Queens Park Rangers are expected to retain the services of midfielder Ilias Chair despite interest from other Championship teams, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
A bid from Birmingham City was rejected by the club last week and it is now believed that the Blues will not try again to capture the QPR star. Leicester City are also interested in the playmaker, but have made no approach as of yet and a move looks highly unlikely with so little time left in the window.
Chair has been somewhat of a rose amongst thorns for the R’s in recent seasons, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in their starting lineup. A regular in the first team, the Moroccan international has three goals and a further five assists to his name in the Championship so far this season.
The 26-year-old has been extremely consistent for the London-based club in the last few years, recently notching up his 200th appearance for the club in the second tier. During that time, the versatile midfielder has racked up and impressive 30 goals and 31 assists, establishing himself as a key member of the R’s attack.
QPR have fallen on somewhat hard times in recent seasons and this year has been no different with the club once again involved in a relegation battle.
Currently sat in 22nd and three points from safety, a change in fortunes is needed if Martí Cifuentes’ side want to preserve their Championship status this season. With not long left in the transfer window, the club need to act sooner rather than later if they do want to improve the squad.
Retaining Chair would be a huge boost however and without the Moroccan international, they’d be in a far worse position. Although anything can happen on deadline day, it looks as if he’ll be staying with the London club at the very least until the end of the season.
Writer’s View
When QPR need a moment of brilliance, they’ll more often than not, look to Chair to provide it. He’s been key to keeping the club in the Championship in recent years and to be fair to him does probably deserve a chance elsewhere.
That being said, he is a valued member of the squad and seems to love the club. If the R’s were to get relegated to League One, he’d no doubt earn a move but it looks as if he’ll be doing everything he can to preserve their current status.
Birmingham’s offer was swiftly rejected and it can be deemed that QPR’s asking price was far too high for their Championship rivals. It’s probably a smart plan given that they want to stay in the second division at all costs.
Senior Editor
