Harry Redknapp is nearing the capture of Spartak Moscow’s Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. The 31-year old, who already has 80 caps for his country, will compete against Heurelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini for the No.1 goalkeeper’s spot at White Hart Lane. Pletikosa has been a permanent fixture in the Croatian line up for over five years now. He represented Croatia at the 2006 World Cup and in the 2008 European Championships. Pletikosa was close to joining Spurs last summer but a knee injury dealt a killing blow to his chances.
The signing of Pletikosa is seen as a precautionary measure with Spurs vying for honours in four competitions. At the end of last season, with both Gomes and Cudicini injured, Spurs had to play the inexperienced Ben Alnwick in goal. Redknapp would be hoping to avoid the same situation all over again.
Pletikosa becomes the fourth Croatian player at Spurs. Vedran Corluka, Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar played with great distinction for Spurs last season. Redknapp too has high regard for Croatian footballers. “I would say the best players I ever managed in my life have been Croatian boys,” Redknapp said. “They’re fantastic boys. I have had Igor Stimac, Slaven Bilic, Davor Suker. Fantastic footballers and all great guys.”
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