Desperate QPR are to be most active in January window

Harry Redknapp’s decision to assume control of the sinking ship that is QPR would surely not have been made without the promise of funds to invest in January.

His Hoops side head the betting in the market for who will sign the most players in the upcoming transfer window at 3/1 and it’s difficult to see whose recruitment drive is going to top theirs.

A host of names have been linked with moves to Loftus Road with central defence being earmarked as the main area where they intend to improve.

Both Michael Dawson and Brede Hangeland are reported targets as the R’s efforts to avoid an all but certain relegation look set to centre on shoring up a defence that’s shipped 36 goals already this term.

Luis Suarez highlighted how a centre back pairing of Clint Hill and Ryan Nelson is not good enough to survive in the top flight, despite the effort and commitment that both with will throw at the cause, as he ran riot in Liverpool’s 3-0 demolition of QPR last time out.

A bid has already been made for Mohammed Diame of West Ham as Redknapp seeks an imposing figure to run his midfield in light of Samba Diakite’s failures in that department. Striking reinforcements are also needed with just Jamie Mackie and Djibril Cisse the only fit forwards the club possesses at current.

The obvious issue is whether Redknapp can convince his targets to join a club that looks increasingly likely to be plying its trade in the Championship next season. With many set to turn him down, he’s going to be casting his net far and wide and is sure to entice a few names to join him at QPR.

Liverpool are next in the betting at 4/1, but with limited funds available to their manager courtesy of the previous reigns’ exuberance in the transfer market, an influx of signings is hard to envisage.

A move for Daniel Sturridge appears a formality and puts them one up on their rivals as far as this market is concerned, yet whether anyone else will follow remains to be seen.

Jack Butland of Birmingham is the other name repeatedly linked with an Anfield switch but, given the enormity of his squad, Brendan Rodgers will surely have to sell before he adds to Sturridge’s arrival.

At 5/1, Reading could rival QPR in terms of acquiring reinforcements with Anton Zingarevich’s wealth behind them.

Yet, judging from their relatively frugal exploits in the summer window, it’s difficult to envisage him throwing mega bucks around in January, despite the club’s desperate situation. This makes QPR the only side worth backing in this market.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date