QPR manager Harry Redknapp today revealed he wants to sign Carlton Cole if West Ham decide not to extend his contract this month.

Cole agreed a three-month deal to return to Upton Park in October and West Ham have yet to confirm if they will give him an extension.

The 30-year-old has begun to make an impact for Sam Allardyce’s side, who are currently second bottom in the Premier League, having scored three times in the top flight.

Redknapp wants to bring him to Loftus Road though to add competition to his current strike force in the Championship of Charlie Austin, Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson, especially as the last two have struggled for fitness.

He said: "It's difficult as he belongs to West Ham still. Sam Allardyce has his own problems with injuries and everything there.

"Carlton is a good player and I like him. He is one of many players we are looking at but if West Ham decide to keep him it can't happen.

"I'm looking for a proven goalscorer and someone who can come in and do the job. You need three or four strikers. That is the key. Leicester have got four strikers and someone told me they might be taking [Crystal Palace forward] Kevin Phillips. That would give them five.

"You need strikers. You can take two off and bring two on and you have got options. When you're struggling with one it's difficult.

"Tony [Fernandes, QPR chairman] will get on the phone with Philip [Beard, QPR chief executive] and they will do the deals if there are any to be done. I'll leave it to them really."