The former Derby County and Newcastle United manager could be on the lookout for goalkeeping reinforcements at Queens Park Rangers.
Queens Park Rangers could be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer after agreeing to the £4 million sale of Alex Smithies to Cardiff City, as reported by HITC Sport. But to whom could Steve McClaren, the R’s former Derby County and Newcastle United manager turn if Smithies is to depart?
Here are three potential candidates…
Lee Grant (Stoke City)
Love Island World Cup: If EVERY contestant was a 2018 World Cup team
A regular during McClaren’s first spell as Derby manager, Grant spent the bulk of last season as Jack Butland’s deputy at Stoke. And with Butland looking set to stay put as things stand, his veteran teammate could seek a move. A reunion with Grant’s former boss at QPR would surely appeal in which case – four years after his Wembley defeat to the R’s with Derby.
Freddie Woodman (Newcastle United)
Another ‘keeper with whom McClaren should be familiar, having worked under the 57-year-old at Newcastle. Woodman is said to be keen to leave on loan this summer, with several Championship clubs already credited with interest. As a native Londoner, the 21-year-old may favour a return to the capital, where his father, Andy, is employed as Arsenal’s goalie coach.
Jamal Blackman (Chelsea)
Impressive during a spell at Sheffield United last season (except against QPR last November), Blackman’s chances of a return to Bramall Lane appear to have been scuppered by the Blades’ recent capture of Manchester United’s Dean Henderson instead. A rumoured fee of £2.5 million was bandied about as United sought to bring back the Chelsea shot-stopper, and Smithies’ sale could enable QPR to pounce.
Who could QPR target as Smithies’ replacement – should McClaren’s former Derby and Newcastle players feature?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
