Gareth Bale staying at Spurs, says Harry Redknapp

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insisted on Friday that Gareth Bale was happy at the club amid reports that the Welsh winger was being targeted for a summer move by Spanish giants Barcelona.

Barcelona are reported to have identified the 22-year-old as their top transfer target, with scouts from the club having watched the highly rated midfielder on several occasions this season.

Redknapp was adamant that any move for Bale would be met with resistance but joked he could be tempted into a deal if the Catalans were prepared to make Lionel Messi available in return.

"No one has been in touch with us," Redknapp said.

"He is happy here with us at the moment. He is a fantastic player. He will be linked with every club because he is such a great player.

"I would like Lionel Messi. I will have a chat with the chairman about Lionel. I will see if he fancies coming to Tottenham!"

Meanwhile Redknapp said he was rooting for Chelsea as they attempted to reach the Champions League final at Barcelona's expense following their 1-0 win over the holders at Stamford Bridge this week.

But Redknapp admitted he had thought about the possibility that if Chelsea were to win the competition they could deny Spurs a place in next season's competition if they finished fourth.

"I'll be rooting for Chelsea. I haven't even thought about missing out on the Champions League if Chelsea win the whole thing.

"If Chelsea stay in it, they've got a Champions League Final to prepare for as well and that'll mean they've got a lot on their plate and I want to see an English team win it anyway."