Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is launching a shock £20 million bid for Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The Mirror says Redknapp has been given backing to make a massive bid for the Paraguayan as his ideal partner for Jermain Defoe and an offer will be tabled immediately.

The Spurs chief has cash to spend - and also players to sell to carry on his own signing blitz - plus a determination to see off City in the hunt as the window's two big spenders go head-to-head.

Rovers are prepared to sell Santa Cruz if they can find a replacement, with boss Sam Allardyce chasing a striker to fill his boots as time runs out to do the business.

However Tottenham are hoping that their offer will see off Manchester City - with Mark Hughes increasing his offers steadily but his money men reluctant to go all of the way to £20 million.