Redknapp doubts Carroll availability

(GSM) – Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp does not expect Andrew Carroll to be on the move anytime soon.

And despite his contentment with his existing squad, Redknapp, whose side lie fifth in the Premier League standings and visit Aston Villa on Boxing Day, is a keen admirer of the England forward.

Redknapp told Sky Sports News on Christmas Day: “We’ve got so many players here it would be hard fitting anybody in.

“We’re not too desperate for anything. We’re more than strong everywhere so unless it’s someone who’s a bit special I don’t think we’ll be doing too much.

“If someone’s there that we feel can make the difference, it might just be a character or leader or somebody who can give you something at the club.

“If that type of person’s available then we’d be interested, but at the moment we’re not closing in on anything.”

Spurs have been linked with a move for Carroll, who has scored 10 Premier League goals for Newcastle United this season. However, Redknapp is not optimistic about the chances of signing the young forward.

“He’s got fantastic potential,” said the Tottenham boss. “He’s a top player, no doubt. He’s a real handful and he’s taken the Premier League by storm the first half of the season.

“If he was available I think there’d be plenty of people want him because he’s an old-fashioned centre-forward, but I see [Newcastle manager] Alan Pardew wants to keep him and I don’t blame him so I don’t see him moving.”