Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has challenged Jermain Defoe to finish this season as top scorer in the Barclays Premier League.

Defoe will return from a three-match ban to lead the line for Spurs in their game against Sunderland on Sunday and, prior to his suspension, the 27-year-old had been in good goalscoring form, netting six times as Redknapp's men helped set the pace at the top end of the league.

"He has looked sharp, he's looked like every game he is going to score, so hopefully on Sunday he can come out and get back scoring goals," Redknapp said. "There's no reason he can't be leading goalscorer in the Premier League."

He added: "He's got as good a chance as anybody. We make lots of chances at this club so if he continues to stick them away he'll have an opportunity."

Redknapp labelled Defoe as the best predator in the top flight, adding: "He's a box player; he doesn't get that much involved in the build-up play.

"But when it comes into the box, his finishing and his quickness puts him right up there with the best."