Harry Redknapp hatches plot to sign Connor Wickham

22 April 2011 00:20
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is seeking first refusal on Ipswich wonderkid Connor Wickham.[LNB]And Spurs are willing to offer Ipswich manager Paul Jewell the pick of their best youngsters on loan to clinch the agreement. [LNB]England Under 21 striker Wickham is one of the brightest talents in English football and has been watched by Barclays Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle.[LNB] On Harry's radar: Ipswich teenager Connor Wickham has been targeted by Spurs[LNB][LNB] But the Spurs boss hopes to steal a march on his rivals by striking an early deal with Ipswich which would see the player remain at Portman Road next season. [LNB]Despite Wickham's obvious ability, Redknapp is not convinced the 18-year-old is ready for top-flight football, and wants to see him play another Championship season before deciding on a transfer.[LNB]Temptation: Tottenham could offer young talent such as Andros Townsend on loan as a makeweight[LNB]Spurs' scouting network will monitor Wickham's progress closely next season with a view to a move for the ?15million-rated forward ahead of the 2012-13 season.[LNB] Initial talks between the clubs have already taken place and the White Hart Lane club are optimistic that they can agree a deal that would put them first in line to sign the youngster. [LNB]In return, Redknapp is willing to offer Ipswich his brightest talent - such as defender Steven Caulker, midfielder Jake Livermore and winger Andros Townsend - on loan next season. [LNB]Meanwhile, Tottenham striker Peter Crouch admits it looks like another winner-takes-all clash against Manchester City will determine who finishes in the final Champions League qualifying position.[LNB] Spurs are two points behind Roberto Mancini's side, who currently occupy the crucial fourth spot, with six games to play. The teams meet on May 10 in a repeat of last season's Champions League shoot-out at Eastlands which Spurs won 1-0 thanks to Crouch's late goal.[LNB] 'It might rest on going up there again,' admitted the England striker. 'I hope it does because I enjoyed that one last year, it was great. But I know that this year, they are going to be trying all out. [LNB]'We did fantastically well up there last year and hopefully we can repeat that.'[LNB] It's in our hands! Mancini urgesCity to forget about Spurs in race for fourthGroup warns of a long fight against anti-Semitic chantingStoke boss Pulis tells Spurs to mind their own business over fixture rowAll the latest Tottenham Hotspur FC news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Peter Crouch, Harry Redknapp, Paul Jewell, Roberto Mancini Places: Newcastle, Liverpool, United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail