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Queens Park Rangers stopper Alex Smithies reacts to speculation linking him with Aston Villa

Queens Park Rangers’ Alex Smithies looks dejected (REUTERS)
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Aston Villa reportedly tried to sign Queens Park Rangers in the January transfer window.

QPR’s Alex Smithies (L) and Jordan Cousins (R) and Brentford’s Nico Yennaris in action

Queens Park Rangers stopper Alex Smithies has told West London Sport that he never paid attention to the rumours linking him with a move to Aston Villa during the January transfer window.

Villa were said to be interested in signing Smithies from Rangers last month, but ultimately couldn’t complete a deal.

The claret and blues, instead, brought in Sam Johnstone on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

And Smithies insists that the speculation over his future did not affect his mentality.

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“I don’t pay attention to it really. I don’t massively read the media,” Smithies said.

“People might tell me about things but I don’t take much notice of it – I know when I’ve been playing well and when I’ve not.”

Smithies is now set to sign a new contract at QPR, with Ian Holloway keen to keep hold of the stopper.

Smithies’ current contract expires at the end of next season, and QPR are keen not to run the risk of losing the 26-year-old on a free.

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The former Huddersfield Town man has been a key player for Rangers this season, and he has impressed.

Smithies is expected to start for QPR in their next match, which comes against Birmingham City at the weekend.

Queens Park Rangers’ Alex Smithies looks dejected