Queens Park Rangers look set to appoint Neil Critchley as their new manager at Loftus Road and the 44-year-old could seal a dream first signing in Brighton striker Deniz Undav.
It has been widely reported that the former Blackpool manager will take the reins at the west London side, replacing the departing Michael Beale after he joined Rangers last week.
Critchley joins at an immensely busy period, as Championship football returns this weekend, with QPR facing table-toppers Burnley, while the January transfer window is just a few weeks away.
According to Football League World, the Hoops are one of several second-tier sides including Sunderland, Burnley, Coventry City, Blackburn Rovers and Norwich to register an interest in signing Undav next month.
The 26-year-old has struggled for game time with the Seagulls so far this season, playing just 172 minutes in total with eight substitute appearances in the Premier League, although he did score on his one start against Forest Green in the League Cup.
However, his performances on loan in Belgium last season certainly suggest that there is a player there, as he would contribute a hugely impressive 25 goals and 10 assists in just 33 league appearances for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Would Undav be a good signing?
Upon his return to Brighton, the German striker spoke about what he could offer the Seagulls in the Premier League, although it seems as if he will now be heading to the Championship.
He said:
“I will not say a number [of goals], I will just try and score maybe not 26 but a little bit less. I can score inside the box, outside the box, I can score from the middle line, I can score from everywhere. I have no typical type of goal. I try to score with my head, with the left foot, right foot, with my shoulder, with everything.”
It seems as if Undav will now be forced to live up to his own high expectations in the second tier, as first-team chances at Brighton are clearly not available to him right now.
Considering his phenomenal performances last season, combined with the fact that QPR’s top scorers this season have been Chris Willock and Lyndon Dykes with just six, then he would surely be a dream first addition for Critchley at Loftus Road.
