QPR target Defoe could leave Toronto

Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has refused to rule out the possibility of QPR target Jermain Defoe making an imminent move back to the Premier League.

The former Tottenham striker has reportedly drawn interest from QPR and Bezbatchenko admitted that there have been talks between Toronto and an unidentified club.

"As far as I'm concerned, Jermain Defoe is with TFC," Bezbatchenko said on Sunday. "It's important for Jermain to be here, because he is a great player. But if things change then we'll adjust.

"We receive offers all the time, especially for a player like Jermain.

"We have received an offer and we have discussed it internally. I think that when you score as many goals as he has and you have the reputation and background that he has it's not uncommon to receive these offers.

"We've received, actually, multiple offers before over the course of this year. So I want to confirm that we're in talks, but we have a relationship with Jermain too. We're speaking with him and no decisions have been made.

"We'll discuss it over the next 24 hours."

Defoe has scored 11 goals in 16 MLS games with Toronto, but has also missed considerable time due to injury. In addition to a sports hernia that he is receiving treatment for in England, the 31-year-old sat out the entire month of April with a hamstring injury.

Defoe signed a four-year deal with Toronto in January after leaving White Hart Lane and has previously worked under QPR manager Harry Redknapp in his days at West Ham and Spurs.

By Rudi Schuller

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2014/09/01/5074529/-?

QPR to meet Mustapha Yatabaré’s agent

According to today’s edition of L’Equipe, QPR will meet with Guingamp striker Mustapha Yatabaré’s agent at the beginning of next week over a possible transfer.

Lyon and Lille remain interested in the player, but but not interested enough to make a concrete offer.

Guingamp’s asking price is at €2.5m

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2014/qpr-to-meet-mustapha-yatabares-agent/?

QPR set to move for Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy in £3m deal

Queens Park Rangers have opened talks with Reading about signing 24-year-old goalkeeper Alex McCarthy on £3 million deal, reports Get Reading.

The 24-year-old is a target for QPR

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has impressed during his time at the Berkshire club, and has subsequently attracted interest from a number of top-flight clubs.

McCarthy has been at Reading since 2007 and has amassed 70 appearances for the Championship club, however he has spent most of his time out on loan.

He has had spells at Woking, Cambridge, Team Bath, Aldershot, Yeovil, Brentford, Leeds and Ipswich over the last few seasons.

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is keen to add another goalkeeper following the departure of Julio Cesar to Portuguese outfit Benfica, and is targeting McCarthy as an ideal replacement.

BY SAM ROURKE

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/qpr-set-to-move-for-reading-goalkeeper-alex-mccarthy-in-3m-deal/?

QPR boss Harry Redknapp hopeful of TRIPLE SWOOP

HARRY REDKNAPP hopes to pull off a hat-trick of new signings this week.

The QPR boss is set to complete the £7m transfer of Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer in the next 24 hours.

Dutchman Fer was at Loftus Road for a medical yesterday and has agreed terms on a three-year contract.

But the spending will not stop there with Napoli striker Eduardo Vargas flying in for talks over a season-long loan move.

Vargas starred for Chile at the World Cup and will have a medical later today, with an agreement close.

Redknapp also wants to bring Niko Kranjcar, who was on loan at QPR last season, back to the club from Dynamo Kiev.

The Rangers boss said: "We're talking about Niko. It's a possibility. Fer would be an outstanding signing. He has great physique and is box to box.

"Vargas is a quality player who can play up front or as a No 10 and we're hoping we can bring him in. We've followed him for a while."

By Paul Brown

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/395318/QPR-boss-Harry-Redknapp-hopeful-of-TRIPLE-SWOOP

QPR keen on Song!

Queens Park Rangers have made a stunning offer for Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, Daily Star reports.

Harry Redknapp is keen to keep QPR in the Premier League this year and is looking to bring the former Arsenal man to Loftus Road this summer.

The QPR manager believes Song is the perfect player to strengthen his side’s midfield, and is hoping that a loan move will convince the La Liga outfit to let him leave for a year.

However, it is believed Barca prefer to sell the Cameroonian international outright, with several clubs also interested in the 26-year-old’s services.

AC Milan, Inter Milan and Liverpool are all monitoring the situation, with Manchester United also pondering a swoop in the case they fail to sign Juventus’ Arturo Vidal.

Song moved to Barcelona on a £15million fee after starring in the Gunners’ midfield, in which he provided 11 league assists during his final season.

However, like Cesc Fabregas, Song has found it difficult to break into the Baulgrauna first team with the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets ahead of him in the pecking order.

New Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has already deemed Song surplus to requirements, and is expected to leave the Nou Camp before the transfer window closes this month.

http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/qpr-launch-stunning-offer-to-sign-former-arsenal-star-from-barcelona?

QPR in talks with Swansea loan star?

Newly promoted Queens Park Rangers are in talks to bring in midfielder Jonathan de Guzman from Villarreal, according to The Daily Mail.

It is thought the Spanish side will want around £7million for de Guzman who has spent the last two seasons on loan at fellow Premier League club Swansea City.

De Guzman played 71 times for the Swans, scoring nine goals. He is also a regular for the Netherlands and was a part of their World Cup in Brazil.

Bolster

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is looking to bolster his squad with quality players in order to remain in the top-flight of English football.

The newspaper understands The R’s have been offered experienced Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, but Redknapp is searching for younger talent. The 33-year-old is a target for Premier League new boys Leicester City.

De Guzman has just returned to his club after his World Cup commitments and is wanting to sort out his future. Swansea manager Garry Monk had admitted his side are unlikely to re-sign the 26-year-old and will pursue other targets.

Experience

With the potential signing of de Guzman, QPR’s squad is starting to take shape ahead of their first game of the season against Hull City.

The R’s have recruited well with the £8million signing of Cardiff City captain Steven Caulker and former England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, who joined on a free.

The defenders will link up with Chile World Cup star Mauricio Isla who comes to Loftus Road on a season-long loan from Juventus. Jordan Mutch, who was a shining light in Cardiff’s season last year has also joined for £6million.

Strikers

Redknapp has admitted his squad lacks striking options and will look to sign a forward before the season starts. Watford’s Troy Deeney has been heavily linked with The Hoops after an impressive goal tally in the Championship last time round.

Currently QPR have Charlie Austin and Bobby Zamora in the squad, as well as Loic Remy, however Remy’s future is uncertain after the France international spent last season on loan at Newcastle and saw a deal to Liverpool collapse.

http://www.touchlinetalk.com/qpr-talks-swansea-loan-star/100756/?

Queens Park Rangers target £10m move for Tottenham’s Andros Townsend

Andros Townsend is wanted by QPR (Picture: Reuters)

QPR are set to make a £10m bid for Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend, according to reports.

Rangers boss Harry Redknapp knows the 23-year-old from his time at White Hart Lane and took the youngster to Loftus Road on loan in 2013.

But Redknapp now appears to be keen on making a move permanent and is ready to test his former club’s resolve with a £10m bid, according to Goal.com.

Steven Caulker, Rio Ferdinand and Jordon Mutch have already joined the Hoops on permanent deals this summer, while Mauricio Isla has signed on a season-long loan from Juventus.

However, Redknapp is not yet finished in the transfer market and appears to have made Townsend his latest target.

Townsend enjoyed a storming start to last season, seeing him make his England debut, but injury and a loss of form scuppered the second-half of his campaign.

New Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be impressed by the winger and his attitude and may not be keen to allow him to leave.

But QPR are confident a £10m bid will be enough of a convincer.

http://metro.co.uk/2014/08/08/queens-park-rangers-target-10m-move-for-tottenhams-andros-townsend-4825896/?

QPR reportedly interested in West Ham star Mohamed Diame

Queens Park Rangers are reportedly lining up a move for West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame as Harry Redknapp looks to continue to spend.

The 27-year-old is being linked with a move away from West Ham once again with reports emerging thatQPR are interested in securing the services of the Senegalese midfielder.

Diame was continuously linked with a move away from the Hammers in January but decided to stay with the club, and went on to end the season with four goals in 35 appearances.

Queens Park Rangers are set to make a move as Harry Redknapp looks to continue his summer spending spree following the club's promotion back to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports' Peter O'Rourke.

The R's have already brought in Steven Caulker, Rio Ferdinand, Mauricio Isla and Jordon Mutch while Adel Taarabt, Loic Remy and Julio Cesar have all returned to the club following loan moves away.

Though several midfielders have already left the club with Yossi Benayoun, Gary O'Neil, Stephane Mbia, Esteban Granero and Park Ji-Sung all moving on, and a move for Diame would certainly strengthen the side.

The versatile midfielder played all across the middle of the park for West Ham last season and also made two appearances as a striker.

A central midfield partnership of Joey Barton and Mohamed Diame would certainly give Redknapp's side plenty of muscle, while the likes of Jordon Mutch and Junior Hoilett would be able to provide the creativity.

It is unclear whether the Hammers would be willing to listen to offers for Diame this time around, though with just one year remaining on his current deal, they may be tempted to cash-in if the right offer arrives.

Would Mohamed Diame be a good signing for QPR?

http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/08/06/le-qpr-reportedly-set-to-move-for-mohamed-diame/?

Mutch To Join Caulker

Written by a Cardiff fan;

Jordan Mutch could become the next to leave Cardiff, unless Gary Medel beats him to this? Reports continue to claim that Inter Milan have signed the Chilean but there's no official word.

Sunderland have been tracking Mutch this summer as they looked to take him back to the Premier League, but meagre offers of a little over £2m were quite rightly rejected but if the reports from the Daily Mirror are accurate then £5m will secure his signature with QPR set to sign him as they did Steven Caulker.

I'd really like us to keep Mutch as he's coming into his own now but with him proving that he's Premier League quality I can see why he'd want to return to that level and not stay with us for this Championship season.

We would get compensation for him if he didn't sign a new contract before it expires next summer but it wouldn't be likely to be as much as £5m, so if the winger doesn't have any intention of extending his contract with us then this is an amount we couldn't really refuse could we?

http://www.cardiff.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=365184

Juve’s Chile star Isla close to joining QPR

QPR are close to clinching the signing of Chile international Mauricio Isla from Juventus.

Rangers have been in talks to sign the 26-year-old on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move.

He can play at full-back or further forward and R’s boss Harry Redknapp, who is keen to use wing-backs this season, sees him as the ideal alternative to the more defensive Danny Simpson.

Isla featured for his country at the recent World Cup and has been with Juventus since 2012. He previously had a five-year spell with Udinese.

Rangers are hoping to complete the deal in time for him to play in their pre-season friendly against Irish side Athlone Town on Tuesday.

http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-close-to-capturing-chile-star-isla?

Ajax striker set for QPR switch

QPR are believed to be close to agreeing a fee with Ajax for striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson. The 24-year old has previously been linked with a host of clubs including Leicester City, Swansea City, Sunderland, West Ham United and Newcastle United as well as Scottish Champions Celtic.

Ajax have placed a valuation believed to be around £10 million on Sigthorsson and according to Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars they are close to agreeing a fee with Queens Park Rangers. Despite the interest from Leicester City, Swansea City, Sunderland, West Ham United, Newcastle United and Celtic it is understood that QPR are the only side holding advanced talks with the Dutch outfit.

“I have had some good talks with QPR over Kolbeinn,” Overmars told Voetbal International.

“We are pretty close to each other regarding the transfer fee. But the player’s demands are obviously important as well. 
“I think QPR is a good opportunity for Kolbeinn. Just look at how Wilfried Bony fares in the Premier League. He has already caught the attention of some major clubs after just one year in England.”

http://www.first4lcfc.co.uk/blog/ajax-striker-set-for-premier-league-switch/?

Former QPR star set to make Loftus Road return?

Queens Park Rangers could be reunited with Niko Kranjcar next month – if the price is right.

The Croatia midfielder was on loan at the club last season from Dinamo Kiev and started their successful play-off final win before coming off injured just after the half-hour mark.

Now Rangers are back in the Premier League and Redknapp thinks the 29-year-old could add quality to his thin-looking squad.

“I like Niko. If he’s free,” Redknapp said.

“There’s a deal to be done with his club on his wages. He wants to come back here. He can play Premier League football, there’s no doubt about it. They’re the type of players we need – players with a bit of quality.

“They are still talking to his club. I think his agent is looking at it and can do a deal that suits the club. He would like to come and will take a massive drop in wages to come back here. He enjoys it and is a good lad."

At times during the demanding Championship season questions were asked about the playmaker's conditioning but Redknapp is confident he will be in good enough nick to help keep his side in the top flight.

When asked if Kranjcar would have to prove his fitness, Redknapp said: “No, not really. He needs to get him up and running but certainly his ability is not in question.

“If he comes back and gets in good shape he will be a big asset to us again.”

http://talksport.com/football/former-qpr-star-set-make-loftus-road-return-140728104182?

Is QPR heartthrob Mathieu Valbuena Europe’s most criminally underrated footballer?

When, last week, it was reported that Mathieu Valbuena’s excellent World Cup had earned him a move to Dinamo Moscow eyebrows were raised at bwinbetting.com HQ.

The Muscovites, 112 places below his long-term bankrollers Marseille on the UEFA club coefficient, seemed to have pulled off what amounted to an outrageous coup.

Only three players at Brazil 2014 averaged more key passes (goalscoring opportunities created) an outing than the Frenchman over as many or more games at the tournament.

Ultimately it appears that some news organs had jumped the gun in confirming the deal, with the L’OM lifer spurning their advances.

However, his farcically low-standing in the eyes of elite clubs around Europe shows little sign of improving, with QPR now seemingly heading the queue for his services.

The fee remains a snip of a £7m and the presence of 2012/13-season Stade Velodrome holidaymaker Joey Barton is thought to be a big plus point for the Loftus Road club’s chances of landing his signature.

No offence is meant to Super Hoops by such a statement, but surely Valbuena should be seeking Champions League football at this stage of his career?

Last term he outshone even £60-plus Real Madrid acquisition James Rodriguez in Ligue 1’s goalscoring chances-created stakes, topping those particular standings, just as he had done the year before.

Rangers meanwhile had only Barton creating anywhere near Valbuena’s average of 2.6 key passes per 90 minutes in the Championship last term.

As such the acquisition of the Frenchman would make the 17/50 about QPR to avoid the bony fingers of the reaper in their first campaign back at the top level of English football next term infinitely more palatable.

http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/mathieu-valbuena-underrated-footballer,58902.html?

Former West Ham man keen to secure QPR contract after trial

Wales international Jack Collison wants to prove himself during a pre-season spell at QPR - with a move to Loftus Road of interest to the former West Ham midfielder.

The 25-year-old saw his seven-year stay at West Ham come to an end when a number of knee problems led to no new contract being offered this summer.

Having spent time out on loan at Bournemouth and Wigan, Collison failed to prove his fitness to Hammers boss Sam Allardyce and is now in search of a new club.

Harry Redknapp offered Collison the chance to work with his QPR squad during their pre-season preparations to give him a better chance of securing a future in the game.

Now out with the Hoops on their pre-season tour of Germany, Collison is targeting a place in Redknapp’s side for Saturday’s friendly against Red Bull Leipzig and potentially a deal that could see him stay with newly-promoted Rangers.

“The injury has been frustrating but the manager here has been good and not pushed me too hard on the first few days,” he said.

“Hopefully I can start getting involved in some games and start showing people what I can offer them. If I come here and do well then you never know what can happen but I’m also just trying to get myself fit.

“There’s no pressure, it’s a fantastic club and at the moment I am just grateful to have the opportunity to train with some good players and a fantastic manager.

“We’ll just see how it goes, If I do well in a couple of games then you never know. But, if not, then I will have at least got some fitness and maybe some games and everyone is aware of my situation.”

Redknapp said he had been informed of Collison’s long-standing knee issue and was hoping to do his bit in keeping the Welshman involved in the game.

“I brought the boy in because I like him, he is a fantastic boy,” the 67-year-old said.

“He’s got a chronic knee problem, it must be terrible so if I can help get him fit I will. People have told me what a great lad he is and I knew he didn’t have anywhere to train so I wouldn't say no to him.

“He is going through a lot and he is a real good player but his knee is horrendous, it’s not fair.”

http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/west-ham/former_west_ham_man_keen_to_secure_qpr_contract_after_trial_1_3699257

QPR after Eto'o?

Harry Redknapp is looking to add Samuel Eto’o to his list of transfer targets as he aims to keep his newly promoted side in the English Premier League, Mirror reports.

The 33-year-old is now a free agent after playing out his Chelsea contract but is keen on remaining in London as well as in the English top flight.

His agent, Claudio Vigorelli, is already on his way to negotiate a deal with QPR but is believed to be needing to take a huge pay-cut to join Rednapp’s side.

Before the potential move to the club, he was also linked with a move to Arsenal just so that he could prove Jose Mourinho wrong after their relationship broke down over a comment the manager made regarding his age.

The Hoops are already building a strong squad, especially in defence after they announced the signing of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand as well as Cardiff City centre-back Steven Caulker.

http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/qpr-plan-shock-offer-for-former-barcelona-and-chelsea-star?

Watford striker linked with QPR

Watford’s sought-after striker Troy Deeney is attracting interest from newly-promoted Premier League club Queens Park Rangers, according to West London Sport.

They report that the 26-year-old, who began his career as a trainee at Aston Villa and played for Walsall before joining his current club, is one of several forwards on Rangers’ radar, with the Hoops struggling to complete the signing of Ajax star Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

Watford striker Troy Deeney has been linked with a switch to QPR

But QPR are not the only top flight newcomers who are interested in securing Deeney’s services for 2014-15, with Football League World reporting this week that Watford had turned down a £7.5m bid from Leicester City for their number nine.

Deeney has enjoyed three prolific seasons with the Hornets; he finished 2011-12 as the club’s top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions, before netting 20 times in a 2012-13 campaign which nearly ended in promotion to the Premier League, and then finding the net on 25 occasions last term.

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/watford-striker-linked-with-qpr-123/?#

QPR and Swansea target former Barcelona striker

This would be good!

According to reports, QPR and Swansea are set to battle it out for former Barcelona and Argentina striker, Javier Saviola.

The 31-year-old has recently parted company with Olympiacos after just one season with the Greek giants.

Sky Sources believe that Saviola is extremely keen on a move to the Premier League, with QPR and Swansea listed as the main contenders to secure the Argentinian's signature. 

Saviola was once a £15 million signing for Barcelona back in 2001, the journeyman centre-forward netted just short of fifty goals during his time at the Nou Camp, before going on to represent the likes of Monaco, Real Madrid, Benfica and eventually Olympiacos. 

Harry Redknapp is eager to bolster his attacking ranks at Loftus Road, with Loic Remy on the verge of becoming a Liverpool player. 

The fact that Saviola is available on a free-transfer could appeal to the 67-year-old QPR boss, who will be keen to learn from the mistakes that were made by the club two seasons ago, although it's likely that the Argentinian will require a relatively large pay packet. 

Garry Monk is also looking to strengthen his side ahead of the new season, and with Gylfi Sigurdsson seemingly close to sealing a permanent move to the Liberty Stadium, Saviola would show that the Swans really mean business

Fans of the Welsh side will hope any interest doesn't signal the club's intention to sell Wilfired Bony, but with the much-wanted Ivorian currently priced at £20M, he may well be linking up with Saviola next season.

The 31-year-old clearly still possesses a goalscoring touch, Saviola registered 14 goals in 34 appearances for Olympiacos last season, and on a free-transfer he may well turn out to be one of the bargains of the summer.   

Do you think QPR or Swansea have a chance of getting Saviola?

http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/07/22/as-qpr-and-swansea-target-former-barcelona-striker/?

Caulker set for QPR - Caulker latest on medical

According to Sky Sources, Cardiff defender Steven Caulker is today having his medical at Premiership new boys QPR.

There has been significant competition for the England centre back, with Crystal Palace having an offer accepted for the 22 year old as well, however it looks like Caulker has decided to choose the play-off winners over a Palace side that became hard to beat after the appointment of Tony Pulis as manager.

Cardiff only signed Caulker last season for £8 million, which is the buy-out clause that Caulker had in his Cardiff contract, from Tottenham after having an impressive loan spell at rivals Swansea. He played all 38 Premier League games for Cardiff scoring 5 times, and was one of the few players whose reputation remained intact following the club’s relegation.

After securing the signature of Rio Ferdinand from Manchester United a few days ago, signing Caulker would be a huge plus for QPR manager Harry Redknapp, who did manager the Cardiff captain whilst at Tottenham, however he did not make a Premier League appearance when Redknapp was manager at Spurs.

http://the72.co.uk/10958/caulker-set-for-qpr/?

Leroy Fer to QPR?

After the play-off win back in May, QPR fans will have been hoping their transfer strategy wouldn't have reassembled a poor man’s version of Real Madrid’s ‘Galacticos’. Rio Ferdinand signing began to see those fears – of ageing players on large wages – return, but the reported interest in the recently relegated Norwich City player Leroy Fer could see a remedy to those fears.

Despite playing for a relegated side last season, Leroy Fer still saw his name announced in the Dutch World Cup squad – a sign of the potential the midfielder possesses. His impact on the tournament was short yet sweet, with a goal against Chile with his first touch, before a hamstring injury prevented him from playing any further part. It is very important not to judge players on their international form though, and while Fer has only had a handful of caps the words ‘Netherlands international’ can add extra millions to a transfer fee.

Based on his performances for Norwich it is a surprise there isn’t a longer queue for Fer. The former FC Twente midfielder had his struggles with the physicality of the Premier League, most young players do, and this saw his form drop by February, but the dominant performances he managed beforehand were a testament to his ability.

Fer is a classic box to box midfielder and has drawn similarities with Yaya Toure by some fans as he managed to gallop up the pitch and beat opposition players, despite his tall frame – and this resulted in winning goals against West Ham and West Brom – whilst also being able to produce some inch-perfect passes into either the channel or the striker playing on the last defender’s shoulder. His defensive attributes were also on show, with Fer making the most tackles for Norwich throughout the whole season (60) and winning a ground duel every 16.88 minutes, as well as winning the ball in the middle third of the pitch on 88 occasions.

The young Dutch player does come with his faults though. Last season, Fer struggled with the pace of the Premier League and was regularly caught on the ball resulting in the loss of possession, alongside giving away the most fouls for his current team (51). These are things that Fer will need to improve on however, and with the right coaching as well as further experience in the English top flight he should eradicate these weaknesses from his game.

If QPR manage to sign Leroy Fer – Norwich are expected to play hardball with incoming bids for their players this summer – the London club will gain a valuable asset, especially for the reported £5 million, and signals a brighter term in the Premier League compared to their stint a couple of seasons ago.

http://eplindex.com/56215/leroy-fer-qpr.html

QPR remain confident of signing Cardiff’s Caulker

Sky Sport News reports that QPR remain confident in the pursuit of Cardiff City’s Steven Caulker despite late interest from Southampton.

QPR and Southampton still keen on Cardiff’s Caulker

With QPR already boosting their defending options by the purchase of Rio Ferdinand on a one-year deal, QPR yet to add yet more options with the Cardiff captain.

QPR will be off on their pre-season tour to Germany this week, but remain keen to enter negotiations for the 22-year-old in time for him to join them on the tour.

The defenders contract has a reported relegation release clause, which means he is free to leave the club for a fee thought to be in the region of £8m.

http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/qpr-remain-confident-of-signing-cardiffs-caulker-101/?#