Harry Redknapp insists Tottenham's bid to sign David Beckham is not financially motivated - from the club's or the player's point of view.
Harry Redknapp insists Tottenham's bid to sign David Beckham is not financially motivated - from the club's or the player's point of view.
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Beckham could be set for a sensational return to England after Spurs boss Harry Redknapp yesterday confirmed he would try to land the midfielder on loan.
In what was a U-turn from his recent denials of interest in Beckham, Redknapp revealed he would ask chairman Daniel Levy to persuade Los Angeles Galaxy to lend the 35-year-old to Tottenham until the Major League Soccer season begins in March.
Still the most famous footballer on the planet, Beckham would send Spurs' profile into the stratosphere.
But Redknapp said: "He wouldn't be coming here just to sell shirts. In the short term, he's not going to sell a load of shirts."
The Tottenham boss was equally certain the move would not be a money-spinner for Beckham, saying: "He isn't going to come here and get big money - we aren't massive payers at this club.
"He has probably got a fantastic house with a pool and he could sit out there every day and enjoy his life for a few months before he starts with LA Galaxy again.
"But he wants to come over here to the freezing cold and play football.
"Doesn't that tell you something about the boy that he lives in Los Angeles and he might be a billionaire?
"I've heard stories about how much he earns, it is just incredible, mind-blowing.
"He could buy any football club in this country if he wanted to.
"He is not going to do it for the money is he? That tells you everything about him."
Redknapp also shrugged off concerns about the media circus the former England captain's homecoming would spark, saying: "I don't think it would be a distraction. Once you're in here, the gates are shut."
Redknapp hoped to exploit Beckham's connection to north London, where he was born and raised.
"He is a local boy isn't he? Leytonstone," said the Spurs boss of the man who received a lifetime achievement award at this month's BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
"The reception he got was incredible."
Revealing he would play Beckham on the wing, Redknapp insisted the veteran midfielder would have to "fight for his place" at White Hart Lane.
"I'm not say he's going to come in and take (Aaron) Lennon's place but he would be a good option," he added.
"I am sure Aaron would love to work with him, on his crossing and everything, and on his final ball.
"He'd be a good influence around the place."
Beckham has spent the last two MLS close seasons on loan at AC Milan, partly in a bid to extend his England career.
Reports suggest he is eyeing a similar move to Europe this winter and that Barclays Premier League sides are queuing up to bring him home.
But Spurs have now jumped right to the front of the line.
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