Redknapp sets sights on Spurs raid

Queens Park Rangers have joined Hull City in the fight for Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson, Football Express News understands.

A source close to Loftus Road told FEN they are ready to renew their long-standing interest in the former Nottingham Forest man, who is in danger of slipping down the pecking order under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp still intends to significantly strengthen his squad after leading them to promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking following a dramatic 1-0 win over Derby County in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

England international Dawson is no longer an automatic starter for Spurs and could face a fight for his future in north London following the summer arrival of Pochettino from Southampton and the expected acquisition of at least two new defenders.

The 30-year-old has only two years remaining on his current contract, with no sign of an imminent extension to the deal.

He came close to joining QPR two summers ago, but opted to remain at White Hart Lane in order to fight for his place in the side.

Hull are still monitoring the situation but should he join the ranks under Redknapp, he will almost certainly partner veteran Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the backline.