LONDON, July 14 – Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp revealed on Wednesday that he has held talks with out-of-contract England winger Joe Cole, while also keeping a close eye on Brazil striker Luis Fabiano.
Redknapp, who this week signed a contract extension keeping him at Spurs until 2013, is keen to strengthen his squad as he prepares for Champions League action next season.
Cole is available on a free transfer after being released by Chelsea and Redknapp has made it clear he believes he can get the best out of a player he previously worked with for several years at West Ham.
It has been reported that Cole’s salary demands could price him out of a move to White Hart Lane, but Redknapp told ESPN Soccernet: "I managed Joe before and I signed him when he was 11. 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.
"I would like Joe here with me, but it is now up to the club and up to Joe, his agent and his dad, and our chairman.
"He is talking to them to try to do a deal. 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 is also interested in Sevilla striker Fabiano, who led Brazil’s attack at the World Cup, but he is not sure if the 29-year-old’s wage demands would be too high.
Tottenham have not made any official contact with Sevilla and Redknapp said: "Yes, I like him. He’s a fabulous player and would be a brilliant addition to any team.
"If a special player came along I would look at it and Fabiano is a special player all right. I don’t know what he earns. He might be on mega money, so it might prove to be impossible for us."
