I would have signed Kranjcar even if Modric had not got injured, say Harry

10 September 2009 18:05
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp insists he would have signed Niko Kranjcar from Portsmouth anyway - even if Luka Modric had not been ruled out with injury. Kranjcar was thought to have been brought in as a replacement for Modric after the Croatia midfielder suffered a fracture to his right leg. But Redknapp denies this was the case and says Kranjcar has been on his radar since managing him at Portsmouth. Kranjcar could make his Spurs debut against Manchester United at White Hart Lane on Saturday. 'We went for Niko Kranjcar in the last couple of days of the window and we got him,' Redknapp said. 'It was always my intention to bring Niko in, regardless of the injury to Luka Modric. 'I know Niko from my time at Portsmouth. He is a great talent and a terrific lad. 'He was in the last year of his contract and I know there were other Premier League clubs trying to take him but I felt he was a terrific signing for us.' Spurs are hopeful of centre-back Sebastien Bassong will be fit for the United clash despite missing Cameroon's midweek clash against Gabon. The 23-year-old picked up a slight knock to one of his knees against the same opponents last weekend and missed the return clash on Wednesday night. However Paul Le Guen's decision to leave him out of the squad was thought to be down to selection rather than injury.

Source: Daily_Mail