Defoe said to be hopeful of QPR move as speculation over striker continues

Jermain Defoe returning to London has prompted more speculation about QPR’s interest in the former England striker.

Defoe, 32, played under Rangers boss Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth and Tottenham and is keen to end an unhappy spell at FC Toronto.

QPR were unable to agree his release from the Major League Soccer outfit in the final hours of the previous transfer window.

Tony Fernandes is an admirer of the player, was desperate to complete the deal and has long expected to sign Defoe in January.

But it has recently been claimed that Redknapp needs to convince R’s chairman Fernandes to bring Defoe to Loftus Road.

The Daily Telegraph reckon this is the case, reporting that Redknapp faces a battle to persuade Fernandes and that Toronto will demand a transfer fee.

The Daily Mirror, meanwhile, say Defoe is hopeful he can sort out a move to QPR and has discussed terms.

Leicester have also been linked with Defoe, who cost Toronto around £6m when he joined them from Spurs.

Toronto want to recoup as much of the fee as possible, according to the Daily Mail, which believes Fernandes is keeping a tighter rein on Rangers’ finances.

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