Redknapp took the England international from Spurs to Pompey last January during his spell in the Fratton Park hot-seat.

But despite heading in the opposite direction himself in October, Redknapp has not approached the south coast club over a potential return to White Hart Lane for Defoe.

Portsmouth are believed to be willing to sell players because of cash problems, but the likely departure of Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid for £24million should help them keep star assets like Defoe and Peter Crouch.

Redknapp is a big fan of most of Pompey's players, but is not likely to be raiding them next month.

"We haven't made an offer for Jermain. I do like Jermain but there are a lot of players at Portsmouth I like. They have a great squad of players there," he said.