"I went and watched him a few times last year and I was always impressed with him," Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"He can play wide right, he gives you pace, strength, he can play through the middle and he's lightning quick."

Utaka first shined in the Egyptian League where he had two spells with Arab Contractors and Ismaili.

After a successful year with Contractors, Utaka joined Ismaili in 1999 where he enjoyed two outstanding seasons and became a fans' favorite although the Dervishes failed to win any trophy.

The 25-year-old talented forward scored 17 goals in his first season with Ismaili to become the first African ever to finish the league as top scorer.

Utaka moved to Qatari side Al-Sad in 2001 before beginning his adventure in French Ligue 1 in 2003 after joining Lens.

In 2005, he joined Rennes but struggled to hold down a regular place in their squad before he took advantage of Alexander Frei's absence due to injury to impress and make a notable impact.