Jonathan Woodgate could play his last match of a troubled spell at Tottenham on Sunday, with manager Harry Redknapp admitting that he is no closer to deciding whether to offer the injury-plagued defender a new contract when his current one expires this summer.
Woodgate signed in an ?£8million deal from Middlesbrough in 2008 and was a regular in Redknapp's line-up before he was hit by a serious groin injury that kept him out of action for 15 months. He returned against AC Milan in February, but his comeback was shortlived after it emerged that he had suffered an adductor muscle injury in the same match.
"It's a difficult one with Woody. His contract is up and he hasn't played for two years," Redknapp said. "If we don't keep him then he is worth a gamble for someone on a pay-as-you-play deal because if you can get him fit you will have one of the best centre-halves anywhere."
He added: "If I wasn't at Tottenham I would take a gamble on him. He could be a fantastic signing because he is training this morning (Friday) and he feels fit for the first time in two years."
Redknapp is hoping to clear out at least six players from his squad this summer. Jamie O'Hara, Giovani Dos Santos, Robbie Keane and David Bentley have all been out on loan this season and are surplus to requirements.
Redknapp will also reluctantly listen to offers for Niko Kranjcar and Sebastien Bassong, while Jermain Defoe could face an uncertain future after he expressed his frustration in a televised interview that clearly riled the Tottenham boss on Friday.
Spurs could be tempted to bring in a goalkeeper given Heurelho Gomes' erratic form, although Redknapp was quick to play down links with Ben Foster and Shay Given, insisting that the Brazilian would be his number one next year.
The former Portsmouth manager revealed he is close to finalising a shortlist of targets, which he hopes he can acquire early in the window.
"I will meet with (chairman) Daniel (Levy) next week," Redknapp said. "If we have one or two definite targets then we will (move for them early) but we also have one or two who may take their time to move on.
"It's not easy to sell players. We have players who would do well for people but someone's got to want to buy them first and that's not always easy."
Source: PA
Source: PA