Robbie Stockdale of Middlesborough and Jody Morris (un-attached) have both been monitored by the R’s boss and was alerted to there availability after Rotherham United made ambitions moves for both.
Stockdale (23), only made 2 appearances at the Riverside Stadium last term and is considered surplus to requirements. He can operate at right-back, centre-back or on the right-hand side of midfield. Highly rated as a youngster, Stockdale found it hard to live up to his reputation and never really troubled the 1st choice defenders at Boro’. Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore has planned an ambitious move but is yet to speak to the player’s representatives about a possible move to Yorkshire. If Ollie does plan a move for the defender, Rangers would surely appeal more and first team football would be a great incentive.
Meanwhile Morris has been looking for a new club since being released by Leeds and Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.
Since departing Chelsea for Leeds his career has hit a stumbling block and being involved in various non-footballing incidents has hampered his progress. A tough tackling centre-midfielder he can also pass the ball with both feet. Wages maybe the only worry but a return to West London maybe just what Morris is looking for. Holloway is still looking to strengthen his midfield despite Richard Johnson and Matthew Rose both close to agreeing new contracts at the club.
Elsewhere Lee Cook’s proposed transfer to Rangers from Watford has hit a snag. The two clubs have yet to agree a compensation fee meaning a tribunal is the most likely conclusion. Rangers have offered Cookie a deal which he is close to agreeing but Watford boss Ray Lewington has yet to give-in. The tug-of-war is still in full throttle with Lewington continually ringing Cook hoping to persuade him to stay at Vicarage Road. The Hornets have offered him an improved contract- higher than deal put on the table by Rangers, but Cook is still not interested, favouring a move to Rangers.
It remains to be seen what happens in the coming week(s) with Cookie but a move to Loftus Road is on the cards.
The fixtures for the 1st division 2004-05 are to be released a week on Thursday (24th June) at 10am. The first game of the season kicks off on Saturday August 7th 2004. The likes of West Ham, Leeds, Sheffield United, Wolves, Leicester and Nottingham Forest will all be visiting Loftus Road next season.
Finally catch up with the latest England news ahead of Thursday’s encounter with Switzerland at ENGLAND MAD. Log on at
www.england-mad.co.uk With Scholes and Butt set to be sidelined and Gary Neville rated doubtful, log on for up to the minute team news at Euro 2004.For all the latest news at Loftus Road including contract talks, transfer targets, pre-season preparations and news about a new assistant; log on to QPR MAD.
It promises to be a busy summer.