Spurs had a bid turned down for the Wales international just before Christmas and now anticipate City being able to make a higher offer than the £6million they value the 29-year-old.

The need for a striker was highlighted during the 0-0 stalemate against Fulham at White Hart Lane today when Spurs struggled to create chances against Roy Hodgson's side, who were short of Brede Hangeland after the defender picked up flu.

"We're short in certain areas to make the difference," Redknapp said. "We made an offer and it got turned down so I don't know where we go from there.

"I think Manchester City are in for him and if that is the case it is difficult for anybody to compete with them."

Redknapp, who is reluctant to pay over the odds for players, added: "Where are you going to find a striker? Who is going to sell them? That is all I do all day. You can find someone from Moldova or wherever - but I'm not taking chances."

During a bore draw against Fulham, Roy Hodgson's strikers were the ones that impressed Redknapp.

The Spurs boss said: "I thought Bobby Zamora was outstanding, in the first half he held the ball up very well. I wish he was still at Tottenham.

"They let him go and maybe thought he wasn't good enough. Maybe he wasn't good enough when they (Dimitar) Berbatov, (Robbie) Keane and (Jermain) Defoe but he looks all right to me."

Redknapp also lost Tom Huddlestone to an ankle injury and it could have been worse for the hosts if Heurelho Gomes had not saved from Andy Johnson five minutes from full-time.

It was only last month when Gomes' career at Spurs looked under threat after a blunder against Fulham at Craven Cottage - but he has not made a mistake since after working with new goalkeeper coach Tony Parks.

"He's done well recently and for £10million he should be half decent," Redknapp said. "When he was as bad as he looked you were thinking 'this can't be right'.

"He's now showing what we thought he could be - a top goalkeeper - and a lot of credit goes to Tony Parks who has been working hard with.

"He's instilled confidence and we are starting to see the benefits."

There was a hint of a penalty when Johnson's shot was saved as Ledley King appeared to clip him - but Fulham boss Hodgson had no complaints.

"From my position on the bench, my first thought was that he was tripped or pushed but Andy said it was an unfortunate stumble," he said. "The referee made a good decision and perhaps we should congratulate him and his linesman because it's very easy to give it."

It was Hodgson's fourth successive 0-0 away from home in the league.

"The players are working very hard in their defensive duties," he added. "In the second half we had an opportunity on the counter attack but were profligate with our passing."

Jimmy Bullard picked up a dead leg and is a doubt for the clash against Chelsea.