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Redknapp won't splash Tottenham cash

James Milner is a reported target of Tottenham © Getty Images

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp claims he does not intend to spend big this summer as the club prepare for their first Champions League campaign.

Spurs will face a two-legged play-off next month for a place in the group stages of Europe's elite club competition, and Redknapp is looking for "one or two new faces" before the transfer window closes. But that does not mean he will be breaking the bank.

Reports in Sunday's press suggested that Redknapp had urged chairman Daniel Levy to open the chequebook while the lure of Champions League football could attract some of the games top names. It was also reported that Spurs were ready to hijack Manchester City's move for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner. But Redknapp's comments suggest otherwise.

Redknapp said: "We have got a big squad, but having one or two new faces freshens everything up, and gives you a little push - and I think we need to do that. I do not think you have to spend big money in our situation. There are one or two players out there, whether it be loans or free transfers.

"You do not have to spend fortunes, but there are one or two players who would improve us.''

Spurs failed in their bid to land free agent Joe Cole, after the England midfielder joined Liverpool following the end of his Chelsea contract. While Spurs may not be spending a fortune, Man City will be. And Redknapp, speaking during the club's pre-season tour of the United States, feels that means they will eventually win the Premier League title.

"They can go out and sign almost anybody,'' Redknapp told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme. "They have come over here to New York and have almost 80 people in their party - it is just incredible. Money seems to be no problem, because the man who owns the club has so much.

"I genuinely think that eventually they will win the championship. If they continue and the owner stays involved, and he seems very keen, then I can see them in the next few years putting together a team that will win the Premier League.''

Tottenham will play Sporting Lisbon on Sunday before returning to England, but Redknapp revealed he would much rather have stayed closer to home: "I would be a liar if I said it was the perfect way to prepare for the new season, because it is not. We have found it difficult to get the training sessions in that we want.

"But that is the game now - we just go where we are told. Teams go all around the world now - Everton were in Australia. If I had my way, I would be in Scotland having a couple of games, or down to Devon, where we used to stay at Nigel Mansell's hotel and play Plymouth, Torquay or Exeter.''

Redknapp revealed concerns over the fitness of defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King ahead of the new season.

"Jonathan will not be fit for the start of the season,'' Redknapp said. "He's in a position where he can't train or kick a ball. Ledley has come back and his knee is not great and he has a groin problem.''

Redknapp, meanwhile, hopes striker Robbie Keane, who spent part of last season on loan at Celtic, will integrate back into the squad.

"Robbie is a fantastic professional, who trains hard and wants to play,'' said the Spurs boss. "I still think he has a lot to offer. The thing is he wants to play all the time. There is every chance he could start the season, but if it doesn't work out then I am sure he will be the first one to come and tell me that he needs to play somewhere.''

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