Reports: QPR board split over Defoe and Mourinho faces backlash

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There is more speculation about Jermain Defoe today ahead of his anticipated move to QPR.

Rangers have been planning to sign the former Tottenham striker in January since being unable to agree his release from FC Toronto during the final hours of the previous transfer window.

The Daily Mirror reports that the proposed deal has caused a boardroom split, with chairman Tony Fernandes a huge fan of Defoe and senior figures at the club hoping to persuade him not to go ahead with the signing.

Earlier this week the Mirror claimed that manager Harry Redknapp needed to persuade Fernandes to bring Defoe in.

It is suggested in the Daily Mail that Defoe’s mother has been a big influence on the 32-year-old’s determination to leave Canada only one season into a four-year contract.

Related West London Sport story: Harry denies QPR have sealed Defoe deal

Rangers expect to sign Defoe when the transfer window reopens
Rangers expect to sign Defoe when the transfer window reopens

The Mail also say Charlie Austin is on the verge of an England call-up.

It comes after England boss Roy Hodgson confirmed that the QPR striker is one of several players he is monitoring.

“I think Charlie Austin is doing very well at QPR an he’s a player we have our eyes on,” Hodgson said.

Meanwhile, the Mirror claim Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho faces a backlash from Blues fans after praising QPR supporters.

Redknapp said Mourinho described Rangers’ support during Saturday’s west London derby at Stamford Bridge as “incredible”.

And The Sun reports that Middlesbrough are confident they will be able to keep on-loan Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford for the rest of the season.

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