Defoe the real deal - Redknapp - Sport in brief

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Defoe suffered a foot injury in January and started working on his physique - then continued his gym sessions in pre-season, resulting in his explosive form at the start of the campaign.

"Jermain looks the real deal now," Redknapp said. "He's come back stronger this year and looks even quicker with the power he has built through working with the fitness coaches in the gym."

Redknapp has backed Defoe in his driving row with the police and has questioned the motives behind pulling over the striker.

Defoe was stopped three days after announcing he plans to sue Essex Police for wrongful arrest, with his solicitor suggesting there were "serious questions to answer".

Earlier in the summer Defoe was detained on suspicion of driving while disqualified but the ban was actually suspended pending appeal.

Redknapp said: "Why shouldn't any young boy, white or black, have a nice car? Good luck to them.

"The kid is driving a big car, why shouldn't he drive a big car? A black kid driving, so what? You wonder why he keeps getting stopped, what is the game? What has he done wrong? Nothing has he.

"I don't know why they keep stopping him. Anyone can own a big car in this world if you work for it. You don't need to wear a shirt and tie and work in an office, or work in the city to have a nice car."