Spurs must wait for Jermain Defoe

Tottenham are still hopeful of re-signing Jermain Defoe from Portsmouth next month - but their chances could depend on whether Manchester City succeed in buying Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is desperate to sign another forward and reports this morning claimed the club have had a £30m combined bid for Defoe, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson rejected by Pompey.

Manchester City are looking to spend big in January and Defoe is also one of their targets - although he is behind Santa Cruz on their wish list.

It is understood City boss Mark Hughes will concentrate on getting Defoe if he fails to sign the Paraguayan international from Ewood Park.

Defoe has told close friends that he would prefer a return to White Hart Lane despite having only left them for Portsmouth in a £9m deal last January.

Spurs also want to sign Defoe's Portsmouth team-mate Crouch, but it is understood manager Tony Adams is prepared to let only one of his forwards go.

It is believed that Adams prefers Crouch to stay out of the two because he feels the former Liverpool striker can play a more significant role in helping Portsmouth stay in the Premier League, especially as he is not convinced Defoe provides much of a threat away from home.

Meanwhile, Gareth Bale will have the chance to finally kick-start his Spurs career in Friday's FA Cup tie against Wigan.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has preferred to use Benoit Assou-Ekotto at left-back, but the Cameroonian is suspended for four games and Bale will now be given the chance to impress.