Having lost their opening two matches of the new season, Harry Redknapp admits he is again looking to add to his Queens Park Rangers squad.
The Hoops clinched an instant return to the Premier League when they defeated Derby County in the Championship playoff final back in May, and Steven Caulker, Leroy Fer, Rio Ferdinand and Mauricio Isla have since been signed. Furthermore, Loic Remy, who spent last term on loan at Newcastle United, has also been reunited with the first team.
However, an opening day defeat at home to Hull City was followed by a 4-0 thumping at White Hart Lane on Sunday, when Redknapp endured a miserable return to his former club. And although the 67-year-old was likely to try and add to his squad before the window closes anyway, these successive defeats have made it all the more important.
“We still need to strengthen if we can, so we might look to bring a couple in if we can find them,” said Redknapp. “There are a few loans out there I’m sure, there’s lots of clubs with lots of players and a few players out there won’t get in the 25-man squads. It depends who’s available, if there are one or two around we might be interested but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Another potential problem for the QPR boss could be in retaining Remy. The France international was keen to move on in the summer to a club who can offer him European football, and there is no reason to believe this desire has diminished. Liverpool, who had a bid accepted for him last month only to pull out of a deal citing medical reasons, have since signed Mario Balotelli for £16million, but Arsenal and Tottenham could yet make offers.
In the meantime, Redknapp must select a team to take on League Two side Burton Albion in the League Cup second round on Wednesday evening. Then the attention will return to the priority of Premier League points, a task which resumes when Sunderland, who have drawn their first two fixtures, visit Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.
QPR fans, who would you realistically like to see Redknapp sign before the window closes? And following successive defeats, is there already concern over your Premier League status? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below!
