Football transfer news

Jermain Defoe has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Tottenham, insisting he wants to see out the rest of his career at White Hart Lane.

Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has reportedly been hoping to make the 30-year-old one of his first January signings after taking over at QPR.

However, with 10 goals to his name already this season, Defoe is currently enjoying some of the best form of his Tottenham career, and has no intention of leaving the club now.

“That’s not going to happen. I’m not leaving Tottenham, I love the club and to score goals at a big club like this is fantastic,” Defoe told Sky Sports News.

“If the opportunity comes to leave the club it won’t be happening. I don’t want to leave, I’m a Spurs player, and I’m happy. I’d like to finish my career at Tottenham. I want to achieve something special here – it’s a great time to be at the club.”

Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool put Spurs within touching distance of the top four, and Defoe believes that the result gives them something to build on in the search for Champions League football.

“I thought the performance against Liverpool was great. It was a massive win,” he added.

“Character is key and the lads who’ve come in have been fantastic. With the quality we’ve got it’s important to go on a run and we’re capable of doing that.”

The striker also had some kind words for Andre Villas-Boas, who has endured a difficult relationship with Spurs supporters since taking over in the summer.

“It’s difficult for any manager – when you come in you’ve got different ideas,” said Defoe.

“It wasn’t the best at Chelsea but that happens. It’s part of life and being a manager, but he’s a fantastic manager and been fantastic for me.

“There’s always a different approach each game and he’s such a nice guy. All the lads want to fight and win for him. I’m just enjoying the journey and I’m sure he is as well.”

Lucio has voiced his dismay with his current situation at Juventus and has admitted he could leave the club if he does not get regular first team action.

The Brazilian defender, 34, joined Juve on a free transfer this summer after he was released by Inter, but he has been unable to make an impact at the Turin powerhouse so far, and Wolfsburg are believed to be keen to lure him back to the Bundesliga.

“I am unhappy at the moment because I don’t play much at Juventus,” the centre-back told Sport Bild.

“A return to the Bundesliga is a serious option. Things are organised very well in Germany. The league is on the rise and some good football is being played there.

“Wolfsburg are a team with big plans for the future. The club is well run. VfL would definitely be an option for me.”

Lucio has a contract with Juventus until June 2014.

LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham has refused to rule out a return to the Premier League after leaving the MLS side next month, admitting he has “options on the table”.

The former England captain is set to bring an end to his six-year stay in America with his final appearance for the club as they seek to defend their crown in the MLS Cup final on December 1.

And, despite his past affiliation with Manchester United, Beckham has hinted at the possibility of moving to another top flight English club – with West Ham revealing their interest – despite admitting that it is unlikely.

“I’m lucky. At the age of 37 I’ve been offered some quite exciting options and there are a few options on the table,” Beckham told reporters.

“I always said I’d struggle to come back and play in England because I’ve played for the biggest club in the world and biggest club in England – Manchester United.

“So I couldn’t see myself playing for any other Premier League club, but you never know. I’ve got options on the table.

“I do think I’ll be spending more time in England though and it’s good for our kids to see their grandparents.

“Over the last six years it’s been difficult not seeing them as much as we’d like and they’d like, but we definitely won’t be leaving LA for good.”

French outfit Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly also interested in pursuing Beckham, while new QPR boss Harry Redknapp remains an admirer with the pair having worked brief together last January while the midfielder trained at Tottenham.

He added: “What I am touched about is that I’ve got great managers – Harry and Ancelotti saying great things about me.

“Not saying they would like to sign me but saying nice things about me. It’s nice to see them talking about me in such a nice way.”

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has hinted at an interest in Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.

The 28-year-old has been frozen out by manager Paul Lambert at Villa Park, failing to make the last two matchday squads, and the new Rs boss has revealed a desire to add “a cutting edge” to his relegation-threatened team.

Redknapp and Bent fell out with each other while the two were at White Hart Lane, with Redknapp claiming his wife “Sandra could have scored” a chance missed by the striker in 2009 – but he is now keen to bury the hatchet with the 13-time England international.

“We lack a bit of a cutting edge. It’s a lopsided squad, we could do with a couple of front men to give us a chance,” Redknapp told reporters.

“I like Darren, I have no problems with him. I just made a comment that maybe I shouldn’t have.

“It was difficult, he didn’t like that and within no time he decided he wanted to go. But he’s a good player and he can score goals.”

Bent has previously insisted that he will not hand in a transfer request to force an exit from Villa Park, despite being stripped of the captaincy and dropped in recent weeks, while Paul Lambert has insisted he is not “actively looking to sell” the striker during the January transfer window.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has denied that the club ever considered selling striker Mario Balotelli in January, stating that he has an important part to play for the champions for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old struck his first goal of the season in the 2-0 win over Wigan on Wednesday night, with Mancini choosing to take Sergio Aguero off rather than the Italian just prior to the first goal.

Both Inter and AC Milan have been linked with a move for Balotelli in recent weeks, but Mancini has dismissed any possibility of the striker leaving during the upcoming transfer window.

“No it’s not true. It’s his first goal this season and I hope he can improve after this game,” Mancini told reporters.

“We have four top strikers but we’ve had some difficulty scoring goals like we did last season. I hope we can move on from this.

“The season is very long, and if a lot of teams are playing in the Champions League in February it can change everything.

“We are at the top with United at the moment but I think Chelsea can fight for the title as well.”

The victory over the Latics at the DW Stadium ensured that City kept pace with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table, sitting just a point behind their rivals having played 14 games each.