Redknapp in Defoe admission

Harry Redknapp has dropped a huge hint that he will not have the funds to bring Jermain Defoe back to Tottenham from Portsmouth.

Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to recruit a proven goalscorer in the January transfer window and is a big fan of Defoe, who he managed to prise from White Hart Lane for £8million at the start of the year when he was in charge at Fratton Park.

Redknapp believes a rival Premier League club are also in the running to sign the England international and does not want to enter into a bidding war.

"I think they have a massive offer from somebody for him so good luck to them, I paid about £9million for him," Redknapp said.

"He is a good player but we're not going to pay over the top for anyone."