‘I Think Baines can Take Tottenham to the Next Level’

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp should try and sign Everton's Leighton Baines, according to Stan Collymore.

The ex-footballer turned pundit believes the diminutive Everton fullback, who is England's second choice left-back behind Ashley Cole, has the ability to improve Tottenham even further.

Collymore suggests Benoit Assou-Ekotto is enjoying a decent season at White Hart Lane, but intimates Tottenham would improve dramatically with Baines as left-back in Redknapp's side.

Tottenham are the in-form team in the Premier League at the moment and have earned plenty of praise for their scintillating brand of football. Harry Redknapp's side are maintaining the pace with the two Manchester clubs and many believes Spurs are ready to mount a credible Premier League title challenge.

Although Redknapp recently suggested Tottenham were not actively pursuing transfer targets, he intimated Spurs would be open to the prospect of bringing in new players if the correct target comes available. While Baines does not fit that category due to Everton's desire to retain their star defender, Collymore believes the 27-year-old would be an ideal candidate for Spurs should they wish to improve their already impressive squad.

"Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will have been monitoring the market, and could well let one of Jermain Defoe or Roman Pavlyuchenko leave." Collymore told The People newspaper prior to Spurs' match against West Brom.

"If that happens, he'll snap up a new frontman immediately - but I'd like to see them get Leighton Baines.

"Benoit Assou-Ekotto has had a good season at left-back, but I think Baines can take Tottenham to the next level."

Tottenham are just three points behind United with a game in hand following the Red Devils' chastening 3-0 loss at St James Park on Wednesday night. Spurs host Everton at White Hart Lane on Wednesday 11.