Uruguay (10/1 to win the World Cup) striker Diego Forlan claims he is not interested in joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
The former Manchester United frontman insists that he is happy at Atletico Madrid and he does not want to return to the Premier League.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to sign a forward with Champions League experience as the London side compete in the prestigious tournament this season.
Forlan has been one of the stars of the World Cup, scoring three goals in Uruguay’s progression to the semi-finals of the competition. They now face the Netherlands in Cape Town in Tuesday’s first semi-final.
La Celeste’s last semi-final was 40 years ago and the side are hoping to emulate the World Cup winning sides of 1930 and 1950 (Uruguay 5/1, draw 13/5, Netherlands 8/13 – Match Prices).
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the 31-year-old forward stated; “I am very happy in Madrid and I have three years left on my contract with Atletico.
“I will not go. Now I want to have another season as good or better than the one just completed.”
Meanwhile, Redknapp has once again expressed his desire to bring former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole to White Hart Lane.
Cole was released by the Blues after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired and the Spurs boss has been a long-time admirer of the England international.
The duo worked together at West Ham but Redknapp has admitted that the club is not close to doing a deal with him. He has hailed his professionalism, however, describing him as an “outstanding player”.
Cole?s England colleague, Jermain Defoe, has also expressed a desire to work with him, hailing his passion, desire and commitment to the cause.
Defoe told Sky Sports News: “When we were in South Africa (you could see) every day his passion and his drive to want to improve.
“In training he was sharp and he was strong, he just loves football – that’s Joe. So if we could get someone like that at the club it would be good for everyone.”
Spurs have been linked with several players during the close season and Redknapp has admitted he is hoping to sign one or two to bolster his squad for the challenges which lie ahead. However, he admits that his squad is already very talented and it’s tough to find players who are better than the ones they already have.
Spurs are 33/1 to win next season’s Premier League and face Manchester City in the first game of the 2010/2011 season (Spurs 5/4, draw 23/10, City 7/4 – Match Betting).
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