United (7/4), appearing to have cooled.

Spurs play Man City on the opening day of the season, and Cole would make a home victory, at 6/5, likelier.

As a free agent, Cole, currently on a post-World Cup holiday, represents an excellent deal for any of the sides mentioned but his wage demands could be becoming a stumbling block.

He is reported to have turned down an offer of £80,000 a week from Liverpool, instead asking for parity with Steven Gerrard’s £120,000 wage packet.

And the Spurs boss admitted the pay negotiations could be a dealbreaker. “If it is beyond us in financial terms I can appreciate that but I am hoping other factors will come into play to make up Joe’s mind,” Redknapp said.

As well as Cole, Redknapp is also interested in Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano but acknowledges that he could lose out because of the 29-year-old Brazilian international’s salary expectations.

“Yes, I like him,” confirmed Redknapp. “He’s a fabulous player and would be a brilliant addition to any team.”

Fabiano is the calibre of striker required if Spurs are to make good on odds of 33/1 to win the Champions League.

Is Redknapp right to court Cole so publicly? The ploy seems part of Redknapp’s positive man-management style and could secure a player sure to help them in their opening game against Man City, which they are 7/1 to win 2-1. See the full Tottenham Specials market.