Redknapp hits back at Benitez over Keane

Harry Redknapp defended himself against accusations made by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez as the war of words regarding the future of Robbie Keane intensified.

Liverpool are ready to make an official complaint to the Premier League with their claim that the Tottenham manager airing his admiration for the Republic of Ireland striker in public amounted to an illegal approach.

Redknapp is adamant he has done nothing wrong, and was simply answering press conference questions posed to him about Keane, who has struggled to make an impact following his 20 million pounds pre-season move from White Hart Lane to Anfield.

After watching Tottenham’s relegation fears increase following their dramatic 3-2 defeat away to Bolton, Redknapp insisted: “It was never a goer and I don’t know what it was all about really.

“We didn’t make a bid for him as far as I know. The chairman asks me who I like, I tell him and sometimes he makes inquiries for players,” said Redknapp.

“The comments I made, there was certainly nothing wrong with any of them,” the former Portsmouth boss added.

“I don’t know why the manager of Liverpool gets so upset about everything, it’s strange.

“Have you seen what I said? Have you heard what I said? What did I say? Some young lady said to me ‘do you wish you still had Robbie Keane?’

“I said Robbie Keane is a terrific player but he belongs to Liverpool so it’s not a possibility. I didn’t say I’m trying to get Robbie Keane.”

Redknapp played down fears that 15.7 million pounds forward Jermain Defoe will be out for the rest of the season with a foot injury after the England international missed out on a match where substitute Darren Bent’s second-half double failed to prevent Tottenham’s latest defeat.

The Spurs manager, who handed debuts to 17 million pounds duo Wilson Palacios and Pascal Chimbonda, added: “Jermain’s going for a scan and we’ll just have to see how it is.

“Hopefully, it’s not too bad but we’re not too sure yet.”

Bolton’s Kevin Davies struck twice including a late winner in response to being handed the captain’s armband in place of former skipper Kevin Nolan, who joined Newcastle United in an unexpected four million pounds move earlier in the week.

Sebastien Puygrenier broke the deadlock with Bolton’s first home goal for six weeks and manager Gary Megson said: “Kevin led by example, and that’s why he was made captain.

“Even without his goals today, his performance was exemplary. He’s just absolutely tremendous as a person, a captain and a as footballer.”

Megson hasn’t ruled out further signings before the transfer window closes on Monday, saying: “We’ve got offers in for two players and we’re talking to the clubs of another two we’re looking to bring in.”