QPR could go for Dean after missing out on Cook

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QPR could turn to Harlee Dean after being pipped to the signing of Steve Cook.

A deal was agreed for Cook to join the R’s from Bournemouth, but he backed out of the move after a late offer from Nottingham Forest.

Manager Mark Warburton is keen to bring in an experienced centre-back during this month’s transfer window and the club are therefore looking into other potential options.


They would like to bring in either Michael Hector or Alfie Mawson from Fulham.

However, Fulham have indicated that they would not be open to a deal at this stage.

Birmingham City’s Dean, 30, is attracting interest from a number of other Championship clubs and QPR are now considering making an offer for him.

Dean, who is under contract at St Andrew’s until the summer of 2023, was signed for Brentford by Warburton in 2012.

He then played under him after Warburton took over as manager, having previously been the Bees’ sporting director.

Number 10 wanted

Meanwhile, with Ilias Chair representing Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, Rangers are looking to bring in someone who can act as short-term cover, and in the longer term a viable alternative, given how reliant they have been on their number 10.

They are not interested in Kasey Palmer, though.

Palmer has been strongly linked with a move to W12 and Bristol City are open to selling the former Chelsea man.

Several clubs have been sounded out about their potential interest, including QPR, but he is not a transfer target.

Keeper a possibility 

As well as Chair, Rangers have also lost keeper Seny Dieng to Afcon and his absence from the side for as long as Senegal are involved in the tournament is a concern.

Back-up keeper Jordan Archer is set to play in Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Rotherham and a strong performance might convince the club’s hierarchy not to pursue alternative cover for Dieng.

West Brom’s David Button, who also played under Warburton at Brentford, was a potential option before the Baggies’ first-choice keeper Sam Johnstone was suspended for three matches after being sent off for violent conduct in a recent match against Cardiff.