Redknapp plays down Beckham loan talk

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has played it cool over reports that LA Galaxy's David Beckham is close to finalising a loan move to Spurs.

The North London club are trying to arrange a temporary deal for Beckham, 35, while Newcastle and Blackburn are also keen.

Having previously stated that the former England captain wanted to move to Spurs on a temporary deal, Redknapp said: "Weeks fly by and this month will have come and gone before we know where we are," he said.

"It's a difficult one. But let's wait and see, it's not in my hands."

Beckham is understood to have asked his American employers to sanction a loan move similar to those that saw him play for AC Milan in the past two Major League Soccer (MLS) off-seasons.

The American club may be reluctant to agree to the move. Last winter Beckham ruptured his Achilles playing for the San Siro club, an injury that ruled him out of the World Cup and the beginning of the MLS season.

Whatever the outcome Spurs boss Redknapp is still convinced of the former Manchester United star's quality.

"He'd be great to have around the place and I'm sure he's got a lot to offer as a player and a person. As a professional, he's top class," Redknapp said.