Jermain Defoe’s proposed return to Tottenham Hotspur from Portsmouth appeared to be faltering last night. Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham and former Portsmouth manager, said that the Barclays Premier League clubs were “miles apart” in their valuation of the England striker.

Speaking after Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Wigan Athletic in their FA Cup third-round tie at White Hart Lane, Redknapp confirmed that Daniel Levy, his chairman, had met with Peter Storrie, the Portsmouth executive chairman, yesterday. However, the negotiations did not go well.

“I don’t think the move will happen,” Redknapp said. “The clubs are miles apart in their valuations so it looks like we will have to look elsewhere.” Asked what size of fee Portsmouth were asking for, Redknapp replied: “I don’t really know. Probably in excess of £20 million.”

Redknapp also denied claims made by Gareth Southgate, the Middlesbrough manager, that Tottenham had unsettled Stewart Downing, their winger. “I spoke with Gareth to ask if Stewart was for sale,” Redknapp said. “He said, ‘No’ and so that’s the end of that one. I said, ‘Fine.’ ”

Rumours of a return to White Hart Lane for Defoe were heightened by news that he would not play against Bristol City at Fratton Park in the FA Cup third round today. He has been struck down by flu meaning that he will not be cup-tied should a move to Tottenham take place. Portsmouth sent a member of medical staff to Defoe’s home in Hertfordshire, but were at pains to point out that this is standard procedure and not them checking whether he was throwing a sickie. “I trust him and have a good relationship with him,” Tony Adams, the Portsmouth manager, said.

Adams is under no illusions about Defoe’s desire to leave Fratton Park, with Tottenham, the club he left 11 months ago to join Portsmouth, his preferred destination. However, Aston Villa and Manchester City are also interested.

“Peter Storrie \ had a meeting with him last Wednesday, which I sat in on, and Jermain expressed a desire to leave,” Adams said. “I think Peter is talking to a few clubs about him but the final decision will be mine and I have a price in mind of what I think he is worth.”

Yesterday Storrie was talking up the club’s position. “The club is not in any financial difficulty,” he said. “Having sold Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid \, we do not have to sell more players. Should we sell Jermain it will be at the right price. Spurs are clearly interested but if they want him, they will have to match our valuation. It will be on our terms.”