Queens Park Rangers boss Gareth Ainsworth has issued a transfer update denying reports linking his side with the signing of a new centre-forward outside of the transfer window.
Former Derby County frontman Chris Martin signed for the London club as a free agent on a short-term contract at the beginning of February 2023 and scored four goals in 16 appearances but was not retained beyond June.
The Scotland international is now unemployed once more but, last month, journalist Darren Witcoop reported that Rangers were looking to strengthen their attack and so a move to re-sign Martin could not be ruled out.
Since the 34-year-old is not contracted to any club, QPR can sign him outside the transfer window but Witcoop also revealed that a number of clubs in League One are keen to secure his services and that the player is exploring his options.
However, speaking to West London Sport, QPR head coach Ainsworth confirmed that signing another striker isn’t necessary, all but ruling out a return for Martin [quotes via WLS]:
“I’ve heard people have been saying ‘Are we getting a striker in?’.
“Well, with Lyndon [Dykes] and Sinclair [Armstrong] and Rayan Kolli and Charlie Kelman – and probably Alfie Lloyd underneath them – we’ve got strikers at this club,” he continued.
“It’s about time some of these young boys got a chance. We’ve given Sinclair the chance and look what he’s done. And Rayan Kolli is doing really well.”
Lyndon Dykes has been sidelined with a recent knee injury but is set to return to the squad, or potentially even the starting lineup, as QPR host Sunderland tomorrow afternoon.
Writer’s View
Signing Martin, a proven Championship goalscorer, would be a solid decision by QPR, adding more goals to the attacking department and given that the Scot is a free agent, a deal would be low-risk.
However, it seems as though budgetary restrictions may be a hidden driver behind Ainsworth’s comments and so a return to Loftus Road looks off the cards right now.
Deputy Head of Writing
