Redknapp confirms Spurs accept Birmingham offer for Keane

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed that Spurs have accepted an offer from Birmingham for Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane.

Fans’ favourite Keane, who rejoined Spurs two years ago after a spell at Liverpool, has fallen down the pecking order and is now in talks with Birmingham over a potential £7m move.

The 30-year-old, who played for 10 minutes at Everton, was loaned to Celtic a year ago but that will not be repeated as Spurs look for a permanent deal.

Redknapp said: “They have made an offer, about £7m, but it is up to Robbie.

“If he doesn’t go to Birmingham, he will either leave permanently or stay here.

“He certainly won’t be going on loan anywhere, not a chance.”

Redknapp will attempt today to press home the club’s bid to sign David Beckham, though the Football Association have denied reports they are lining the pair up to work together in the England dugout at the end of Fabio Capello’s tenure.

Redknapp is keen to bring in the former England captain on a short-term loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, while newspaper reports this morning have suggested FA chief have held “informal discussions” with the Spurs boss over becoming England boss in 2012, with Beckham his assistant and potential successor.

In a short statement responding to the story an FA spokesman said: “There are no such talks and we have not discussed any potential succession plan with anyone at this point.”

As for Beckham’s playing future, the 35-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is potentially available until March having made similar moves to AC Milan in the past two Major Soccer League close seasons.

Any deal is likely to hinge on conditions laid down by Galaxy being met.

Redknapp, having urged chairman Daniel Levy to follow up his initial interest, now wants to see if the idea is still alive after a couple of days’ stagnation.

Speaking after last night’s defeat at Everton, Redknapp said: “I will speak to the chairman and see where we are at.

“It is definitely not done – one million percent not. I don’t know what has happened.

“I have left it to the chairman to deal with.

“I think we could do with his know-how, I think he has something to offer but it is out of my hands.

“I’ve said I’d like him but it is up to others now whether there is a deal to be done.”

Spurs have won many plaudits for their free-flowing attacking football both domestically and in the Champions League this season.

They remain fourth in the Barclays Premier League but Redknapp felt the 2-1 loss at Goodison Park exposed shortcomings in his side which maybe Beckham could conceal.

Redknapp said: “I still feel at times we lack leadership and that has been a big concern for me every since I have been here.

“I feel we need one or two more out there who are a bit more vocal and have that will when things are going against you to make sure you don’t get beaten. They’re difficult to find.

“I’ve said that to the chairman loads of times.

“It might not be a superstar player you sign but someone who brings that quality.”