JIM SMITH is being lined up to take over from Ian Holloway at QPR. Holloway steered the West Londoners into the First Division with a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. But he is out of contract this summer — and one of the three consortia bidding to take over the club want to replace him as manager. It is understood they have already approached former boss Smith, who looks to face the axe as Portsmouth No 2. Arsenal defender Martin Keown is wanted as Smith’s assistant. But any attempt to replace Holloway will be met with fierce resistance by fans and players. And QPR chief executive David Davies has admitted the current regime are desperate to sign Holloway to a new long-term deal. Davies will also have 14 players out of contract at Loftus Road. He said: “We have been planning for next season for some time now. But negotiations were put on hold while everyone focused on gaining promotion. “Now this season is over we are looking forward to sitting down with Ian and discussing new contracts.”