Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe said yesterday he had received threats from Portsmouth fans furious about him seeking a return to Tottenham Hotspur one year after leaving the club.

The 26-year-old England striker told the Sunday Mirror: "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.

"I have 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 what on earth possesses people to do things like that."

Defoe also told the newspaper he would like to play again for manager Harry Redknapp, who left Portsmouth for Premier League rivals Spurs in October.

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

"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.

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

Tottenham are not the only club interested in Defoe who, according to the Mirror, was the subject of a £20 million ($28.87 million) bid from Juventus while Manchester City have also been linked with the player.