The David James to Tottenham Hotspur rumour appears to be in full flow, with the Portsmouth goalkeeper saying it would help prolong his international career.

Harry Redknapp, the Spurs manager, worked with James at Fratton Park and is said to be keen to take him to White Hart Lane in the January transfer window.

With Carlo Cudicini out for the rest of the season, Redknapp only has one senior keeper - the erratic Brazilian Heurelho Gomes - to call upon.

Portsmouth are in financial problems, having been unable to pay players on time, and are on their third owners of the season. James, 39, has played no part in their recent revival under Avram Grant as he has a calf injury. 

Despite his injury problems, Redknapp appears keen and James made it clear he would be happy to join the London side.

"You could say that I'm flattered by a team of Tottenham's stature and that it would be good for my England chances to join an upwardly-mobile club," he told the Sunday Telegraph.

"You have to focus on where you are, and I want to help Portsmouth to climb the table. The departure of so many players from the club last summer was a great pity. When half of the team disperse, you feel a bit cheated."