Eduardo Vargas
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Queens Park Raiders: Redknapp close to double deal

| 19.08.2014
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Harry Redknapp, whose side QPR are 6/1 for a top 10 finish, is reportedly tying up deals for Dutch defensive midfielder Leroy Fer and Chile World Cup star Eduardo Vargas.

The duo are expected to arrive at Loftus Road imminently, with Hoops coach Redknapp keen to bolster his squad with quality additions, following the disappointing opening day defeat to Hull City.

A potential double deal for the exciting internationals would surely boost morale in west London, before QPR’s next Premier League clash with Tottenham.

Fer, 23, is expected to make a summer switch worth around £7m from Championship side Norwich City, after apparently undertaking a medical. The Dutchman only signed for the Canaries last season, making 29 league appearances and netting three goals. It seems his time at Carrow Road is already at an end, however, with the bright lights of London and the top flight calling.

Netherlands international Fer has seven caps for his country, including an appearance against Chile in the World Cup, in which he scored the opening goal. He began his senior career with Dutch giants Feyenoord, making 103 league appearances, before switching to rivals Twente in 2011.

Speaking recently, Redknapp reiterated the need for further acquisitions, stating: “So we’re looking to get one or two midfielders in and maybe a front man as well because we need a bit of cover there.

“We’ll probably use the loan system again. Maybe we’ll buy one and loan a couple.”

It appears the club are now moving swiftly to fulfil Redknapp’s wishes, with Chilean forward Vargas reportedly ready to commit to a season-long loan at Loftus Road, with the option to sign permanently.

Vargas, who impressed at the World Cup alongside new Arsenal signing Alexis Sanchez, is believed to have attracted admirers across Europe, but it seems Redknapp is set to seal the deal.

The exciting attacker is still just 24, and would dovetail nicely with French forward Loic Remy, if QPR can cling onto the striker. Rednapp said recently of the situation: “He didn’t want to go back to Newcastle which is a massive club, so unless it’s a club in the top seven I don’t think he’ll go.”

Versatile Vargas, meanwhile, could continue to rejuvenate his career at Loftus Road, after stalling somewhat with Serie A side Napoli. The former Universidad de Chile star has found himself on the fringes of Rafa Benitez’s plans, and has made just 28 appearances since his move to Italy in 2011.

Farmed out on loan to Gremio and Valencia last campaign, netting 14 times in 31 outings, Vargas also has a fantastic recent international record. After scoring four goals in five appearances for Chile in 2014, the adaptable attacker, who can be deployed up front or on either wing, was of apparent interest to the Gunners.

It appears Vargas has plumped for the increased probability of game time at Loftus Road, though, with the Hoops 7/4 to be relegated. If the move materialises, the QPR coach will have added another significant transfer coup to his belt, after snaring the likes of Steven Caulker, Rio Ferdinand and Vargas’ compatriot Mauricio Isla.

The Hoops are also supposedly interested in Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin. The 23-year-old Frenchman has made just 39 appearances for the Gunners, and failed to impress on loan to Freiburg last term, but QPR may snap-up the out-of-favour youngster.

Potentially departing of Loftus Road, meanwhile, is assistant coach Glenn Hoddle. The ex-England boss is linked with the vacant hot seat at Crystal Palace, and Redknapp has already suggested he would not stand in his right hand man’s way.

Redknapp said: “I’m delighted to have Glenn here, but listen if it’s something he wants to do, there’s nothing we can do.”

Former Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay, though, is expected to be named new Eagles manager.

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Author

Holly Thackeray

Holly is a member of the content team, and can often be found on the sports desk writing about favourite topics Serie A and East Asian footballing nations. A recent darts convert, she is also a fully-fledged member of Barney's Army and a proud Leeds-born Manchester United fan.