Three new faces - ​Is this what QPR's defence will look like next term? Tim Poole Profile Queens Park Rangers have been linked with several new defenders. Is this how they will line up? Left-back: Traore Armand Traore has signed a fresh two-year deal at Loftus Road, suggesting Harry Redknapp has enough faith in the 23-year-old to let him play a big part in QPR's season ahead. Traore joined the west London club in 2011 and was a regular starter in the Championship last campaign, proving a versatile defender that can play in a number of positions. Redknapp may have been interested in a move for Ashley Cole once upon a time, though the former Chelsea left-back now looks set for a move abroad. How many other realistic options are there in that position? Traore would not be a bad bet to thus make the left-back slot his own for a long time to come. Centre-back: Ferdinand There was talk that Rio Ferdinand's move to QPR might be vetoed by the Rs board due to the veteran centre-back's age. However, Redknapp yesterday confirmed that the 36-year-old should be moving to Loftus Road this summer. As such, the former Manchester United stalwart is unlikely to settle for a place on the bench. He may lack the pace of his younger days - but Ferdinand still has the nous and ability to help QPR stay in the Premier League. His place looks a guaranteed one whenever his fitness will allow him to play. Centre-back: Caulker Another defender Redknapp has stated looks likely to join the Rs is Cardiff City's Steven Caulker, formerly of Tottenham. The 22-year-old shone last season, despite the Bluebirds' relegation, and looks to have a bright future ahead of him. Reports have also recently surfaced that another QPR target, Brede Hangeland, is now wanted by Cardiff, making it likely that he will be a replacement for Caulker in Wales and not a team-mate of his at QPR. Nottingham Forest havereportedly rejected Redknapp's bid for young defender Jamaal Lascelles, so Caulker looks the likeliest option to start in west London next term. Right-back: Johnson Perhaps the most controversial of QPR's back line, the right-back position could end up being filled by Liverpool's Glen Johnson. According to reports, Redknapp is stracking the Reds right-back, having previously worked with him at Portsmouth. And, although doubts have surfaced over Johnson's defensive abilities, his regular place within Liverpool's side - and England's World Cup XI - could guarantee him a starting spot at Loftus Road.
Absolute fiction. We know that the team is not going to get ripped apart. Caulker alongside Onuoha is enough for me.
You know this article is bollocks because he has Traore at LB. He probably heard his name for the first time in an article saying we'd given him a new contract.
Traore started 14 out of 46 league games, which apparently makes him a 'regular'. Author is an idiot. Simpson is a limited right back, especially going forward, but he won't be asked to do much of that next season. Still need options at right back, especially if Simpson is involved in a court case for thumping that bloke who stole his phone. Sunday Times has us with a chance of getting Serge Aurier as Arsenal now want Debeuchy from Newcastle.
Agree we need another RB, ideally one that is better getting forward than Simpson. Johnson fits what we need.
Was unsure about Rio, but pairing him with caulker would be formidable and listening to him at the world cup, he's cleverer tactically than i thought, i really would like to see him at the R's if the compromise was that harry signed caulker and the young lad from forest
Johnson would be far better for us than Simpson when it comes to ability. However, hopefully we wouldn't try to match his current salary & the problems this coukld give us with other contracted players. So, yes please to Johnson IF the package was correct.
You want to see two of the most honest, consistent pros we've got, replaced by a couple of celebrities? Comments like these really really irritate me. Do you remember what happened last time we didn't give our championship promotion squad a chance? Simpson has been fantastic this season; consistently a 7 out of 10 every game. Onouha's unquestionably our best CB, and has been with the club for 2.5 years. He's a great character and a 'right sort'...but you just want to bomb him out of the side for a 36 year old? a man with zero affinity for the club. Don't you feel any affection for any of the playing staff- haven't you enjoyed watching them perform? No wonder players are such mercenaries when fans have zero loyalty. Tell you what, lets just ditch Austin for Defoe +Van Der Vart
I hope Johnson doesn't come to us, I rate Simpson as a better defender than Johnson anyway. Simpson helped get us promoted and certainly doesn't deserve to be dropped. Johnson? A big, thanks but NO THANKS
Did you not see Johnsons performances in Brazil? Defensively he makes mistake after mistake. A liability.
You got me wrong Grifter - keep your hair on if you have any left! I don't want Simpson or any of the core of players who did well for us at the end of last season replaced. But if Onouha is going to be playing CB, then we need another RB in addition to Simpson, in case he gets injured or ends up inside as I gather he may. As Simpson is solid enough defensively I would prefer this other RB to be better going forward so Arry can use the type of Back he needs most depending on the opposition, if he thinks that far. I suppose Johnson is expensive and didn't say and don't really know if we should take him or not, but someone who is good at getting forward like Johnson definetely is, woud give us what we lack with Simpson, and provide more options.
Fair enough Oslo, my apologies! I've seen the "simpson/onouha out" theory expressed on other forums depressingly frequently, so probably jumped the gun a bit there. I'm not sure whether Onouha & Harriman would be sufficient cover for RB, perhaps we needs someone with more PL caps like you say.
