Who can Redknapp attract to keep QPR from the drop?

4Jan 2013

Premier League

No one predicted QPR would stun rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but can that result act as a catalyst in luring top players to Loftus Road?

When QPR rolled over and let Liverpool tickle their tummies for a full 90 minutes on Sunday, it really seemed like the death nail had been applied to a most miserable season for the Londoners.

Anyone who witnessed that match would have assumed an in-form Chelsea would simply add insult to injury on Wednesday, though somehow Redknapp's side pulled through to triumph at Stamford Bridge and suddenly the great escape is on once more.

Now the former Tottenham manager is hopeful that Rangers' incredible start to 2013 will help his side attract other high calibre players to join the fight for Premier League survival.

Redknapp said, "Now, maybe people will think, 'hang on, they have got a chance. It maybe would be nice to go there to get them out of the mess they're in and achieve something rather than go to a middle-of-the-road club and finish halfway. Let's be up for the challenge.'"

So where should Harry be looking to strengthen? Unfortunately for him, it looks like Joe Cole has snubbed a move to west London in favour of a return to his boyhood club West Ham.

However, if Redknapp is able to bring in another striker then Adel Taarabt could be deployed in the number 10 role which Cole may have occupied, instead of the false number nine that he was asked to play as at Chelsea through a lack of available centre forwards.

There are not too many available strikers in the market, though a move for Darren Bent could be an attractive prospect, albeit the manager and player would have to overcome some differences from their time in north London.

Loic Remy is another good if somewhat ambitious option, with the Marseille striker apparently available for around £10 million.

Buying a striker carries huge importance for QPR's chances of survival, though a quality defender is paramount.

Relying on a central partnership of Clint Hill and Ryan Nelsen with a combined age of 69 is not a sustainable framework, although both players will undoubtedly give their all to the cause.

Redknapp has indicated that former Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim will be offered a short-term contract but, although he is versatile, the 30-year-old Israeli is not quite the sort of player who can be depended on to keep them in the top flight.

Michael Dawson, who they tried to sign in the summer, would be a great addition as he possesses huge experience as well as the sort of fighting spirit Harry is alluding to. He is getting more minutes at Spurs than he was when linked with an exit at the start of the season, though his place is far from secure.

Those who believe in Harry Houdini can now lay QPR at 1.56 to escape the drop once the points are tallied up in May.