Spurs manager Harry Redknapp revealed on Christmas Day that the Hammers had rejected a bid for the Wales international, reported to be worth around £6million.

"I like Craig Bellamy," Redknapp told Sky Sports News as his side trained in preparation for tomorrow's home game with Fulham.

"It apparently came out an offer was turned down so I don't know where we go from here.

"We're looking round a few players and he's certainly one of them."

Bellamy cost West Ham £7.5million from Liverpool in July 2007 and the Hammers will be keen to recoup as much of that fee as possible amid continuing speculation over the state of the club's finances.

Redknapp believes clubs will want to cut their wage bills when the transfer window opens, raising hopes of bringing players to White Hart Lane on loan.

And although he wants to strengthen his squad, Redknapp insists Spurs will not pay over the odds for players.

"I think British clubs will loan players out, with the current situation they will look to get players off their wage bill," Redknapp said.

"If we can't get the players I think will improve the squad, then I won't bring in anybody. I'm not going to load us up with players that aren't better than we've got."

Redknapp was linked with a move for Steve Finnan but Espanyol want to keep the full-back with them in Spain.

Bordeaux striker Fernando Cavenaghi may be available, with the player's agent suggesting Spurs are interested in the 25-year-old Argentina international.

Rodrigo Vilarino told France Football magazine: "Fernando is disappointed by the lack of regular action.

"Tottenham made an approach but a concrete offer hasn't been made for the moment."

Redknapp insists he has not made an inquiry for Fulham's Jimmy Bullard, who he signed for £30,000 from non-league Gravesend and Northfleet when at West Ham - the type of bargain he is looking for next month.

Bullard is expected to be in the Fulham side that travels to Spurs on Boxing Day.

"I took him from Gravesend because I thought he had something," Redknapp said. "After I left they let him go.

"He's developed since then and that is full credit to him. He took a step backwards, went to Peterborough and worked hard. Barry Fry saw something in him as Barry has done with a lot of players.

"He was a wide player when I had him and reminded me of Steve McManaman. He could run all day and had the ability to run with the ball. He was ungainly and a bit leggy but he's done great. "He's a smashing lad as well so I'm pleased for him."

Bullard was credited with having a key role in keeping Fulham in the Premier League last season.

"That was his influence," Redknapp said. "He's big around the dressing room as well, a real good character and everyone who talks to him likes him."

Meanwhile, Redknapp has backed Gareth Bale to fulfil his potential at White Hart Lane but admits the Wales youngster needs to toughen up and work on his defending.

Bale, 19, arrived from Southampton in a deal worth £10million at the start of last season and was hailed as one of the finest young left-backs around - but he is currently behind Benoit Assou-Ekotto in the pecking order.

There is also the lingering statistic that Bale has not featured in a Barclays Premier League win yet, although he did spend most of last season sidelined through injury.

"Eventually that will change," Redknapp said. "I see him as a great left-back eventually. But he has to learn the game and become a stronger defender to become a great left-back. But he has everything in his locker to be a great player.

"It's parts of his games like the one on ones, things like that. We just need to toughen him up a bit but he's got everything else."