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Jermain Defoe is at the centre of a boardroom split at QPR over Harry Redknapp’s bid to sign him in January.

Redknapp has confirmed he is keen to revive his summer move for the 32-year-old FC Toronto marksman to help shoulder the goalscoring burden.

Senior figures in the boardroom, however, are firmly against it and want chairman Tony Fernandes to veto the move.

Redknapp, who worked with Defoe at Spurs and Portsmouth, admitted the final decision rests with Fernandes. He said: “Jermain is a player we are interested in.

“I still think he’ll score goals if he gets the chances. But it comes down to what the deal is and that’s where the chairman will decide if it’s a deal worth doing.”

Defoe is keen to come back to the Premier League and has insisted he is still hungry to score enough goals to shoot him back into the England picture.

It is understood, however, that those opposing the move fear Defoe’s age counts against him and that Fernandes, a big fan, would be carried away by the England striker’s past achievements.

It is similar to the concerns expressed ahead of Redknapp’s move for defender Rio Ferdinand in August. At the time, club sources felt the 35-year-old would not represent value for money despite his willingness to take a substantial pay cut.

(Image: Rex)

Rangers are now actively seeking new centre-backs ahead of the January transfer window and are prepared to offload Ferdinand who admits he may hang up his boots at the end of the season anyway.

Redknapp added: “We tried to sign Jermain in the summer but it couldn’t be done so we will have to wait and see on that one.”

Asked about the terms of a potential deal, Redknapp said: “I wouldn’t know. Only the chairman will deal with that, I wouldn’t be involved in that side. I wouldn’t know if anywhere where we are with him.”

On top of Defoe’s wages, QPR would have to pay a transfer fee to FC Toronto, who paid Spurs around £6million for the striker when the deal was originally agreed around a year ago.

Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment Limited, owners of FC Toronto, are insistent that they will not allow Defoe to leave without being compensated.

President Tim Leiweke said: “We own his contract. We’re not going to give him away. And so we’re in a good spot. “The one thing I can promise our fans — one way or another, this will end well for TFC. I guarantee it.”