Kranjcar reveals Everton snub

Carl Markham,Pa
Wednesday 02 September 2009 05:30 EDT
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New Tottenham signing Niko Kranjcar claims he turned down a move to Everton to be re-united with former manager Harry Redknapp.

The Croatia midfielder made a transfer deadline day from Portsmouth to team up with Redknapp and ex-Pompey team-mates Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch and compatriots Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka.

Asked whether Everton had bid for him, the 25-year-old reportedly told Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List: "This is true.

"Everton is also a big club but, in the end, the tradition and greatness of Tottenham made the difference.

"I also knew manager Harry Redknapp, and Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka told me great things about the club."

Kranjcar has signed a four-year deal at White Hart Lane for a fee in the region of £2.5million.

Initially he will probably replace playmaker Modric, who is likely to be out for two months with a broken leg, but can operate anywhere in midfield.

Kranjcar admitted the chance of winning silverware was also significant motivation in moving to White Hart Lane, coupled with major changes at Pompey which had seen a number of players leave prior to the takeover by Sulaiman Al Fahim's takeover.

"Now I will play for a club with big ambitions - ambitions which are similar to mine," he added.

"I want to fight for trophies and I'm sure that at Tottenham I will get this chance, which I didn't at Portsmouth.

"So for me this is a big step ahead in my career. If everything at Fratton Park would stay the same as before, I wouldn't push so much for the move.

"But the ambitions were gone, the president wasn't able to give so much money as before, players are leaving the club.

"I just didn't want to stay in such a club."

Redknapp was delighted to be able to bring Kranjcar to the club.

"I know him from working with him and it is terrific to have him," he said.

"I've got two Croatians here who are fantastic professionals.

"Niko is a terrific footballer, a real Tottenham-type player. He'll do well here.

"He was in the last year of his contract and it was a decent deal for him, so both clubs are happy."

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