No Bale sale in summer, says Redknapp

23 April 2010 14:57
Harry Redknapp takes Tottenham to Manchester United on Saturday with a message for the Premier League: "Gareth Bale is not going anywhere."[LNB] Bale has been showered with plaudits as Spurs have chased fourth spot and that elusive last Champions League spot this season.[LNB]Reports earlier this week linked the left-sided midfielder with a potential move to Old Trafford.[LNB]But Redknapp, who expects to welcome back winger Aaron Lennon after four months out with a troublesome groin injury, has no intentions of losing Bale.[LNB]He said: "We're looking to build a team here. We wouldn't be looking to sell players like him. He's the future of the football club.[LNB]"You've got to keep your best young players here. He's part of that.[LNB]"Someone's always got to link someone with somewhere. There's no chance of it. I don't make those decisions but I know the chairman would not want to be selling him.[LNB]"We're a club that is looking to build a new stadium, a new training ground. We're a club that wants to go upwards and forwards. We're not into selling a player like Gareth Bale, that's for sure.[LNB]"His game has gone up so many levels this season. He's got stronger, he's a fantastic athlete, great ability. He can do everything.[LNB]"He's got the ability to run all day. He's grown up. He's still only a boy, but physically he has got stronger this last year and he's looking as good as any left-sided player in the country.[LNB]"The ability to run like he does is amazing. He runs 60 yards, recovers, runs 60 yards again, recovers, runs 60 yards, he just doesn't stop.[LNB]"When you are playing against him it must be very difficult because he just keeps going at you and going at you. Eventually, unless you are very fit, you are not going to run with him for 90 minutes."[LNB]The potential return of Lennon in the lunchtime fixture is also good news for England manager Fabio Capello.[LNB]With Jermaine Jenas returning to Tottenham's squad after a virus, Wilson Palacios back in harness and Ledley King hopeful of returning, Redknapp is looking forward to pulling off one of the greatest winning sequences of his career.[LNB]A victory over United would mean Tottenham had beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and United in consecutive league games in one fabulous fortnight. The odds on that two weeks ago were 90-1.[LNB]Redknapp added: "I thought the bookies were being a bit stingy, they should have been a lot higher than that. Winning those two games (against Arsenal and Chelsea) should have been 90-1.[LNB]"They were two great victories but we have another tough game. But the sun's shining, it's a great stadium, a fantastic place to play football against a great team. We're looking forward to it."[LNB]The reappearance of Lennon would make it all the sweeter for both club and country.[LNB]"Aaron's back," said Redknapp. "He's been training this week. We'll see how he is today and he could be involved.[LNB]"It would be lovely to have him back. He's a top player but whoever has come in the side has done well.[LNB]"Aaron's not ready to start a game but he could be available if we need 20 minutes. We'll see how we go."[LNB]Redknapp admits Tottenham, two points ahead of Manchester City who face Arsenal in the 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday, are now favourites to land the Champions League spot, but says so warily.[LNB]He said: "We have two extra points but being favourites and actually winning is a different thing. We need to pick up good points from the games we have left.[LNB]"Six points might be enough, it may not be. We have four tough games to come. It's going to be close. It's a great end to the season. It's good to be involved trying to get into the Champions League, it's fantastic.[LNB]"We've played good football and been a good side all season. Some of our play has been brilliant and anyone coming to Tottenham this season has had their money's worth. Let's hope we can continue that in the last four games."

Source: Team_Talk