• Premier League

Harry hoping to lure Gallas as Nelsen discussions continue

ESPN staff
January 9, 2013
Could William Gallas make the move to QPR? © PA Photos
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Harry Redknapp has targeted William Gallas as his first signing of the transfer window, as he attempts to solve QPR's defensive problems.

The Loftus Road boss is understood to have around £20 million to spend this January, and is specifically seeking to buy two centre-halves and two forwards.

The Evening Standard reports that Redknapp will use his personal relationship with Gallas, having managed him at Tottenham Hotspur and even persuaded the defender to join White Hart Lane from rivals Arsenal, to entice him to QPR.

Although Gallas has started 16 Premier League games this season, that has mainly been due to the absences of Younes Kaboul and Michael Dawson, while it is unlikely to be offered a new deal.

One of QPR's outgoing centre-halves, Ryan Nelsen, may yet stay around long enough to help their relegation battle, though, despite agreeing a deal to become manager of Toronto in the MLS.

Given the lack of experienced personnel at Loftus Road, Redknapp is keen to keep Nelsen's services while also understanding his fitness concerns and desire to get into coaching as soon as possible.

Although the New Zealander could feasibly leave at the end of the month, talks are under way to keep him at QPR until March to help in the club's relegation battle.

"I've had several conversations with Harry and Tony Fernandes," Nelsen said. "They have been so understanding with my situation. They understand that when I play I am playing on glass knees and glass ankles. It is a bit of a struggle.

"They know I am at the end but they also know the predicament they are in. Dropping out [of] the Premier League has major financial implications, so I have an obligation.

"I really want QPR to stay up and to kick on for Harry and because of the owner. They are just fantastic people. They would like me to keep playing but we have to sit down and talk.

"If we can get five straight wins, that'd be perfect. I think then we could shake hands [and part company] but we are just going to have to talk and see how things progress."

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