Redknapp vows to retain stars

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says Spurs must commit to keeping hold of their best players if they are to remain competitive.

Redknapp faces a difficult task retaining the likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale should his side fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Spurs sit fourth with two games remaining meaning two wins will secure their place in Europe’s elite tournament – unless Chelsea triumph in the competition’s final against Bayern Munich in May.

“Once you start selling your best players you’re finished,” Redknapp told reporters.

“I don’t know why Tottenham should be seen as a club that will sell its best players. We are not looking to sell our best players. We are looking to build a team here, not dismantle.

“The chairman made a stance with Modric last year – the stance was that we are looking to build, to add to the group we’ve got and improve for next year, not to go backwards.

“If we go backwards, we’re going nowhere basically are we? We will slump back into mid-table mediocrity and we don’t want that.”

Redknapp’s current contract at White Hart Lane runs out at the end of next season, and the former Southampton man says he and club chairman Daniel Levy have yet to discuss an extension.

“I have never spoken to anyone about a contract,” the 65-year-old said.

“I have not chased Daniel (Levy), and he doesn’t have to chase me. I have a contract here still at the moment so there is no problem.

“I am pleased and privileged to be at a club like Tottenham. They’re one of the top clubs in country and in Europe. They’re a great club to work for so long may it continue.”

Redknapp had been favourite for the England job before the FA announced earlier this week that Roy Hodgson would replace Fabio Capello.

The Spurs boss offered his full support to Hodgson and expressed his belief that England can succeed in Poland and Ukraine.

“There shouldn’t be negativity,” Redknapp said. “We have to move on now.

“Roy is in place. We have to get behind him and get behind the team and look forward to the Euros.

“We’ve got good players in this country, some outstanding footballers so I don’t see why we can’t go and have a great tournament.

“We just need to get behind Roy and the team. You will always have your doubters but I’m sure he’ll do great and turn those people around.”