Harry laughs off Woodgate link

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has confirmed that there is no chance of defender Jonathan Woodgate joining rivals Arsenal this month.

Gunners chief Arsene Wenger is know to be looking at potential central defensive recruits and is reportedly considering a move for Woodgate.

The 31-year-old has recently returned to full training following a horrific spell on the sidelines through injury which have limited him to just three league games since the start of the last season.

Asked about a potential deal with Arsenal, Redknapp confirmed: "No, not a chance. We wouldn't let him go there.

"We want to keep him," said Redknapp, admitting that they would look at giving Woodgate a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in the summer, if he could prove his fitness.

"He's out of contract in the summer so if we let him out on loan, then we're giving him away unless he signs a new deal before he goes.

"And you couldn't do that right now in case he breaks down. He needs to stay here and see how it goes and if he's okay, we can sit down at the end of the season and give him a deal for next year.

"But it would have to be heavily loaded as a pay-as-you-play deal.

"I love Jonathan but you can't keep paying wages to a boy who doesn't play all year.

"Jonathan's been out of the team for two years but played 45 minutes against a QPR team Neil Warnock sent although I think they were waiters from the Shepherd's Bush area.

"It wasn't a great test but Jonathan's doing well. He's coming back and when he's fit, he's a top, top centre half."