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Redknapp not worried by big-name departures

Harry Redknapp has no problem with Aaron Lennon © PA Photos

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Harry Redknapp does not expect Tottenham to lose any of their big-name stars in the summer, even if they fail to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Spurs are now seven points behind Manchester City, who occupy fourth, meaning they need City to drop points in three of their final four games of the campaign.

As a result the likes of Gareth Bale have been linked with moves away from White Hart Lane, with Friday's papers suggesting City are ready to offer £30 million plus James Milner for the Wales international.

Redknapp was asked if such stories were a concern, to which he replied: "Not at all. When they came here they weren't in the Champions League, and when I arrived they weren't anywhere near Champions League football, and they were still playing for the club.

"It's up to them, all the players we want to keep are on long contracts, so there's not a possibility of us wanting to sell our best players. It's out of my hands to make those decisions, but I think we're all singing from the same hymn sheet.

"You need to improve if you want to keep moving forward. To get into the Champions League is getting tougher and tougher. Liverpool will get better, Everton aren't far off it this year, Aston Villa have the players. But certainly you can see Liverpool really improving, and then there's Manchester United, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea."

Redknapp also refuted claims that he currently has a rocky relationship with winger Aaron Lennon.

"Aaron's got a good future. I've never had any problems with him. I must have missed them. He's been as good as gold, not a problem."

Spurs face Blackpool this weekend, and stand-in left-back Vedran Corluka is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Regular left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is also missing, while Tom Huddlestone will not feature due to an ankle problem.

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