Bristol issue "hands off" warning to Rangers

Bristol City chief executive Colin Sextone warned any clubs interested in signing skipper Tommy Doherty that they would "not get him on the cheap".

Ian Holloway is a known admirer of the Northern Ireland international and had made an "informal approach" for Doherty but the Ashton Gate club insisted his future is in Bristol.

The 25-year old still has two years left on his contract meaning Rangers would have to pay a good price for the Bristolian’s services, thought to be in the £500,000 region- money the R’s cannot afford to spend.

Southampton and Sunderland have also been keen on Doherty who won Bristol City’s Player of the Season award following his outstanding form over the year.

Sextone said

"QPR's manager Ian Holloway has often publicly expressed his admiration for Tommy and that is still the case, but I don't think they would be able to afford him.

"I know QPR's chief executive well and was talking to him the other day. He said then that they liked Tommy, but that they didn't have any money.

"I think it would take a lot to get Tommy away from here. He is Bedminster born and bred, still lives there and I don't think he wants to leave Bristol.

"If he went anywhere else, it wouldn't be cheap. Tommy is our captain and we want him here leading the side again next season."

This will surely put an end to the rumours suggesting that Holloway was preparing a serious bid to bring Doherty to Loftus Road for next season. With money scarce it looks like the Rangers boss will have to make-do with signing players who reached the end of there current contracts. Players such as Micah Hyde, Barry Hayles and Stephen McPhee have been linked in recent weeks.

QPR MAD can also reveal that Ollie is set to bring released Arsenal keeper Craig Holloway back to Rangers for a second trial.

Holloway was part of the Gunners’ 17-man cull this week and Ollie has told of his hope to strengthen all areas of the side.

Also, Kevin Watson- recently released by Reading, has also attracted the attention of the R’s boss but there has been no official offer or approach for the former Rotherham midfielder.

Meanwhile, Lee Cook has returned from holiday and negotiations are underway again between Watford, Rangers and the player’s representatives as the two clubs rush to try and secure the players services for next season.

It is well known of Rangers interest in the player and his desire to move to the club he supports but the Hornets are desperately trying to persuade him to stay by offering another improved contract.

For all the latest developments at Rangers about contract talks, transfer rumours and pre-season preparations log onto QPR MAD.

It promises to be a busy summer.