QPR tempted by Tim Cahill transfer to bolster attacking options

QPR, 2/1 second-favourites to be relegated from the Premier League with Coral, could turn to former Everton and Millwall frontman Tim Cahill to bolster their survival bid.

Hoops boss Harry Redknapp is closing in on the capture of Ajax striker and Iceland international Kolbeinn Sigthorsson, having agreed a fee with the Dutch champions, but has just three (soon to become two) senior centre forwards currently on the books at Loftus Road.

Charlie Austin, last season’s top scorer, and Bobby Zamora, who recently signed a new contract at the club, are in desperate need of backup. When Austin was injured in the spring, QPR’s form dipped dramatically, costing them automatic promotion.

Loic Remy, also still contracted to the Hoops, is about to join Liverpool after they activated an £8.5m release clause. This deal is subject to the France forward passing a medical and agreeing personal terms at Anfield.

Injury-prone diminutive frontman Andy Johnson was released by QPR following their promotion back into the Premier League, after just 20 league appearances in two years.

Australia record scorer Cahill, 34, quit English football in the summer of 2012 for MLS franchise the New York Red Bulls. He proved his eye for the spectacular has not diminished by netting a stunning volley for the Socceroos at the World Cup in Brazil in a group game against the Netherlands.

Starting out as an attacking midfielder, Cahill spent 15 years across Millwall and Everton. When then-Toffees boss David Moyes was short of options up front following the retirement of Scottish target man Duncan Ferguson, he pushed Cahill into a lone striker role. It is a position he has occupied regularly for his country.

The Hoops are also short in advanced midfield areas, although maverick Moroccan talent Adel Taarabt is back at the club for now, following loan spells at Fulham and AC Milan last term. Redknapp’s side are 4/1 shots to record a top 10 finish.