Three potential exits from QPR that might make sense

As QPR prepare to add to their squad this summer, there could also be departures. Here are three potential moves away from Loftus Road that might make sense for the club if a deal is there to be done.

Alex Smithies to Huddersfield

QPR received no approaches for Smithies during the January transfer window despite reports Aston Villa were interested. And reports linking him with a return to Huddersfield are mere speculation – but for once it’s reasonable speculation, given the Terriers’ promotion to the Premier League.

That promotion would enable them to better or at least match Smithies’ current wages, as well as give him the chance to play in the top flight for the team he regards as his. So if the Yorkshire club do come knocking with a decent offer, it would make sense for all parties for Smithies to go.

Apart from the financial aspect, the main reason it would make sense for Rangers is that they have a ready-made replacement in Matt Ingram, who won’t be prepared to sit on the bench indefinitely.

Selling Smithies would upset many fans and therefore place significant pressure on Ingram, as any mistake by the young keeper would then probably draw an edgy reaction from the crowd. But in terms of ability, Ingram is more than good enough – and potentially worth enough money himself – for QPR to bank some cash if it’s offered for Smithies.

Plus, Joe Lumley did very well on loan at Bristol Rovers in League One, suggesting he would be a viable second-choice keeper.

Josh Bowler to Everton

Rangers have rejected an improved bid from Everton for Bowler and have offered the youngster a new three-year contract.

The latest offer was potentially worth more than £3m and there are indications Everton might agree to a deal worth closer to £4m if QPR are prepared to sell.
And they will be prepared to do so if Bowler is unwilling to commit his long-term future to the club.

That would be commonsense given that Bowler is just 18, has made only one first-team appearance and has just a year remaining on his current contract.

Sean Goss to Charlton on loan

Not one for right now as there are hopes Goss will make an impact next season and, just as importantly, it wouldn’t look great on Rangers if their much-heralded signing from Manchester United is loaned out within months.

However, Goss had no first-team experience at all prior to his move to west London and his rabbit-in-headlights performances for Rangers shouldn’t be a surprise.

If he is not regarded as first-team material in August, then a loan move to League One to give him some valuable game time would make sense.

While some managers at that level would be dubious about Goss, he is very much up Charlton boss Karl Robinson’s street and would fit the bill in terms of how Robinson likes to play, while also providing an alternative to the aging Johnnie Jackson. Watch this space if Goss doesn’t hit the ground running at QPR this summer.