Redknapp: Keane may have to leave us

TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp has placed Robbie Keane’s future into fresh doubt after admitting the Republic of Ireland captain might have to leave White Hart Lane to kick-start his career.

Redknapp has been hugely impressed with Keane’s pre-season form.

Keane scored one and made another as Tottenham continued their pre-season build-up with a 2-2 draw against Sporting Lisbon yesterday.

However Redknapp knows Keane, who has been linked with Aston Villa and Celtic, won’t want to stick around if there is no regular starting place on offer at Spurs.

“Robbie is a fantastic professional, who trains hard and wants to play,’’ Redknapp said. “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.’’

The Tottenham boss also believes it is only a matter of time before Manchester City win the Barclays Premier League.

Spurs beat the big-spending Blues to the coveted fourth place last season and with it a crack at the Champions League in the upcoming season.

However, City’s owner Sheikh Mansour has bankrolled another amazing summer spending spree – and on Saturday the club completed the signing of Serbia left-back Aleksandar Kolarov for a reported £19 million (€23m) fee from Lazio.

Jerome Boateng (€12.6m), David Silva (€35m) and Yaya Toure (€29m) have all also joined the Eastlands revolution for big money, while City boss Roberto Mancini is keen to land Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli, with a reported €29m offer already on the table.

Redknapp – renowned for his shrewd dealing in the transfer market – feels if things continue, then City will inevitably get the ultimate return for such heavy investment.

“They can go out and sign almost anybody,” Redknapp said.

“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.”

Spurs failed in their bid to land free agent Joe Cole, after the England midfielder joined Liverpool following the end of his Chelsea contract.

The north London club, however, continue to be linked with the likes of Real Madrid forward Raul and Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano.

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.’’

Redknapp revealed concerns over the fitness of defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King ahead of the new season, which kicks off against City at White Hart Lane and will see Spurs play their crucial Champions League qualifier before the end of August.

“Jonathan will not be fit for the start of the season,” Redknapp said.

“Ledley has come back and his knee is not great and he has a groin problem.”