Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp is understood to be keen on prising Scotland international midfielder Scott Brown away from Celtic.

Redknapp has turned his attentions to Brown after failing in his audacious attempt to lure former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira to White Hart Lane this summer as well as being snubbed by Toulouse's highly-rated midfield ace Moussa Sissoko.

The Spurs chief is keen to recruit a combative midfielder to partner Wilson Palacios in his engine room following the departure of Didier Zokora to Sevilla earlier this summer and has been a long time admirer of Brown.

The 24-year-old - who joined the Bhoys in a £4.4million deal from Hibs in 2007 - has matured into one of the finest box-to-box midfielders on the British Isles and could be tempted by a move South should Celtic fail in their quest to reach the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The Scottish giants take on Arsenal over two legs later this month for the right to compete in Europe's elite club competition and with an estimated £15million up for grabs for qualifying, the stakes have never been higher.

But should they fail to overcome the Gunners, Celtic may well be forced to cash in on Brown with Redknapp reportedly willing to offer £10million for the tough-tackling ace.

Meanwhile, Redknapp has admitted defeat in his attempts to sign Aston Villa winger Ashley Young this summer.

"Everybody would like to have him but I don't think there is a chance we would get him," said Redknapp.

"He's a fantastic player and Aston Villa do not want to sell him, I don't think he's available."