Harry Redknapp denies Rafael van der Vaart rift

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has dismissed reports that he has fallen out with Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart.

The 28-year-old playmaker is said to be unhappy at his current position on the wing in place of Aaron Lennon while Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor forge a strong partnership up front.

Van der Vaart thinks that his best position is behind the striker but that isn't feasible while there are two starting forwards.

Redknapp has now spoken to the former Real Madrid man about the situation to clear the air. "Rafa came to see me and said to me he didn't know where all that rubbish came from," he explained.

"Rafa is a great lad. I've not got a problem with him. He is a bright, well-mannered, fantastic footballer.

"He played [on the wing] last year for us, probably seven or eight games and we had some great results. Some of our best results came that way."

Redknapp's side currently are currently sixth in the Premier League, seven points off the pace set by the Manchester clubs. The club travel to fourth-placed Newcastle on Sunday.