QPR's January transfer business shows no signs of slowing down with Sunderland's Liam Miller and Reading's Leroy Lita the latest names in the frame.
Miller was tipped to be the 'new Roy Keane' when he joined Manchester United after coming through the ranks at Celtic but his career has never really taken off as people expected. The 27 year old spent time on loan at Leeds United before making a permanent move to Sunderland. He fell foul of the real Keane at the Stadium of Light after repeatedly turning up late for training - Keane famously said: "Don't get into a car with Liam Miller, he has more accidents than anybody I know."
Keane left his post with the Mackems this season of course but the appointment of Ricky Sbragia does not seem to have improved Miller's first team chances greatly and the Premiership club has even intimated that they will pick up a percentage of the midfielder's wages just to get him off their books.
Sbragia said: "There's been some interest in Liam from QPR, so something might happen there. They've made an enquiry about him and we're just waiting to see the full extent of their interest, but it looks like it could be a loan. They've put a feeler out, certainly."
Sunderland are looking to trim their squad this January and have already off loaded Graham Kavanagh to Carlisle and Ross Wallace, who impressed at Loftus Road before Christmas, to Preston on a permanent basis. Miller is said to be earning £16,000 a week in wages from Sunderland and has scored just three times in 60 appearances. As their clear out gathers pace Rangers are also said to be sniffing around striker Daryl Murphy who we made an unsuccessful attempt to sign this time last season.
Lita is a less likely target but the Kilburn Times reported this week that Rangers are keen to do a deal for the 24 year old Reading striker who is out of contract this summer. Lita is seen as something of a bad egg in the dressing room and once infamously sent a video of himself with a woman to his team mates on their mobile phones but he scored seven goals on loan at struggling Norwich earlier this season and marked his return to the Madejski with a goal against Watford on Friday night. He received a terrific reception from the Reading fans in that game and Steve Coppell has said he has no desire to sell him but a loan deal could be possible.
Lita was tipped to be a direct replacement for James Beattie at Sheffield United but rejected the move yesterday. The Blades had a £1m bid accepted but Lita told them he wanted to remain at Reading.
Personally I am not overly enthused by the potential signing of Miller who would no doubt add another long, costly contract to our wage bill should he sign. Leigertwood was suddenly come into some form, just as a move away from the club was mooted, and Miller has never greatly impressed me wherever he has been. I am not sure what he would bring to our squad that it does not already have. Lita on the other hand is exactly the sort of player we need but his reputation and associated baggage would be a worry - if we could keep his head right and his discipline steady he would be an excellent signing for us though I'm not actually sure I really believe it will happen.