QPR looking to lure Isla in loan deal from Juventus

Newly promoted QPR, who are 9/2 to finish in the top 10 this coming season, look set to sign versatile Juventus midfielder Mauricio Isla on a loan deal.

The 26-year-old, who played every minute in all four of Chile’s World Cup games, was used in a bit-part role for the Italian champions last term, and it is reported his club are willing to let him leave.

Isla can play in a number of areas, mainly right back (where he was used at the finals in Brazil) and right midfield (his usual position at Juve), but is also adept on the left and in a central role.

Hoops boss Harry Redknapp has been reasonably quiet in the transfer window so far, but has bolstered up his defence with former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, as well as rising star Steven Caulker.

While QPR are well stocked at the back now, Isla would only really face competition from Danny Simpson on the right, but the Chilean may be of more use in midfield.

Newcastle United are also reportedly interested in signing the former Udinese player, but sources in Italy suggest he is on his way to west London.

QPR will desperately be hoping to remain in the Premier League this campaign, after their summer transfer spree in the 2011/12 season saw them relegated to the Championship.

However, they gained promotion again at the first of asking, after coming through a nervy play-off final with Derby County, and will hope to be better prepared for life in the top-flight.

The Hoops still have a large number of players from that season, including the likes of talented trio Julio Cesar, Loic Remy and Adel Taarabt, who they cannot seem to shake off.

But Redknapp has already explained optimistically that their loss to find a new club is his gain, and his side are odds-on at 4/11 to say up. They are, however, second-favourites at 7/4 to go down.