QPR’s stance on Derby and Swansea deals clarified as deadline approaches

QPR have shifted their attention from Derby County captain Tom Lawrence to Swansea City playmaker Jamie Paterson after talks stalled with the Rams, according to West London Sport.

It is understood that Mark Warburton is keen to sign an attacking midfielder this month and that Lawrence has been his top target for some time.

However, West London Sport has reported that the R’s approached Derby about a deal for the Wales international but talks have not progressed and their focus has now moved away from the 28-year-old – who is also a target of Bournemouth.

It is said that Paterson is now the W12 club’s focus as there is a greater chance of getting a deal done ahead of Monday’s deadline – though they face competition from Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion.

The Swans playmaker only arrived in South Wales but is understood to want to leave the club despite scoring eight times and adding four assists in 22 appearances this term.

It has been outlined previously that the arrival of a new playmaker could open the door for George Thomas to depart.

The Verdict

Landing defender Dion Sanderson on loan from Wolves was a strong move from the R’s but bolstering Warburton’s attacking options would make sense before the window closes – with the teams around them in the promotion race tooling up in the current window as well.

Lawrence has looked back to his best for Derby this season but if a deal for him wasn’t progressing then the west London club are right to move on to Paterson, where it seems they may be able to get their man.

The 28-year-old’s situation at Swansea is an unusual one and seems to have been initiated by a disagreement over a contract extension, leaving the door open for other Championship clubs to strike.

Chris