Spurs to lose Redknapp to Chelsea or Qatar

Harry Redknapp has been linked with the vacant job at Chelsea as the Premier League braces for a managerial merry-go-round which began with Brendan Rodgers moving from Swansea to Liverpool. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, a front-runner at one stage to replace Kenny Dalglish at Anfield, is now eyeing a move to White Hart Lane. Several newspaper reports on Sunday have linked Redknapp to Chelsea as he continues to battle with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy over a lucrative new contract. Redknapp is also a target for a Middle East consortium who want him to manage in Qatar. Redknapp was tempted last year and another money-spinning offer is being put together which could also be a factor. The veteran manager has one year left on his existing deal and wants at least a two-year extension. But although Levy was thought to be originally offering that when Redknapp was a candidate for the England job, the deal is no longer on the table. The uncertainty could be fatal for Tottenham, who look set to lose Luka Modric during the close-season and may be forced to sell Gareth Bale too, according to the Mirror. But Redknapp is hopeful Tottenham can seal a deal for Ajax's Jan Vertonghen despite his position being in doubt. The Spurs boss said: "Jan is a terrific passer and versatile too. He can play at the heart of defence but also plays very comfortable at left-back. "I hope a deal is done but I don't think it's quite finished yet." The player revealed on Friday night he was close to joining the north London club, claiming a deal could be done in the next "couple of weeks or maybe days". Vertonghen, who has also been linked with a move to Tottenham's arch rivals Arsenal, said: "I am a big fan of the Premier League. It is almost the only competition I watch on TV and for me it is the best competition in the world. "I would like to play in the Premier League. I am not in contact every day but I think it could be very close now, maybe a couple of weeks or maybe days." Asked if he knew which club he wanted to join, he said: "I probably know which team I will be going to, yes. I know where I want to go and I think it is clear to everybody." When probed as to whether that club was Tottenham, he nodded and said: "Yes." The Belgium defender is on the verge of signing for Spurs after what has been a protracted process with Arsenal also reportedly interested in the player. The 25-year-old recently suggested a deal was imminent, saying: "I think it could be very close now, maybe a couple of weeks or maybe days." Vertonghen is primarily a centre-back but featured at left-back during Belgium's 1-0 friendly defeat to England at Wembley on Saturday. And Redknapp has praised the player's versatility as well as revealing that the transfer should be tied up shortly. "Jan is a terrific passer and versatile too," Redknapp told The Sun. "He can play at the heart of defence but also plays every comfortable at left-back. "I hope a deal is done but I don't think it's quite finished yet."