Redknapp happy to take Saha chance

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will once again try his hand at resurrecting the career of an ageing star after signing 33-year-old striker Louis Saha from Everton.

Saha joined Tottenham just before Tuesday's 11pm deadline in one of the surprise moves of the January window.

Many have questioned Redknapp's judgement in bringing in an injury-prone striker past his prime, but he is confident it is not a gamble, and said: "He's got good movement, can score goals but probably needs a change. He's out of contract at the end of the year so (Everton boss) David Moyes has let him go."

He added: "I can remember speaking to Rio Ferdinand and he said he was the best forward he'd played against."

The Frenchman replaces Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has headed for Lokomotiv Moscow for £8million while Steven Pienaar returned to Goodison Park for the rest of the season following Saha's exit.

Tottenham shipped out Sebastien Bassong on loan to Wolves and were awaiting confirmation on Wednesday that their bid to sign Blackburn's veteran defender Ryan Nelsen to replace him had gone through.

Nelsen, 34, was out of contract at the end of the season and has only played once for Rovers this term, making him an even more surprising choice than Saha.

However, Redknapp insists the New Zealander will have a big impact at Tottenham if the deal goes through, and said: "I think he's a great competitor and a good sort to have at your club. I have always liked him."

Meanwhile, Nelsen's agent has confirmed the defender was released by Blackburn, meaning he can complete his move to Spurs outside the transfer window.

Lyle Yorks, Nelsen's Washington-based representative from James Grant Sports, told the Washington Post: "We settled with Blackburn and have reached agreement with Spurs. We're just awaiting clearance. It's for six months, with a one-year option. It all unfolded quickly."