Transfer news: Jermain Defoe next target for QPR as Harry Redknapp closes on Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker
Rangers' boss wants to bring his former players to Loftus Road and has said they will be crucial if the club are to return to the Premier League
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Your support makes all the difference.Harry Redknapp is closing in on the signing of Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker and has also increased his interest in his former striker Jermain Defoe.
The Queens Park Rangers manager has made no secret of his desire to bring Parker to Loftus Road, having signed the midfielder during his tenure at White Hart Lane. Parker is believed to have passed a medical with the club and the announcement of his capture will be announced in the next 24 hours.
Should the deal be completed, he will become Rangers’ sixth signing of the summer following Danny Simpson, Richard Dunne, Karl Henry, Charlie Austin and Gary O’Neil in joining the club as Redknapp attempts to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
QPR offloaded high-earning Christopher Samba for £12m as well as getting Adel Taraabt and Loic Remy off their wage bill which has funded all the acquisitions so far as well as the proposed moves for Parker and striker Duvan Zapata, whose transfer depends on a work permit hearing later this week.
It represents a successful spell of business for the club who have been criticised in the past for their transfer policy, but Redknapp is hopeful that the Parker deal will boost the squad with his character and experience a key factor.
“We’re hopeful of getting Scotty signed soon,” admitted Redknapp. “He’s a great lad and will be a really good signing for us.
“He’s a player that can do a job for us in the Championship and it’s important to have someone like him around the dressing room.”
Once completed, Redknapp can press forward in his attempt to talk Defoe into dropping down a league despite the 2014 World Cup coming at the end of the season.
Defoe is likely to cost around £6m, and Spurs are willing to let the striker go after they signed Roberto Soldado for £26m and maintain interest in Roma striker Erik Lamela.
The England striker is currently on £65,000-a-week and he is unlikely to want to risk his inclusion in Roy Hodgson’s squad with the move, but he could consult the England boss whether it would have a major impact on his chances during his time with Hodgson this week ahead of tonight's friendly with Scotland.
Redknapp has already admitted his interest in Defoe and says he would be crucial to Rangers’ chances of securing an immediate return, but he must get the ok from owner Tony Fernandes before he tables an opening offer.
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