Former Arsenal ace rules out move to Tottenham

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will have to switch his attentions to another striker after Julio Baptista ruled out a move to White Hart Lane in January.

Redknapp is keen to strengthen his forward line and reports in Italy suggested he was lining up a swap deal for Baptista with Roman Pavlyuchenko heading in the opposite direction.

Baptista is keen to get his career back on track following a disappointing spell with Arsenal back in 2007 and still believes he can compete at the highest level.

Pavlyuchenko has also struggled to cement his place in the Tottenham side and with Jermain Defoe now back from injury, he is struggling to get back in the team.

But Baptista's agent Herminio Menendez has ruled out any chance of the Brazilian forward heading back to north London in the New Year.

Menendez said: "There are a number of European clubs, but Tottenham is not one of them.

"The future of the player depends on Roma and we will decide what is the best option for his career."