Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has denied his interest in Jermain Defoe is disrespectful to either Portsmouth or their manager Tony Adams.

Redknapp is chasing both Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing, who has handed in a transfer request, and Defoe as he looks to bolster the Spurs squad in his first transfer window as their manager.

He concedes, though, that Boro and Pompey do not have to sell - and denies he has done anything wrong in his pursuit of the England striker.

Redknapp said: "The chairman (Daniel Levy) has dealt with it. He has gone in there and made an offer.

"I have not gone in for any other players at Portsmouth. I have not made any enquiries there.

"If they don't want to sell him they don't have to."

Middlesbrough branded Spurs' initial approach for Downing over the weekend 'derisory' but the winger has since put in a transfer request.

Redknapp continued on Sky Sports News: "The club made an offer and I know the chairman has made a big offer for him.

"But Middlesbrough are a good club and if the chairman (Steve Gibson) decides he doesn't want to sell him, that's his right to do that and that's the end of that one.

"We can only make an offer and it is up to the clubs if they want to accept it or not."

Redknapp is also unsure if Tottenham will be able to prise Defoe away from Fratton Park, and admits he may have to turn his focus elsewhere.

Defoe would be interested in linking up with Redknapp once again, but Levy and Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie have yet to agree on a fee.

"The chairman and Peter are talking so if they want to do a deal they will," explained Redknapp.

"But I don't know. I spoke to Daniel on Monday morning and there was no news so we will have a look at it and see what happens, see if there is anything else around."

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