QPR manager Harry Redknapp has expressed his interest in signing Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe during the upcoming January transfer window. Both the manager and player are familiar with each other from their time at Portsmouth and Tottenham.

“He’s a player we’d be interested in in January, but it depends on the expense of the deal,” Redknapp said. “Nothing is anywhere hear being concluded. We tried to get him before the deadline but I don’t think there’s been any movement on that one.”

“I’m a big fan of Jermain – I’ve signed him enough times. He’s a goalscorer and a player you obviously like at your club if possible, but the figures would have to be right. I haven’t spoken to the chairman about it yet. We’ll see. I know what we need.”

It had previously been speculated that a deal for the striker was already in place between QPR and the MLS club, but it appears those reports were premature. Though what can be taken from the QPR boss’ public admission of interest in Defoe is that preliminary talks have begun between the parties and a reunion between Redknapp and the striker is in the cards.

Defoe, who has scored 19 goals in 55 appearances for England, came close to moving to Loftus Road in the summer before being lured away to Toronto. The 32-year-old’s first season with the MLS side only produced 11 goals and two assists in 17 appearances.

The England international scored a combined 106 goals in 307 appearances while playing for Portsmouth and Tottenham between 2004-2014.

[Harry Redknapp’s full pre-match press conference prior to this weekend’s encounter with Manchester City]