Redknapp's new lifeline at Spurs

Jamie Redknapp has five games to earn himself another two-year contract with Tottenham.

Redknapp will trigger a further two-year deal if he plays in all the club's remaining matches.

If not, then Spurs will not take up their option on the former Liverpool and England midfielder who could link up next season with his father Harry at Portsmouth.

Standard Sport understands that Redknapp signed a two-year contract when he joined from Liverpool on a free transfer in July 2002, with another possible two-year option.

That clause is triggered automatically if Redknapp played a specified number of games in his first two seasons.

However, his Spurs career has been blighted by long-term injuries and he has so far failed to reach the required target.

A spokesman for Spurs said: "No decisions have been made on any players."

Redknapp missed four months of last season with a broken foot and has had more surgery on a long-standing knee problem this campaign.

It is understood the decision to release him, should he not reach the target, has already been taken by the board and the player has already been informed.