Rumours are mounting about a possible return for former Rangers legend Les Ferdinand.
Ferdinand is currently out-of-contract and in discussions with various Premiership and Championship sides over 1-year deals to end his playing career in football.
Last season the veteran striker was Leicester City’s top scorer, hitting 12 goals despite the Midlands club suffering relegation. Foxes boss Mickey Adams has offered the striker a new deal at the club but Ferdy has turned his attention elsewhere, looking for a new club- or maybe even a former club.
Rangers are in the hunt for a striker after Barry Hayles rejected a move to Loftus Road in favour of a switch to Championship rivals Sheffield United last month and Ian Holloway is keen to strengthen his frontline.
Portsmouth, Bolton and Fulham have all held talks with the player’s representatives and Ferdy himself rejected an offer from Dennis Wise’s Millwall. Bolton are current favourites to sign the 37-year old former Newcastle, Tottenham and England favourite and Sam Allardyce (Bolton’s manager) expressed his interest. He said:
"Les can still do a job in the Premiership and were currently at a preliminary stage talking to him and his representatives about a possible move to the Reebok (stadium).
"He has other offers and options open to him but we’d like to think ours is the best".
It seems that Rangers maybe the new dark horses to sign a player who left Loftus Road in a £6million deal to join Newcastle in 1995. Nearly 10 years later, current boss Ian Holloway has already spoken of his wish to bring the striker back but admitted, with finances tight and deal looked unlikely.
But fresh speculation has come in the way of a rumour specialist scouring the message boards of Rangers unofficial and official boards. Whether it be a hoax or inside information, the man behind the new rumour has already successfully predicted the date of the new boardroom shake-up and its new identity, the signing of Lee Cook and the move of Clarke Carlisle. Pot luck or trusted reliable source, we’ll leave it to you to make your decision but the unnamed origin of the new rumour insists the future looks very blue and white next week.
He believes Ferdinand is set to sign next week along with another player who is said to have a "very talented future" at the club. This maybe a loan deal from a Premiership or European side but the source also finds it hard to hide his delight and excitement behind next week’s proposed moves.
Another completely source has told QPR MAD that whilst talking to new signing Lee Cook, a reason behind Cookie’s decision to sign for the club was its "ambition". The club promised Cookie a further five new signings before the start of the season and its ambition helped sway his decision to move to the R’s. Again, a trusted source? Were not too sure but we like the idea.
Rumours are also still alive and kicking as to the future of Tony Thorpe. This week we spoke of Luton’s interest in the striker, but another former club of Thorpy’s is after his signature. Bristol City are believed to be in talks with Rangers about a proposed cash + player deal for either Tommy Doherty or Danny Coles- two of Ollie’s most wanted summer targets.
The Robins are after £200,000 + Tony Thorpe for them to consider the sale of their two prized assets but with Lee Peacock leaving the club are searching for the firepower that could help shoot them to promotion next season.
Whilst on Bristol City, two more Robins players have been linked with moves to Loftus Road. Aaron Brown is in talks with Rangers at this moment about a move after rejecting a new deal at Ashton Gate. Stoke and Preston are also hot on the heels of the left sided midfielder who can also play in the centre of midfield. Brown netted six goals last season and the Bristolian born player is said to have a promising future. Matt Hill, a defender has also rejected a new offer at the West Country club and has attracted the interest of Ollie. Hill was impressive last season at right-back as well as centre-back and is another tipped with a promising future.
So with four Bristol City players attracting the eye of boss Ian Holloway and the possibility of a return for Sir Les, if all rumours and suggestions are true, the future looks bright- blue and white for Rangers.
For all the latest news, rumours, contract talks and pre-season preparations log onto QPR MAD. Stay tuned as QPR MAD look set to bring you some exclusive interviews with top Rangers players, officials and staff in the near future.
It promises to be a busy summer. Share it with FOOTY MAD- as mad about football as you are!