Queens Park Rangers have turned their attention to League One for new signings in the window, as they have three players from three different clubs on their list, as reported by Darren Witcoop via his Twitter.
Witcoop has gone on to name those three targets for the club, with one of those being from current manager Gareth Ainsworth’s former club Wycombe Wanderers. Ainsworth is targeting a move for Wycombe Wanderers Chris Forino, who is entering the final year of his contract at Adams Park. The R’s are looking to make signings in defence after Rob Dickie completed a move to Championship rivals Bristol City. Leon Balogun is expected to return to Scotland and join former boss Michael Beale at Rangers.
The former Chairboys boss is also set to raid two other clubs in League One as he targets a move for recently relegated defender Jack Whatmough, who was plying his trade in the Championship with Wigan last season. Peterborough United are the third club targeted, with transfer-listed defender Josh Knight another name being discussed. The club were also named as a side interested in Burnley defender Bobby Thomas over the weekend, who enjoyed a strong season in League One with both Barnsley and Bristol Rovers.
Ainsworth is set for another reunion also, with Witcoop reporting that talks are ongoing with Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Lewis Wing. Wing left Adams Park at the end of his contract last month, and it was reported that the R’s were frontrunners to sign the midfielder ahead of Championship rivals, which included Preston North End. The midfielder already has 100 appearances in the Championship to his name with clubs such as Middlesborough and Rotherham.
And QPR are linked with one other free agent signing also. Reports state that talks are ongoing with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian is looking for a new club after leaving Premier League side Everton. The 36-year-old has featured for numerous clubs in his career, such as Bournemouth and AC Milan, as well as being a Premier League Champion with Chelsea in the 2016/17 season. Yesterday, League Two side AFC Wimbledon confirmed that the goalkeeper was training with their squad to maintain his fitness. The fourth-tier side will meet the West London team in a friendly on the 22nd of July.
Writer’s View
Defence should be a priority for Ainsworth this summer, with one already gone and another looking likely. Signing Wing for their midfield adds more Championship experience to their squad without turning to clubs in the Championship to make the signing. Bobby Thomas could be a strong addition to the team, but I believe that could only be a loan, and Ainsworth will want someone permanently in his back line. And finally, the signing of Begovic could add another level to the team’s mentality with his experience in the top flight.
