The 26-year-old goalkeeper has earned a reputation as something of a penalty saving specialist this season; no wonder Queens Park Rangers want to keep him.
Queens Park Rangers are determined to tie down in-form, in-demand goalkeeper Alex Smithies to a new long-term deal, West London Sport reports, to ward off interest from rival clubs.
The former Huddersfield Town shot-stopper has been in inspired form of late for Ian Holloway’s side and has rapidly become their go-to saviour on the big occasion.
Smithies saved Chris Martin’s penalty in last month’s 1-1 draw with local rivals Fulham after preventing another two spot kicks in the return fixture in November. Overall, he has now saved six of the ten penalties he has faced in QPR colours.
Unsurprisingly, therefore, the Rs are desperate for him to sign a new contract amid reports from the Daily Mirror that an Aston Villa side on the lookout for a long-term number one were preparing a £4million offer.
However, West London Sport claims that negotiations over an extension have progressed well so far.
Winter of discontent: Villa-linked QPR goalkeeper Alex Smithies not interested in move
And, just last month, Smithies confirmed to the Brent and Kilburn Times that a departure from Loftus Road had not even crossed his mind.
“I’d be delighted to extend my stay here. I love playing for this club,” the 26-year-old said. “My family are settled too. I’m happy to continue playing for this club for many years to come.”
This news will be music to the ears of QPR fans. Not so much Villa, however, after Sam Johnstone’s howler helped Nottingham Forest to a comeback win on Saturday and raised further questions about the quality of the keepers at Steve Bruce’s disposal.
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And that is without mentioning the fact that Smithies saved a penalty from Jonathan Kodjia earlier in the season. Of course he did.
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