TORONTO — The manager of the British soccer team Queens Park Rangers is playing down reports he is trying to acquire Toronto FC star Jermain Defoe during the January transfer window. The Rangers’ Harry Redknapp also denies he’s looking to acquire the Los Angeles Galaxy star Robbie Keane.

Defoe and Keane have played for Redknapp in the past.

“We’ve not made an inquiry for Robbie Keane. I’ve not spoken to Jermain Defoe either,” Redknapp told Sky Sports News in England.

“Robbie’s an amazing footballer, one of the best professionals I’ve come across. He’s gone over there and been the best player in the league, he hasn’t gone there for a holiday but he belongs to the L.A. Galaxy and is the star man of their team and league. We’ve never made an inquiry about him. They wouldn’t let him go.

“I’ve never spoken to Jermain. I asked about him in the summer, but he was too expensive and the club wouldn’t let him go anyway. He’s a top player.”

The Queen’s Park Rangers (4-9-2) currently stand 17th in the Premier League, just one spot ahead of the drop zone.

Reports have suggested QPR is interested in bringing Keane in on loan during the MLS off-season. Defoe’s future in Toronto has been under a cloud since the MLS club turned down a franchise-record transfer offer in the summer.

Defoe is currently recovering from surgery to repair a groin injury.

More on thestar.com

QPR confirms interest in Toronto FC’s Jermain Defoe

Toronto FC freezes prices for season ticket-holders

More ‘men’ needed for TFC to compete Bradley says Toronto FC

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Read more about: