Jermain Defoe wants to rejoin Tottenham - and escape Pompey death threats

Jermain Defoe is determined to end his brief love affair with Portsmouth and be reunited with mentor Harry Redknapp at Tottenham.

While Portsmouth and Spurs remain in dispute about Defoe's transfer value, the England striker has explained for the first time why he has placed White Hart Lane at the top of his list of career opportunities - even though other clubs like Juventus are pursuing his signature.

And has also revealed the way the Pompey hate mob have issued death threats against him as they prepare for his departure.

Defoe said:"If Portsmouth can agree an acceptable deal with Tottenham I would like the opportunity to talk to them.

"I've enjoyed my time immensely here, but I can't deny that Harry Redknapp's departure as manager hit me hard particularly because he was the primary reason why I joined Portsmouth in the first place and said so at the time."

Defoe is quick to deny the appointment of Redknapp's former assistant, Tony Adams, as manager has hastened his decision to seek a move.

Heinsisted: "It has absolutely nothing to do with it. I have a great deal of respect for Tony Adams and what he's trying to achieve. We have a very good working relationship.

"But I left Tottenham to join Portsmouth with the intention of working with Harry for a considerable time to come.

"So it was obviously a big blow when he left and particularly when he went back to my former club. I could have gone to other clubs when I left Tottenham but I wanted to work with Harry.

"I always said that if I got regular first team football I'd repay him with goals and I've delivered on that promise.

"And I enjoy being around him because he brings the best out of me and that is all you can ask for from a manager."

Defoe has become a Pompey hero in his year at Fratton Park following his £9million recruitment from Spurs.

That'swhythe threats of the hate mob have disgustedhim.

He said: "I have absolutely no idea how they got hold of my number but some of the calls have made me feel sick to my stomach.

"Ihave reported it to officials at the club, but cannot accept that it is coming from people with a balanced state of mind.

It has infuriated and upset my family and left me wondering whatonearthpossesses people to do things like that."

Defoe doesn't deny the financial uncertainty around the club hasn't helped.

Herevealed: "A year ago players were falling over themselves to join Portsmouth. I know because enough of them were calling me.

"I accept the financial situation isn't good for a lot of clubs but when you start to see players like Sulley Muntari and Lassana Diarra leaving you start to worry about the effect it is going to have on the team and who is going to be next out the door."

Whathas upset Defoe, in light of his decision to ask for a move, is a backlash from a minority group of sick people who have made threats against his life.

Defoe's desire to leave will not come to fruition unless Tottenham or any other club meet Pompey's valuation.

Chairman Peter Storrie said: "Whileweaccept that Jermain wants to leave, we are under no financial pressure to sell him.

"And unless someone comes up with a price that we feel reflects his status in the game he is going absolutely nowhere.

"He is an exceptional player and we don't particularly want to lose him.

"But I'll make it quite clear that no one is going to make us sell him."

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