QPR tracking talented trio ahead of return to Premier League

QPR are reportedly tracking Andros Townsend, Lassana Diarra and Jonathan de Guzman, as they look to upset their tag of being second-favourites at 7/4 for relegation from the Premier League at the end of the season.

While the Hoops now look well-equipped in most areas of the pitch ahead of the new campaign, following their promotion via the play-offs, they are still lacking in midfield, despite the recent signing of Jordon Mutch from Cardiff City.

Other than Mutch, boss Harry Redknapp will only have Joey Barton as a reliable option in the middle of the park. Both Karl Henry and Adel Taarabt have been linked with moves away, while Jermaine Jenas is still injured and Alejandro Faurlin is getting back to match fitness. New loan signing Mauricio Isla, from Juventus, is adept to playing in midfield, though.

Redknapp has managed Diarra and Townsend before, at Portsmouth and Tottenham/QPR (the latter on loan) respectively, and would be a real coup for the Hoops.

England international Townsend, who arguably only missed out on going to the World Cup in Brazil due to injury, could be the subject of a £10m bid from the west London side. He would challenge the likes of Junior Hoilett, Matt Phillips and Shaun Wright-Phillips for a starting berth out wide, if he joins.

The 23-year-old winger had a fantastic start to last campaign, but his form dipped towards the end and his season ended after damaging ankle ligaments. That has probably attributed to his relatively low price tag, and ‘wheeler-dealer’ Harry can profit from this.

Redknapp could also take advantage of De Guzman’s reported failed move to Swansea City, where he spent the last two seasons. His parent club Villarreal are said to have rejected a £5m bid from the Swans, but QPR are reportedly willing to go to £7m to sign the Dutch World Cup star.

Diarra, meanwhile, could also be at Loftus Road before the summer transfer window ends on August 31st, in a permanent or temporary deal.

The 29-year-old, whose career was resurrected by Redkanpp at Portsmouth, could be available for around £6m, but his club Lokomotiv Moscow may allow him to leave for the season on loan if his £80k-a-week wages are paid for.

QPR have so far managed to bring in defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker, while Isla and Mutch have also joined, and you can take odds of 9/2 for the Hoops to break into the top 10.