Three signings McClaren should target this week to push QPR to safety

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QPR finally kickstarted their season on Saturday with a vital victory over Wigan Athletic, ending a run of four consecutive defeats.

Steve McClaren’s side have a stern task ahead of them to avoid the drop in the Championship this season after a difficult summer and the former England boss has just a few days to finalise new arrivals before the loan window slams shut on Friday.

Having signed Nahki Wells and Tomer Hemed from Burnley and Brighton last week, McClaren is likely to switch his attention towards defensive recruits but there is still the possibility of additions in other areas.

Here, we have identified three reported targets who can help QPR avoid the drop.

Liam Lindsay (Barnsley)

One of Steve McClaren’s defensive targets for the final few days of the window, QPR are reportedly looking to snatch 22-year-old Liam Lindsay from League One outfit Barnsley after his impressive performances last season despite the club’s relegation.

According to The Daily Record, QPR are not put off by Barnsley’s £4m asking price for the former Partick Thistle defender but could face competition in the hunt to land his services, as Italian outfit Brescia are also surprisingly linked with interest.

On the fringes of the Scotland squad, Lindsay could be open to a move to bolster his chances of regular appearances for his nation and QPR would certainly thrive with his signature.

James Collins (Free agent)

A free agent since being released from boyhood club West Ham earlier this summer, Wales international James Collins is a name who has floated around a number of clubs this summer as he seeks to join a new side.

Speculation about a move to the Championship has been rife since The Bristol Post revealed the experienced defender was in the stands for Bristol City’s midweek victory over QPR, with both sides linked with a potential move.

However, The Sun claims that West Ham are remarkably exploring the option of bringing the centre-half back to the London Stadium and has been training with Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Tammy Abraham (Chelsea)

After hitting 23 goals with Bristol City a few seasons ago, Tammy Abraham has become one of the hottest prospects in English football and the 20-year-old could be available on loan from Chelsea before the end of the week.

While a deal for the two-time England international seems unlikely for a club like QPR, BBC Radio Derby suggested that McClaren may be eyeing a move after The Derby Telegraph claimed the QPR boss was in attendance to watch Chelsea’s U23 side in a 1-0 defeat to their Derby County counterparts.

However, Abraham is said to be intending to remain at Stamford Bridge and will seek to fight for a place in Maurizio Sarri’s side as he is not keen on a drop to the Championship after playing Premier League football with Swansea City last term.