Redknapp managed Cole at West Ham

Harry Redknapp has revealed that new Liverpool signing Joe Cole had "wanted to come to Tottenham".

Cole, 28, joined the Reds on a free transfer this week after he was released by Chelsea in May.

"I spoke to him a month ago and I thought he was coming here," said Tottenham manager Redknapp, who managed the midfielder at West Ham.

"He wanted to come to Spurs. He'd made his mind up - I had no doubt. But a month went by and Liverpool moved in."

England international Cole signed a four-year deal with the Anfield club and will reportedly earn £90,000 per week.

606: DEBATE How well will Spurs do this season?

Meanwhile, Redknapp believes Tottenham could win the Premier League this season.

The 63-year-old helped Spurs to their highest Premier League finish last season, with fourth spot also guaranteeing the club a place in the Champions League.

"I feel we could contend for the title; we have got the players here," added Redknapp.

"We have to aim for it. We could win the championship.

"Last year, we went in saying we wanted to finish in the top four and if you don't aim for things, you have no chance."

However Redknapp, whose only signing of the summer so far is Brazilian midfielder Sandro, said he would need to strengthen the squad in order to challenge strongly on both European and domestic fronts.

I feel that, if we can bring one or two players in, it will make a difference Harry Redknapp

"The Champions League is massive - forget budgets - we just want to be there," stated Redknapp.

"If we can get into the group stages, we can make an impact. We have good players - some fantastic ones at our club. And they can get better.

"We are going to have to rotate at times - we cannot play the best players all the time. I feel that, if we can bring one or two players in, it will make a difference."

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