Redknapp's priority in the January transfer window is a forward and a left midfielder but he expects Defoe, whom he signed for Pompey 11 months ago, to be leading an attack elsewhere.

"I think they have a massive offer from somebody for him so good luck to them, I paid about £9million for him," Redknapp said.

"He is a good player but we're not going to pay over the top for anyone."

Boro winger Downing, who is thought to be valued at around £15million, would provide balance to Redknapp's team, which currently fields two right wingers.

"I like Downing but I don't know whether Middlesbrough want to sell him," Redknapp said.

"If could find a wide-left player I would like to get one. That and a frontman would be the priority."

Although Downing would put the position of Redknapp's right wingers - Aaron Lennon and David Bentley - in the spotlight, the Spurs boss insists he does not want to let players go next month as he is short on numbers.

Redknapp also wants to bring in back-up for Heurelho Gomes, who will remain first-choice goalkeeper after turning around his early season performances when he made a string of blunders.

It is in attack where Redknapp's men have struggled in the last few weeks as Spurs have gone three league matches at home without scoring.

They head to West Brom this weekend with Luka Modric set to continue supporting a lone striker as Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko have struggled to form a partnership.

It has led to Spurs having a bid for West Ham's Craig Bellamy turned down just before Christmas.

"Bent and Pavlyuchenko were £30million and that is a lot of money to spend on two strikers and then say they can't play together," Redknapp said.

"I'm left with that problem and whether they can, I don't know."

Even though Redknapp wants a striker, he will continue fielding Modric in his free role.

"There is a shortage of quality players around the world and when you have one you have to keep hold of him and find a way of getting the best out of him," the Spurs boss added.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Woodgate believes a big team could get relegated from the Barclays Premier League this season - and he is determined to make sure it is not Spurs.

Woodgate is in the frame to return from a back injury to face West Brom when Spurs look to get closer towards mid-table.

The 28-year-old said: "The league is so tight, teams are beating each other all the time and no-one has any real form apart from the top five or six and even they have shown they can drop points.

"The rest have all been a bit inconsistent and it looks like a big team can go down, so we have to make sure it is not us and keep picking up victories."