Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is being linked with a return to Tottenham. The Daily Mail says during the January transfer window, Harry Redknapp sat in his office after a game in the Barclays Premier League and was asked by a friend about the possibility of re-signing Michael Carrick for Tottenham.

"I would love to have him here... I would do it in a flash," said the Tottenham manager. "But there is no chance. Alex wouldn't let him leave."

Carrick has not featured in Sir Alex Ferguson's team since that night. United say the Geordie is not injured. Even at 68, when Ferguson acts, he does so ruthlessly.

Ferguson is a long-standing fan of Spurs midfielder Luka Modric and defender Gareth Bale - a player he almost bought from Southampton three years ago. If Redknapp did wish to launch an audacious bid for Carrick then he may yet have some limited bargaining power.