Leon Britton will not 'take the money' at Swansea - Redknapp

Leon Britton first joined Swansea City in 2002

Leon Britton will not "take the money and not play" at Swansea City, according to former West Ham, Tottenham and QPR manager Harry Redknapp.

The midfielder, 32, chose not to travel on the Premier League club's pre-season tour to Germany because his time on the pitch would be limited.

That gave the clearest indication yet that Britton could be about to move on.

"Time and tide waits for no man. If he wants to play regularly [Britton may have to leave Swansea]," Redknapp said.

Britton suffered from injury early last season and after returning to fitness found Jack Cork, Ki Sung Yueng and Jonjo Shelvey ahead of him in the Swansea midfield.

The Welsh club also have Matt Grimes and Jay Fulton rising through the ranks and that could persuade Britton to end his 13-year association with the Swans.

Britton has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer in America, where Redknapp played when he joined Seattle in 1976.

Redknapp thinks it would be a move that would appeal to Britton: "I would think he'd enjoy it, it'd be a great experience for him.

"The Robbie Keanes and people like that have gone out there and done amazing, got a great lifestyle, they really appreciate you out there.

"For the last couple of years of his career I'm sure he'd enjoy it, but I really don't know what he's got planned.

Harry Redknapp has managed clubs including West Ham, Tottenham, QPR and Bournemouth

"If that's what he's looking to do then full credit to him for that because he's not just a lad who's going to sit around, take the money and not play."

Whilst the first team play a friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Wednesday, Britton is set to feature for the U21s as they take on Wrexham.

"Maybe Garry's [Swansea manager Monk] looking to change things," Redknapp added.

"Garry would have great feelings towards Leon having played with him and knows him as well as anyone I suppose, but that's football.

"The [Steven] Gerrards, the [Frank] Lampards they all move on one day and who can question anything that Garry Monk does at Swansea. He came in last year and did an incredible job.

"But whether it's at Swansea or whenever, whoever he [Britton] plays for is going to get a fantastic professional.

"He's been through it all with Swansea, nearly going out of the Football League then coming back to the Premier League, the top level and running games."

Redknapp, who paid a then record fee for a 16-year-old to bring Britton to West Ham in 1998, believes it is sad that his time at Swansea could be coming to an end, but still thinks he is capable of contributing at the top level.

"When I was at Tottenham, he was the one we were most concerned about because everything came through him," Redknapp said.

"Just look at his stats, he never gives the ball away."