Redknapp: Becks would boost Spurs

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would be interested in signing David Beckham if the England midfielder became available ahead of next year's World Cup.

Beckham will play with AC Milan up to the end of the Serie A season before returning to Los Angeles Galaxy until the MLS campaign is over - but the 33-year-old may then need another loan spell to keep match-fit in preparation for South Africa in just over a year.

"I have not thought about David Beckham, but it would be disrespectful of me to say I would not be interested in him, were he to become available," Redknapp said in the Evening Standard.

He added: "David Beckham is a fantastic player, but he is also a terrific role model and a terrific professional. If the opportunity was there to sign him, any club would have to think about it.

"He would still be a terrific player. His delivery of the ball remains exceptional, he is a great trainer and he is a local boy from up the road."

Beckham will want regular football next season right up to the World Cup now he has won his England place back and is firmly in Fabio Capello's plans.

The Spurs boss added: "I think he will be part of the squad, for sure." Redknapp feels Beckham would also help raise standards of any club he goes to.

"Imagine what the young players at the club could get from someone like that," Redknapp added.

"When I signed Teddy Sheringham for Portsmouth in 2003, he was worth his weight in gold.

"He was such a great professional that the other players all looked up to him in training. He did everything right, he was superb around the place, and that is what it is about."