Redknapp hails Defoe



Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has hailed Jermain Defoe's return to form and insists he never entertained the thought of selling the striker this summer.
Defoe bagged four league goals last season but he is already halfway towards matching that tally this term and has also scored for Spurs in the Europa League. Redknapp revealed one unnamed Premier League club bid for Defoe this summer, but said he never thought of letting go of a man he also worked with at West Ham and Portsmouth.

"There was a Premier League team that came in for him. I can't remember who it was. It was a poor offer, but I said: 'no chance'. I would never have sold him," Redknapp said.
"I would have been scared to sell him. He is one of those who would come back to haunt you.
"I have always liked him. He is sharp, a good finisher. There aren't too many better than Jermain Defoe around."

Defoe admitted towards the end of last season that he was considering his Tottenham future, but knuckled down with renowned fitness coach Tiberius Darau, who worked Patrick Vieira when he was at Arsenal, and the move appears to have paid off.
Redknapp revealed Darau comes to London to give extra fitness lessons to Defoe before training - a move which has impressed the Spurs boss greatly.

"Ian Wright recommended him (Darau) to him. He has been coming over here so Jermain will go and see him early in the morning, spend an hour with him before he comes and trains here," Redknapp said.
"Full credit to Jermain. He didn't have the summer laying on the beach. It impressed me.
"It says a lot about the lad. It shows he cares and wants to come back ready to play. He was low last year. I spoke to him about it and I know what a determined little guy he is."