Saints and QPR Purr for Fer

Norwich City’s Leroy Fer is attracting the attention of QPR, odds-on at 4/11 to stay up next season, after impressing on World Cup duty for the Netherlands. Harry Redknapp is keen to strengthen his side for their fresh campaign in the Premier League, and has already snapped up Rio Ferdinand on a free transfer, as well as signing Steven Caulker.

The Hoops boss is prepared to offer midfielder Karl Henry in part-exchange, who the Canaries have previously shown an interest in.

Henry made 29 appearances for the west London club last term, but with a number of signings anticipated at Loftus Road this summer he could move on.

Redknapp acknowledged the need for strength in midfield, admitting that the club is going to endure a long hard season.

“We need a couple of midfield players. And we need a number 10,” he said.

“We need to strengthen the squad for sure. If we can get good loans we will take them, but that have to be better than you already have, that’s the key,” Redknapp continued.

“We need a bit of quality, it is going to be a tough division this year. And we need that little bit of quality to keep us in there.”

The two-footed midfielder, Fer, scored four goals, and contributed three assists for the Norfolk outfit last season, being one of their stand-out performers. Norwich, however, couldn’t beat the drop and the Dutch midfielder is an asset who they can cash in on to spend elsewhere.

Southampton are also keen on Fer, with new boss Ronald Koeman interested in linking up with his compatriot. Having already lost Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren, the south coast club are eager to reinvest wisely to ensure they’re suitably strong to compete next term.

Currently at 6/4 to finish in the top 10, Koeman is ambitious and may even be targeting the Europa League. No doubt Fer will add that extra quality the Saints need.