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QPR have emerged as a strong contender to sign Wanderers midfielder Darren Pratley.
The Bolton News understands the 30-year-old has opened talks about a return to West London, where he previously played for both Fulham and Brentford, and also has other options on the table.
Wanderers insist they have not given up on keeping Pratley at the Macron Stadium next season and have made him a fair offer.
But with the wage structure tighter than ever this summer, Neil Lennon would be unable to match the Hoops financially if their interest progresses.
Ipswich Town were strongly linked with a move for the midfielder last week but local sources claim they were unable to meet his salary demands after brief discussions.
QPR boss Chris Ramsey has already signed Swindon pair Ben Gladwin and Massimo Luongo but lost a number of players after being relegated from the Premier League and wants another midfielder on board, with Pratley potentially seen as a replacement for Joey Barton.
He is also looking towards home-based players after the club made several expensive mistakes in their sole season back in the top flight and could be under pressure to sign players early, with Financial Fair Play sanctions a very real possibility in the foreseeable future.
Ramsey is being helped in that matter by ex-Wanderer Les Ferdinand, who was recently installed as the director of football.
Pratley rejuvenated his Whites career last season under Lennon after failing to win over fans in his first few seasons with the club.
He finished the season with five goals – including a burst of four in six games over the festive period – but was sidelined in January with a serious hamstring tear.
The former Swansea City man had returned to training by the end of the campaign but was not risked in the final few weeks.
Lennon had described the midfielder as a “giant” at the turn of the year and was looking forward to seeing him in full flow again next season.
“Before his injury he was really important for us,” said the manager.
“I didn’t think it was necessary to take any risks because it was a really bad tear he suffered. He’ll hopefully be back fit and fresh for us in pre-season.”
Source
The Bolton News understands the 30-year-old has opened talks about a return to West London, where he previously played for both Fulham and Brentford, and also has other options on the table.
Wanderers insist they have not given up on keeping Pratley at the Macron Stadium next season and have made him a fair offer.
But with the wage structure tighter than ever this summer, Neil Lennon would be unable to match the Hoops financially if their interest progresses.
Ipswich Town were strongly linked with a move for the midfielder last week but local sources claim they were unable to meet his salary demands after brief discussions.
QPR boss Chris Ramsey has already signed Swindon pair Ben Gladwin and Massimo Luongo but lost a number of players after being relegated from the Premier League and wants another midfielder on board, with Pratley potentially seen as a replacement for Joey Barton.
He is also looking towards home-based players after the club made several expensive mistakes in their sole season back in the top flight and could be under pressure to sign players early, with Financial Fair Play sanctions a very real possibility in the foreseeable future.
Ramsey is being helped in that matter by ex-Wanderer Les Ferdinand, who was recently installed as the director of football.
Pratley rejuvenated his Whites career last season under Lennon after failing to win over fans in his first few seasons with the club.
He finished the season with five goals – including a burst of four in six games over the festive period – but was sidelined in January with a serious hamstring tear.
The former Swansea City man had returned to training by the end of the campaign but was not risked in the final few weeks.
Lennon had described the midfielder as a “giant” at the turn of the year and was looking forward to seeing him in full flow again next season.
“Before his injury he was really important for us,” said the manager.
“I didn’t think it was necessary to take any risks because it was a really bad tear he suffered. He’ll hopefully be back fit and fresh for us in pre-season.”
Source
