Barry Fry ‘offered keeper Joe Lewis to Spurs’
Harry Redknapp reveals Posh boss gave him first refusal on talented youngster Joe Lewis
HARRY Redknapp has revealed Peterborough director of football Barry Fry used the third round FA Cup tie at the Lane on Saturday to try and flog him goalkeeper Joe Lewis. Lewis, who turned in a man-of-the-match performance against Spurs, is now on Redknapp’s radar as he searches for back-up for first-choice keeper Heurelho Gomes. Redknapp said that after the game Fry used Lewis’s superb performance to talk up a possible transfer fee. He said: “Barry said to me after the match I could have first refusal on the lad. He said, ‘Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United want him, but if you’re interested in him I’ll give you the first opportunity.’ “The keeper did well and I’ve seen him a few times – but that’s all.” Lewis, 22, was a £500,000 signing from Norwich. Redknapp has also been linked with a move for David James, but chairman Daniel Levy is wary of paying a £1million fee for a 40-year-old. Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara has said he doesn’t want to come back from his loan at Portsmouth this month if he’s going to simply sit on the bench. “I’m enjoying my football so obviously I don’t want to go back and not play,” he said. “I don’t know what the whole situation is so I’m just trying to wait and see what happens – hopefully something can get sorted out.” O’Hara has been on a six-month loan with the struggling south-coast side but may be forced to return to the Lane as Pompey are subjected to a transfer embargo due to their on-going financial difficulties. DAN CARRIER