McLeod Next Target?

QPR winger Kevin McLeod could be on his way to Swansea City. Rangers are prepared to sell the 24 year old for a fraction of the £250,000 they paid for him. McLeod has failed to make an impact since signing from Everton in August 2003 following a loan spell at the club the previous season. After ending last term well out of manager Ian Holloway's first team plans, the writing was on the wall for McLeod when Lee Cook signed last summer. Cook himself has disappointed for much of the season but McLeod has struggled even more and his Rangers career appears to be nearing an end. Swansea boss Kenny Jackett knows McLeod from his time as Holloway's assistant at Loftus Road. As the Gazette went to press yesterday (Thursday), Swansea has not put in a formal bid, but Ranger are aware of jackets interest in the player.

Swansea can only pay a nominal initial fee and their approaches so far suggest they will struggle to table an acceptable bid. But a structured deal potentially worth up to £100,000 has been mooted. The Welsh outfit face an FA Cup replay against Reading and a possible fourth round play day, plus the financial reward of promotion from league two is very much within their grasp, so an agreement based largely on future payment is possible. Holloway has gradually lost patience with McLeod and will not be short of options if he departs. The recent arrival of versatile midfielder Adam Miller and anticipated return to fitness of Aaron Brown have put McLeod under even more pressure. Brown, who left Bristol City in the summer, is with Rangers on a non contract basis whilst he recovers from along term injury. But although McLeod has flattered to deceive, he is regarded by some as a talent that could deliver and senior QPR figures are uneasy about letting him go. Meanwhile, Gino Padula is in line for a recall to the Rangers side for tonight's televised match against Stoke City. He has been out of favour with Holloway - not for the first time 0 but is set to reclaim his place just when it seemed his Rangers career was in ruins. Holloway has selected Richard Edghill and an out of position Matthew Rose at left back this season instead of Padula. More recently he has even chosen McLeod to play there rather than include the Argentine. But Padula, whose contract expires this summer, is likely to given another chance. Padula has steadfastly denied his non-inclusion is because of problems between himself and the manager and has blamed his own poor form. And he has denied he spoke to fellow Argentine Ramón Diaz - once his manager at River Plate - around the time the now Oxford boss was in line to replace Holloway at QPR. Holloway will also include on loan duo Simon Royce and Andrew Davies in his squad. Goalkeeper Royce returns to west London on a month's loan from Charlton having done well during a loan stint in the 2002-03 season. Centre back Andrew Davies this week finally joined from Middlesbrough. The 20 year old was due to arrive in December but Boro blocked the move because of injury problems at the Riverside Stadium. He has signed for a month but the loan deal is likely to be extended. "I'm please it's been done now" said Davies, who is highly rated by Boro manager Steve McClaren. "It's all about playing first team football and I'm looking forward to being involved. I hope to help as much as possible while I am here. I've been playing in the reserves at Middlesbrough so I'm happy to get a chance to play at a higher standard." But Southampton striker Leon Best's loan period ends this weekend and is unlikely to be extended whiles Serge Branco is also leaving after being told his short term contract is not being renewed.

SOURCE: GAZETTE NEWSPAPER

Photo: Action Images

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