Carlton Cole: Harry Redknapp wants West Ham striker at QPR

QPR manager Harry Redknapp would be interested in signing Carlton Cole if West Ham do not renew his contract.

The 30-year-old striker's deal at Upton Park expires this month.

"It's difficult as he belongs to West Ham still. Sam Allardyce has his own problems with injuries and everything there," Redknapp told BBC London 94.9.

"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."

Cole rejoined the Premier League club on a three-month deal in mid-October and has scored three goals in 12 appearances for the Hammers.

Redknapp is eager to bolster his forward options in the transfer window, with just three senior strikers currently on the books at Loftus Road.

Charlie Austin has often been deployed as a lone frontman this season as Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora have struggled for fitness.

Since joining from Burnley in August, Austin has scored 11 league goals but Rangers have struggled to find the net in the Championship.

QPR have scored 26 goals in their 24 games but only seven clubs in the division have scored fewer - with five of those seven teams in the bottom six.

The west London side's promotion push has been based on their mean defence, which has been breached only 14 times, and Redknapp is adamant they will bring in another striker.

"I'm looking for a proven goalscorer and someone who can come in and do the job," he said.

"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."