Paul Merson: Jermain Defoe "perfect" for Queens Park Rangers

Paul Merson believes that Queens Park Rangers may regret not signing former England international Jermain Defoe.

The 32-year-old returned to the Premier League yesterday afternoon by joining Sunderland following a brief stint in the MLS with Toronto.

However, Merson has insisted that the R's are overly reliant on Charlie Austin and a result, the arrival of Defoe would have been "perfect" for Harry Redknapp's men.

"[QPR] can't keep relying on Charlie Austin all season. I think Defoe would have been perfect for them. They say it's an expensive deal, but sometimes you have to take a chance," the former Arsenal midfielder told Sky Sports News.

"With even more Premier League TV money next season, this is a bad time to get relegated. Spending a few million now on Defoe has got to be worth it."

Austin has scored 13 of QPR's 23 Premier League goals this term.