QPR Transfer Targets - The Lowdown

Article by e-QPR's Alex Rugman

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In this article, my first for E-Football, I will talk about where I believe QPR need to improve on the pitch this summer, and will identify some possible targets.

On the 23rd of May, QPR were promoted in dramatic style, and after having a good few weeks to recover, it is now time to debate and discuss what comes next.

Harry Redknapp is known for his actions during the transfer windows; his tendency to buy players minutes before the deadline is exciting for the neutral and downright stressful for us R's fans! But just who will or won't Harry buy? Well, Redknapp is known to like players he has worked with before (hence the "Are you Tottenham in disguise" chants earlier this season). He also prefers experience over youth. As a strong advocate of giving youth players a chance I find Redknapp's attitude very frustrating, and I fear Harry won't change his ways this season. I would anticipate players such as Joe Cole coming in; although Harry has ruled us out of the running for Lampard and Ferdinand (phew!). The problem with this type of player is that usually they are old and demand huge wages - we don't want a repeat of 2012/13... In essence Rangers have got a great team spirit at the moment, and I for one am loathe to see that change, however some new individuals to help strengthen the squad, and help QPR adapt to life back in the Premier League would not go unwanted.

QPR need a new centre back. Although we have some solid defenders in Richard Dunne, Clint Hill and Nedum Onuoha, Hill and Dunne are growing old and slow, and I suspect they may not be able to keep up with the pace of the Premier League. I would suggest raiding the relegated clubs for a replacement; Steven Caulker seems and ideal signing; (he has worked with Redknapp before) and another option may be Hangeland (although I fear he may demand exorbitant wages). For me, Caulker is a perfect fit along side the excellent Onuoha, and although Hill has been heroic this season I believe it is time for him to move on or retire. Dunne would be a great backup and I believe his superior performances during the previous campaign show he is a decent spare centre back.

Although many Rangers fans have argued that a new left back is needed I think we should give Yun Suk-Young a chance- he performed admirably this season and deserves a chance to start. He has good pace and is an excellent passer of the ball. Particularly his bombing runs down the flanks vs Middlesborough convinced me he is up to the challenge. If Redknapp feels otherwise then Traore is always available, and Benoit Assou-Ekotto could be brought in permanently.

In the midfield I think that QPR are strong: Barton and O'Neil (the latter is set to sign a new contract) provide solid passing from the centre of the field and O'Neil has shown his defensive qualities this season. Faurlin will also be returning, and he has proved solid previously. I would love to see us sign Gary Medel from Cardiff - a strong, defensive midfielder who has provided commanding displays in the past. He may also be available from the relegated club on the cheap, and his nickname alone -The Pitbull- is enough to convince me we should sign him up! We also need a backup winger for Hoilett and Phillips; I put to you Andros Townsend as an ideal candidate - and intelligent and pacey young attacker who Redknapp is familiar with. He is available for £8m, and we have reportedly made a double swoop for him and Dawson (not so sure about him). Despite my previous objections I suppose Joe Cole could be useful as a backup midfielder, and he is a typical 'Harry Redknapp' player.

The main man I would love to see sign for us this summer is, of course, Ravel Morrison. He is something of a midfield virtuoso, and although he has his off days he is the kind of exciting and precocious young talent I'd love to see at the club. He had a very successful loan last season, and since he seems to have fallen out with Sam Allardyce surely QPR would be his ideal destination this summer? Apparently QPR have yet to express any interest in him however, and Swansea are reportedly lining up a £5m bid. I really hope Harry takes the risk and signs him - I can't wait to see the player that he will become.

a new striker. With Zamora's contract set to expire this summer, we need someone to relieve Charlie Austin of all the goal scoring duties. A move for Ajax striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson has been

mooted, and his impressive record (15 goals in 25 internationals) and attractive looking £6m price tag makes him a good prospect. I don't think we should sign Doyle permanently - he was a good loan signing but not up to the challenge of the Premier League. However a new striker should not overshadow Austin, so maybe Redknapp will operate with 2 up front next season.

Who do you think QPR should sign? Let me know in the comments, or via twitter @e_qpr.

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