Redknapp rules out move for James

Reports suggest David James may look to move on having seen so many high profile players leave (GETTY IMAGES)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits he cannot follow up his interest in David James while he has two goalkeepers at White Hart Lane.

Redknapp started the Barclays Premier League campaign with Heurelho Gomes in goal against Liverpool and Carlo Cudicini as back-up, meaning his priorities lie elsewhere ahead of the transfer window closing.

James has spoken about the uncertainty at Portsmouth while a possible takeover of the club drags on, with a host of high-profile players departing.

Redknapp, after leaving Pompey last season, feels they have to keep senior players such as James to stay up.

"Anyone would want him but I have two keepers and I cannot take another one," Redknapp said. "If I didn't have a goalkeeper he would be top of my list. I'm okay in that position.

"If they can hang on to David James, Sylvain Distin and Younes Kaboul then they are still strong.

"Jamo for me is still England's best goalkeeper, he's fantastic. Hopefully they can keep hold of him because he'll play a major part for them."

Redknapp is looking to build on Sunday's win over Liverpool when his side travel to Hull tomorrow.

They will be without centre-backs Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson, while midfielder Jermaine Jenas has a calf problem.

Jenas, along with winger David Bentley, have been linked with moves to Aston Villa but Redknapp insists the pair still have futures at Spurs unless a club come in with a offer they cannot refuse.

"Jermaine is injured at the moment but he's a good lad and a great player," Redknapp said. "Both him and David Bentley are part of my plans.

"It's no good saying people will never go. If people offer crazy money that changes. Manchester United and Liverpool got offers they couldn't refuse for Cristiano Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso. You never say never but we're not looking to sell."

Redknapp was appointed last season after earning just two points from eight games under Juande Ramos - so the current Spurs boss has already done better than the man he replaced.

However, Redknapp is aware how important the Hull match is in terms of momentum.

"It's been a good start," he said. "We've had a great run and we're looking upwards. It's a fickle game and opinions change - one week you get beat and you're rubbish. It was a nice game on Sunday but we move on now.

"I remember beating Manchester United with Portsmouth on a Saturday, then at Watford two days later, they were bottom of the league, and we were beaten by four.

"So we have to make sure we build on what we did on Sunday. It will be difficult but we've got a good chance.

"If you can get a good start it sets you up for the season. If you have a good first four games it puts you in a good position because you don't want to be chasing.

"Champions League would be great - but you don't want to put yourself under pressure."

Redknapp was in a jovial mood ahead of the Hull trip and even fielded questions about Spurs winning the title.

"We'll do our best," Redknapp said. "We'll try and finish as high as possible. It's nice to get three points on the board but it's one win."