Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that he is desperate to sign Real Madrid forward Ruud van Nistelrooy in the January transfer window.

The former Manchester United ace looks certain to leave The Bernabeu in January after falling out of favour under coach Manuel Pellegrini.

He is understood to be desperate for first team football, and Spurs are one of many clubs who are prepared to offer him that.

The stumbling block in the deal could be the Dutch international's astronomical wages. At age 33 he still commands a yearly wage in excess of £4million, and this is something that The Lillywhites simply may not be able to afford.

Nevertheless, with the likes of David Bentley and Roman Pavlyuchenko set to be shown the exit door at The Lane in January, there could be the necessary funds available to capture the deadly predator who has smashed over 300 goals during his prolific domestic career.

Redknapp confirmed he'd like to have him amongst his ranks.

"He's a top player if he's anywhere near fit I'm sure he can still play for a while but I've never enquired for him," said 'arry.

"But we've never asked about him. I can see him going somewhere like Arsenal but Tottenham is a big club - we shouldn't be afraid to compete wit these clubs in the transfer market."