Tottenham boss Redknapp: I want Beckham

Rumours have persisted this week that AC Milan and LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham is on the transfer radar of Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, though, has today revealed that he has not been thinking about 'Goldenballs' but did concede that he would relish the opportunity to vie for his signature as he is - Redknapp feels - the ultimate professional.

The cockney boss compared the potential recruitment of Beckham to the signing of Teddy Sheringham when he was at Portsmouth, stating that their attitudes to training, and the influence that they command to the younger players is effectively priceless.

Redknapp told the Evening Standard, "I have not thought about David Beckham, but it would be disrespectful of me to say I would not be interested in him, were he to become available.

"Beckham is a fantastic player, but he is also a terrific role model and a terrific professional. If the opportunity was there to sign him, any club would have to think about it.

"He would still be a terrific player," Redknapp added. "His delivery of the ball remains exceptional, he is a great trainer and he is a local boy from up the road."

He continued, "Imagine what the young players at the club could get from someone like that. When I signed Teddy Sheringham for Portsmouth in 2003, he was worth his weight in gold.

"He was such a great professional that the other players all looked up to him in training. He did everything right, he was superb around the place, and that is what it is about.

"I have met him [Becks] only once or twice, but he seems a great lad.

"To have someone like Beckham at your club... if the opportunity came and someone said he was available, any club would have to think about it," he concluded.