Spurs star calls on boss Harry Redknapp to show the same commitment

Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart is desperate for manager Harry Redknapp to sign a new deal with the club.

The Spurs boss has a year left on his contract and both he and chairman Daniel Levy can strike a hard bargain, heightening speculation that the former Southampton boss could leave.

And Van der Vaart, who insisted he was not going to leave the club himself, called on his manager to show that same commitment.

“Yeah, I think so,” Van der Vaart said. “He is doing a fantastic job, so I don’t see any problems.

“I think he’s going to sign a new contract - I hope so - and I think it’s also good for every team when they have a manager who’s there for many years. So I hope he stays.”

The 29-year-old Dutchman’s own future has been the subject of speculation, with the midfielder been linked with Schalke.

Asked if there was any chance of him leaving White Hart Lane, he said: “No, I don’t think so. There’s always interest.

“But I’m happy in England and I want to stay. In football, you never know, and that’s what I wanted to say and nothing more.”