Redknapp keen to pursue Fabiano

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has admitted his interest in Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano but acknowledges that he could lose out…

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has admitted his interest in Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano but acknowledges that he could lose out because of the player's salary expectations.

The 29-year-old Brazil international, who impressed during the World Cup, is on Tottenham's hitlist as Redknapp looks to strengthen his squad.

Tottenham have not made any official contact with the Spanish club but Redknapp confirmed he would be interested in the forward.

"Yes, I like him," confirmed Redknapp in an interview with ESPN Soccernet. "He's a fabulous player and would be a brilliant addition to any team.

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"It was put to us that he might be available, but we've not made contact with his club Sevilla and, to be perfectly honest, I haven't sat down to discuss any transfer targets with our chairman Daniel Levy, apart from trying to do a deal with Joe Cole.

"I am not unhappy with the squad I have, but of course if a special player came along I would look at it, and Fabiano is a special player all right.

"For sure, he is a class act, but I don't know what he earns. He might be on mega money, so it might prove to be impossible for us."

Meanwhile, Tottenham's interest in free agent Cole continues and Redknapp hopes that the former Chelsea midfielder will put cash aside and join the footballing revolution at White Hart Lane.

Cole is thought to be considering offers from Manchester City and Arsenal but Spurs remain in the hunt, with Redknapp looking to team up again with the player he signed for West Ham.

"I managed Joe before, and I signed him when he was 11," said Redknapp. "We have always had a good relationship. I know what makes Joe tick and it's his love of the game, and his need to be playing it. That is what I am offering him.

"I have spoken with Joe at length and I would like him and, when we talked, he appreciated my view that Tottenham is now a club going places.

"I would like Joe here with me, but it is now up to the club and up to Joe, his agent and his dad, and our chairman. He is talking to them to try to do a deal. If it is beyond us in financial terms I can appreciate that but I am hoping other factors will come into play to make up Joe's mind."

Redknapp has committed his future to the club today by extending his contract until 2013. His current deal was due to expire next year but it included an option for a further two years which the club has now exercised.

"The club is delighted to announce that we have extended the contract of manager Harry Redknapp until 2013," read a statement on the club's official website. "Harry guided the side to fourth place in his first full season with the club, our highest league finish since the Premier League's inception, with the prospect of competing in the Champions League for the first time this coming campaign.

"The achievement earned him the Barclay's Premier League Manager of the Season award."

Redknapp took over the Spurs reins in October 2008 with the team bottom of the table having picked up only two points from their opening eight games.

The turnaround under his guidance was capped when Redknapp led the club into the Champions League for the first time in May, their place among Europe's elite secured with a dramatic win over Manchester City in their penultimate game of the season.