However, no sooner had Redknapp dismissed links with the striker than Crespo turned down the chance to return to England.

“Would I go back to the Premier League? No, I’ve done my bit.” he said.

“If have to consider what has happened overall, I’d say that if given the chance to leave Inter in the summer then I would have gone. I really doubt I’ll quit mid-season, though.

“I think that I can end the campaign better than in the last six months, that is what I hope for. I work every day to work hard and improve so I can find space in the side.”

Redknapp wants to add a target man to the Tottenham attack after becoming unconvinced of the quality of his current forwards, Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Adriano was viewed as the perfect foil for Jermaine Defoe, though tentative inquiries have come to nothing over the big Brazilian, and the manager is now considering other options.

Crespo, who has proven Premier League experience, even if his time at Stamford Bridge was only a qualified success, was seen to be out of favour with Inter manager Jose Mourinho

It is understood that he would be available on loan until the end of the season, when he would become a free agent.