Redknapp's priority at the moment is for cover at centre-back but he is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and the club have made an inquiry to Real Madrid about Lassana Diarra.

He feels Vieira would add quality to his midfield and has no reservations over the 33-year-old spending almost a decade at the club's rivals.

"I'm still interested in Patrick, I would like him," Redknapp said after last night's friendly 1-1 draw against Barcelona at Wembley. "What's he done wrong, he hasn't killed anyone, he's just a great player who played for Arsenal.

"If he wants to come to Tottenham it shows you about his character. He wants to come and play, he's a fantastic player and wants to play here."

Redknapp is also still interested in Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, adding: "We are interested in him but the whole deal is expensive. We feel it is more than we want to spend."

Jake Livermore, after signing a new contract with the club earlier in the day, grabbed the equaliser against Barca after Bojan Krkic had opened the scoring.

The European champions fielded a team of reserves and youngsters but gave Spurs a massive test with their passing.

"It's very difficult to play under that pressure - anyone can play when given time," he added. "I should have had my youth team here to watch.

"The whole club is a credit to football. People will only talk about their passing but I saw the other side of their game."

Redknapp auditioned Vedran Corluka, Tom Huddlestone, Pascal Chimbonda and Dorian Dervite at centre-back as Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Jonathan Woodgate are sidelined.

"I haven't got a lot of options," Redknapp added. "It was difficult with the movement they had to deal with.

"It was a different system, unlike a team from England when they would have a big centre-forward to play against."