LONDON (AFP)
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insisted Gareth Bale was happy
at the club on Friday amid reports the Welsh winger was being
targeted for a summer move by Spanish giants Barcelona.
Barcelona are reported to have identified the 22-year-old as
their top transfer target, with scouts from the club having
watched the highly rated midfielder on several occasions this
season.
Redknapp was adamant that any move for Bale would be met with
resistance but joked he could be tempted into a deal if the
Catalans were prepared to make Lionel Messi available in return.
"No one has been in touch with us," Redknapp said.
"He is happy here with us at the moment. He is a fantastic
player. He will be linked with every club because he is such a
great player.
"I would like Lionel Messi. I will have a chat with the chairman
about Lionel. I will see if he fancies coming to Tottenham!"
Meanwhile Redknapp said he was rooting for Chelsea as they
attempted to reach the Champions League final at Barcelona's
expense following their 1-0 win over the holders at Stamford
Bridge this week.
But Redknapp admitted he had thought about the possibility that
if Chelsea were to win the competition they could deny Spurs a
place in next season's competition if they finsihed fourth.
"I'll be rooting for Chelsea. I haven't even thought about
missing out on the Champions League if Chelsea win the whole
thing.
"If Chelsea stay in it, they've got a Champions League Final to
prepare for as well and that'll mean they've got a lot on their
plate and I want to see an English team win it anyway."
