Moyes favorite to replace Rednapp at Spurs

Tottenham have sacked manager Harry Redknapp after almost four years in charge at White Hart Lane, with Everton’s David Moyes the favorite to succeed the 65-year-old. Redknapp spent Wednesday locked in talks with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, but negotiations over a contract extension broke down, with Levy deciding that his manager’s position was no longer tenable. “This is not a decision the board and I have taken lightly,” Levy told the club’s website. “Harry arrived at the club at a time when his experience and approach was exactly what was needed. “This decision in no way detracts from the excellent work Harry has done during his time with the club, and I should like to thank him for his achievements and contribution,” he said. “Harry will always be welcome at the Lane.” Redknapp himself seemed philosophical about the decision, describing the club and the fans as “special.” “I have had a fantastic four years with the club. At times the football has been breathtaking,” he told BBC Radio Five Live. “I am sad to be leaving but wish to thank the players, staff and fans for their terrific support during my time there.” Redknapp was appointed in October 2008 following the sacking of Juande Ramos, with Spurs having taken just two points from their first eight games. That season, Redknapp led them to an 8th-place finish and an appearance in the League Cup final where they lost to Manchester United on penalties. Next season Redknapp guided Tottenham to Champions League qualification for the first time in their history, with Spurs playing excellent football and beating Inter and AC Milan as they reached the quarterfinals. When Fabio Cappello resigned as England manager earlier this year Redknapp was immediately lauded as the favorite for the job, yet Spurs’ formed stuttered as despite finishing in fourth place they failed to qualify for the Champions League. Despite his dismissal Redknapp revealed he has no plans to call time on his career, citing Man United’s Sir Alex Ferguson as an example of how manager can continue well into their 70s. “You cannot sit around moping. That’s not my game,” he told the BBC. “I love football. I would suit any job. I don’t think I am coming to the end of my career. “Alex Ferguson is in his 70s and is still the best manager in the world. I am as fit as a fiddle.” Moyes has an excellent reputation in the game, having performed miracles at the Merseyside club on an extremely tight budget. The Scot has received several invitations in the past to leave Goodison Park, yet has always chosen to stay loyal to the club and his players. Despite this the former Preston North End manager has recently shown signs of frustration at Everton, with the prospects of Moyes leading the Toffees for an 11th season looking less likely. Former European and World Player of the Year Kaka has apparently decided to leave Real Madrid. Kaka cost the Spanish champions 56 million pounds when he signed from AC Milan, but has often struggled to replicate the sparkling form which led Milan to the Serie A and Champions League titles. Sao Paulo President Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes spoke of a conversation with the Brazilian international in which the player had revealed his intention to leave Madrid. “Kaka believes that England or Spain would be two interesting destinations for him,” he said, which will undoubtedly interest both Manchester City and Chelsea. “Sao Paulo cannot deal with his astronomical contract. It is out of the reality of Brazilian football, even for the mighty Corinthians.” The player is reportedly available for as little as 20 million pounds. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich intends to make a move for Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa after having secured the services of manager Roberto Di Matteo for two more years. Di Matteo won the Champions League and the FA Cup in his three-month spell at the club after the sacking of Andre Villas Boas, with the Blues now targeting further recruitments. Chelsea representatives have approached Newcastle about a transfer, and are hopeful of an 18 million pound deal despite the northeast club demanding 26 million pounds for the French international. Arsenal are set to step up their interest in Russia’s Euro 2012 free-scoring midfielder Alan Dzagoev, with boss Arsene Wenger keen to capture the player for a bargain 13 million pounds. German daily Bild reports that Wenger is an admirer of Dzagoev, and will make a move in anticipation of Andrey Arshavin’s permanent return to Zenit St. Petersburg. The 21-year-old has scored three goals in two appearances for Russia at the tournament, but the CSKA Moscow player has only six months remaining on his current deal. Juventus are planning to send former player and current director Pavel Nedved to meet with Robin van Persie, hopeful that the former Czech international will be able to convince the Dutchman to commit to a move to the Italian champions. From the daily star.