Redknapp unsure over Adebayor future

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admits Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor's long-term future at White Hart Lane is still uncertain.

Adebayor has scored 14 goals since arriving on loan from Manchester City at the start of the season and Redknapp credits the 28-year-old as a key figure in his side's impressive form this term.

It is believed Adebayor is keen to stay at Tottenham on a permanent basis, but Redknapp knows the former Arsenal star's reported weekly wage of £170,000 could prove a big stumbling block in negotiations.

"He scored two goals last week against Swansea and he has been excellent, but whether it's possible to do a deal, I wouldn't be sure," Redknapp said.

"Manu is on loan at the moment and that's where we're at.

"The chairman will deal with (any negotiations) at the end of this season. I wouldn't have a clue whether (a permanent transfer) is a possibility or not."

Some reports claim City's players want Adebayor back next season to add a different dimension to their forward line.

But Redknapp doubts that will happen as the player had a difficult relationship with boss Roberto Mancini, who has a wealth of other attacking options.

"His future doesn't seem to be there," Redknapp added. "He probably needs to move on.

"City have just gone through a dicky little spell recently but they have lots of good strikers there.

"If you look at the quality they have up front, they are full of top players."

Redknapp will need Adebayor on peak form when Spurs travel to Sunderland on Saturday.

The north London club is currently five points ahead of Chelsea and Newcastle in the race to secure Champions League qualification, but Redknapp knows that advantage could be cut over the busy Easter programme.

Spurs are without an away league win in 2012, their last victory on the road coming at Norwich on December 27, and Redknapp is keen to end that run at the Stadium of Light.

"Last week we had a good week, beating Bolton in the FA Cup and beating Swansea and drawing at Chelsea in the league, so we are in good form again," he said.

"We can't afford to drop too many points, though, because Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle are all right there.

"It will be a right dog fight until the end so we have to go up there and make sure we get the right result.

"Sunderland had a great result drawing at Manchester City last weekend and it will be a difficult game but we have to keep going."