Tottenham have failed with a surprise bid for Benfica striker Javier Saviola.

The Mirror says Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has had a £5million move for Saviola turned down.

Portuguese giants Benfica claim Spurs made an approach for the 28-year-old Argentine ex-Barcelona attacker.

But Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira said the offer was rejected because of "sporting reason".