'Love of the game' could bring Joe Cole to Spurs, says Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp has spoken of his desire to sign Joe Cole, who is available on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at Chelsea. The 28-year-old England international, who has also been linked with Manchester City and Arsenal, played under Redknapp at West Ham at the start of his career and is said to be keen to remain in London. "I managed Joe before, and I signed him when he was 11. We have always had a good relationship," Redknapp told Soccernet . "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 and his agent and his dad, and our chairman, Daniel Levy, 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."