Harry Redknapp believes Tottenham Hotspur have a realistic chance of challenging for the Premier League title this season.

The Spurs manager has added only the Brazilian midfielder Sandro Ranieri to his first-team squad but expects his side to build on last season's fourth place.

"I feel we could contend for the title. We have got the players here," he said. "We have to aim for it. We could win the championship."

"Last year we went in saying we wanted to finish in the top four and if you don't aim for things, you have no chance."

Redknapp, whose Tottenham side play New York Red Bulls in the early hours of tomorrow morning, said he would have to strengthen his squad if they are to make a lasting impression in the Champions League this term.

Spurs are yet to seal a place in the tournament's group stages, with a two-leg qualifier following shortly after their home match with Manchester City on 14 August.

"The Champions League is massive – forget budgets – we just want to be there," Redknapp said. "If we can get into the group stages we can make an impact. We have good players – some fantastic ones at our club. And they can get better.

"We are going to have to rotate at times – we cannot play the best players all the time. I feel that, if we can bring one or two players in, it will make a difference."

Redknapp said he is continuing to look to make high-profile signings despite missing out on Joe Cole, who has joined Liverpool.

"We are disappointed to miss out on Joe Cole because he was a great free transfer and he must have had a better offer from Liverpool.

"I spoke to him a month ago and I thought he was coming here. He wanted to come to Tottenham. He had made his mind up – I had no doubt about that. But a month went by and Liverpool moved in."