Redknapp 'hopeful' over Beckham deal

09 January 2011 19:00

Harry Redknapp insisted on Sunday that Tottenham had not given up hope of signing David Beckham.

A loan move for the former England captain had been described by Redknapp as a "no-goer" earlier in the day, but his tone changed after Tottenham's FA Cup third-round win over Charlton.

When asked if a deal could still happen, the Spurs boss replied: "I don't honestly know. That's being done above my head. Hopefully it could still happen. The situation is ongoing."

After a week of negotiations between Tottenham and Beckham's parent club, the Los Angeles Galaxy, Redknapp initially said that an eight-week loan for the star had fallen through because of "insurance issues".

Redknapp's assertion was followed by a statement on Spurs' website, announcing that the 35-year-old would join the club - but only to train for a month as he aims to keep fit during the MLS close season.

It was thought that the Galaxy were demanding an insurance fee for the former Manchester United man after he picked up an Achilles injury during last year's loan spell at AC Milan.

But it is understood the Galaxy are not demanding such a fee for Beckham's release, and the reason behind the impasse in the deal is because Spurs are unwilling to pay the percentage of his wages that the Americans are demanding.

"I was led to believe that insurance was a problem, but apparently that's not the case," said Redknapp, who saw his team beat Charlton thanks to a goal from Andros Townsend and a Jermain Defoe double.

Tottenham announced that Beckham will arrive at Spurs Lodge on Monday to meet with medical staff, before returning on Tuesday to train with the first team.

Source: PA