Woodgate and Keane set for moves

Last updated : 24 December 2010 By BBC Sport

Robbie Keane looks certain to leave after Redknapp admitted the 30-year-old Irish striker is growing tired of his lack of his first-team chances.

But the Spurs boss said midfielder Luka Modric, who is reportedly wanted by Chelsea, will not be leaving the club.

Redknapp said of Modric: "He is such a fantastic player, if we start selling such a player like that then we might as well all go home.

"He is a different class and is not going anywhere. Not a chance. He [Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti] might have his eye on him but he is not going to get him for sure.

"He is a pleasure to work with. He is a fantastic player. We are building a team here, not dismantling one."

Redknapp had feared Woodgate would be out for the season after a series of operations but revealed the centre-back could return to action in two weeks.

"Anyone who loans Jonathan is getting one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League," the Tottenham manager stated.

"I said to Jonathan that if he comes through the next couple of weeks then it might be a good idea for him to go out on loan to play some matches and I think he fancies that.

"He has been out a long time, is a fantastic centre-half and I would be willing to do that just to give him some games."

Woodgate's career has been blighted by back and knee injuries and his groin problem restricted him to only three appearances last season.

And Redknapp admitted that had Woodgate been out for the rest of the season, he would have feared the former Leeds and Real Madrid star's career was over.

"I don't know whether he'd come back from that," added Redknapp, who already has William Gallas, Sebastien Bassong, Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson and Ledley King who can play in central defence.

"He has been out a long time but at least he's back training, feels good and looks in good shape. This period is make or break time for him really.

"He needs to get out, play some games and show he's ready to get his career going again."

While the men from White Hart Lane are expected to be busy during the January transfer window, Modric is not one player they expect to be leaving.

I really didn't think we would see Woodgate until at least March, this really would be quite a shock if we see him in Jan!

Dos Santos

The 25-year-old Croat signed a new six-year contract in May after reported interest from Manchester United.

And Redknapp has dismissed speculation that his midfield lynchpin would be sold to the Blues.

"He is such a fantastic player, if we start selling such a player like that then we might as well all go home," the Spurs boss said.

"He is a different class and is not going anywhere. Not a chance. He [Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti] might have his eye on him but he is not going to get him for sure.

"He is a pleasure to work with. He is a fantastic player. We are building a team here, not dismantling one."

Keane has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, Birmingham or West Ham after falling behind Jermain Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Peter Crouch and Rafael van der Vaart in the pecking order.

While Redknapp said that the Republic of Ireland striker wants to leave but has denied the club has received any offers for the player.

The Spurs boss continued: "Robbie would like to move and he wants to play. He is a boy who has played all his career. He is not used to not playing.

"He is still a top player and would grace most clubs. It's just that he has been unfortunate with Rafa [van der Vaart] coming in and I've been playing one up with him.

"I have Defoe, Crouch, Pavlyuchenko and Robbie so it's been difficult getting him in the team. I haven't heard anything about any offers for him though."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport