QPR considering offer for renewed Villa playmaker By Thomas Sunderland Following a recent run of good form, newly-appointed QPR manager, Mark Hughes, is weighing up a bid for Aston Villa midfielder and former charge, Stephen Ireland. The pair worked together when Hughes was at the helm of Manchester City, during which time Ireland enjoyed what was arguably the most successful period of his playing career. Although Hughes was only manager of the Citizens for 18 months, itâs understood that the Welshman enjoyed a good rapport with the vast majority of his players and was sacked largely due to the demands of the clubâs relatively new Arabic owners and their immediate expectations. Not long after Hughesâ dismissal, Ireland also left Eastlands and despite the increased opportunity for first-team football at Villa Park, the 25 year-old took a long time to really make a break into the sideâs first team plans. However, the former Republic of Ireland international has experienced a surge of form and featured more prominently in the plans of Alex McCleish this campaign, leading Premier League teams to prick up their ears regarding his signature. Hoops owner, Tony Fernandes, has stated his devotion to the West London club and reportedly handed Hughes a £25m transfer kitty to play with this month, £7.5m of which would be needed to take Ireland away from Villa Park. Villa have had a disappointing season so far and despite McLeish claiming that he is keen not to let anyone leave his side over the course of the winter transfer window, he may have no choice if chairman Randy Lerner decides an offer is too good to turn down. On his day, Ireland has proven himself to be a powerful playmaker capable of weaving passes together that lit up the top flight three seasons ago and despite his drop in quality, will be hoping to revive his very best form if he were to work with Hughes once more. http://www.footybunker.com/qpr-considering-offer-for-renewed-villa-playmaker/14939
