Philip Oliver, who blogs about football betting at Betfair, has sent us this item:- (The views are those of the author, but not necessarily the webmaster)

They say never go back, but Jermain Defoe has. Despite all the rumours suggesting Robbie Keane was to return to White Hart Lane, it is actually another popular diminutive striker who will recommence his love affair with the Tottenham fans.

However nice it was to imagine Keane returning at a quarter of his sale price six months after his departure, Defoe’s repurchase was always more viable.

Keane had his head turned by Liverpool’s surprise interest; Defoe departed only in a desperate search for first team action. Even then his only likely destination was where Harry Redknapp was. It does not need to be said that Defoe left the Lane with a heavy heart.

This is proved by his return 12 months after he left in a transfer which also reveals just how strong the bond is between Redknapp and his protégé. Defoe agitated for a move away from Fratton Park just to get Redknapp’s attention, just as he did this time last year.

Harry again duly obliged and there is every reason to think that Defoe will be even more productive this time around – he is reunited with his favoured club, manager and fans and must have a strong hunger to succeed at a club that must hold some bad memories as well as good.

Spurs are rumoured to be £6m to £8m down on the two Defoe transfers, although the sums are complicated by fees Pompey owe us for Younes Kaboul and Pedro Mendes. Regardless, the fans should be happy that a goal-shy team now has the services of perhaps the best finisher in the division.

The recent lack of goals has really been down to poor service and ponderous link-up play and there might be some who doubt whether an out-and-out striker was the main priority. Indeed, a winger or playmaker can be expected to arrive before the window shuts.

However, Defoe brings goals to every team and will benefit from Redknapp’s proven record in assembling strike partnerships.

Defoe enjoyed his best Spurs and West Ham days with Frederic Kanouté alongside him and perhaps Harry sees Defoe as the man to bring the best out of Roman Pavlyuchenko, another imposing but skilful forward who can be frustrating on his off-days.

So everything is in place for Defoe to advance his career from one of near-misses (his move to Pompey saw him miss out on both Carling and FA Cup winner medals and fail to tie down an England place). All he had to was to go back to where he belongs.

Written by Philip Oliver, a Tottenham Hotspur fan and a professional sports writer who blogs about football betting at Betfair.