QPR could yet hijack Crystal Palace bid for Slovenian stopper
Published:
Queen Park Rangers’ search for defensive reinforcements could see the club return to former target Gregor Balazic come January, with the Slovenia international also attracting attention from fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
The Eagles are thought to be keen on completing a deal for the 26-year-old, who currently plays for Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv and is out of contract at the end of the year.
But they could yet find themselves going up against QPR in their bid to land the stopper, as Harry Redknapp looks to shore up his defensive options at Loftus Road.
The Rs had previously been linked with a move for former Porto, Napoli and Inter Milan defender Rolando in recent weeks but with reports now suggesting the Nerazzurri are looking re-sign the Portugal international, other options are being assessed.
Balazic could well be one of those options, having previously caught the eye of Rangers who are looking to provide extra cover and competition for the likes of Steven Caulker and Rio Ferdinand.
The former Manchester United man could yet depart the club in January, with several news outlets suggesting that the defender may depart Rangers in favour of a move abroad.
One potential option for Ferdinand would be to move to Major League Soccer, with the 35-year-old likely to be open to the idea of a stateside switch.
Any departure would hasten the need for new recruits and while Palace remain in pole position to sign the eastern European player, QPR’s financial clout means they would most likely be able to offer Balazic superior personal terms to any tabled by the Eagles.
Harry Redknapp’s team entertain Premier League champions Manchester City this week, with Rangers looking to bounce back from their recent narrow loss to Chelsea.
The Citizens are not in great shape either, with Wednesday’s 2-1 home defeat to CSKA Moscow making it three losses from in their last four competitive outings.
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