QPR risk losing £2.4m 'saviour' as West Brom eye ex Premier League star

QPR continue pre-season preparations with a friendly against League One outfit Reading this week-end.

There were plenty of positives to be taken from last week's 2-0 defeat to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur but Marti Cifuentes will no doubt be hoping for a confidence-boosting victory over the Royals this time around.

Here's your Friday morning QPR round-up.

QPR defender remains target for Championship rivals

Watford's search for a left-back this summer remains a 'priority' for Tom Cleverley, which could spell trouble for QPR. The Hornets have been linked with a move for R's star Kenneth Paal.

Transfer specialist Darren Witcoop has now reported that, despite those links going quiet in recent weeks, Paal is 'still being chased' by the Championship rivals with just over two weeks until the season begins.

The full-back has just 12 months left on his current deal at Loftus Road, which could tempt the club to cash in just as they have done for Sinclair Armstrong this summer. There are believed to be ongoing negotiations over an extension.

Paal was a vital part of the side that fought off relegation last season, making 44 league appearances. He memorably scored a 95th-minute equaliser against Huddersfield Town in January, earning the R's a vital point against a side which was eventually relegated.

LondonWorld hailed the defender a 'saviour' in that match while Paal was especially 'impressive' in the 4-0 defeat of Leeds United too.

Watford are looking to recruit in the left-back position having relied on Newcastle United loanee Jamal Lewis last term. The 27-year-old has since returned to Tyneside having made 38 appearances for the Hornets last season. The defender is valued at €2.8 million (£2.4 million) by football database Transfermarkt. Should Paal leave Loftus Road, Cifuentes could turn to Morgan Fox or Ziyad Larkeche in the left-back position.

West Brom eye £1.7m ex Premier League midfielder

QPR begin their Championship season with the visit of West Brom to Loftus Road next month and the Baggies could have a former Everton star among their ranks.

The Midlands clubs are believed to have entered talks with Standard Liege over a transfer for Isaac Price, who is also wanted by Preston North End. The player moved to Liege from Goodison Park on a free transfer last summer and played 28 times in the Jupiler Pro League last term.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that West Brom are in negotiations with the Belgian club over a £1.7 million deal.

If he joins, Price will become West Brom's fourth signing of the window. The outfit has already added Norwegian centre-back Torbjorn Heggem, Malian midfielder Ousmane Diakite and experienced goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith for a combined fee of just £500,000.