According to TeessideLive, Queens Park Rangers are braced for further interest on playmaker Luke Freeman this January. QPR succeeded in keeping hold of their in-demand star man in the summer but with the winter window fast approaching, their rivals Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and West Brom are all interested in the 26-year-old.
While he is yet to hit last season’s heights where he recorded 12 assists, Freeman has managed to score twice and assist once this season. He has been vital in the Hoops’ ascent to the upper half of the table. QPR are currently 9th with 27 points after 18 games. Steve McClaren’s side are level on points with Aston Villa but have a weaker goal difference.
Tony Pulis has done a solid job at the Riverside Stadium. Boro have the best defensive record in the league. They have conceded just 9 goals so far.
It goes without saying that Middlesbrough need to reinforce their offensive ranks. They have struggled to create goalscoring opportunities and have the least goals scored of any team in the promotion spots. Boro have scored 21 goals, six fewer than Derby County.
Luke Freeman could add a spark to Middlesbrough’s attacking options. However, Rangers’ transfer embargo, it will be hard to prise off the midfielder.
Often deployed as an attacking midfielder just off the centre-forward, Freeman can also play on either flank. A good dribbler, the former Arsenal academy player can work wonders during set-pieces. He is also a counter-attacking threat and puts in an excellent defensive shift.
With Freeman’s QPR contract up at the end of next season, this winter window represents the last chance Rangers have to command a significant fee for his services. However, if Boro can tempt QPR into doing business, the acquisition of Freeman would massively boost Middlesbrough’s promotion chances at the end of the season.
Middlesbrough can head into this deal knowing that the player would immediately strengthen their firepower and options in the final third.
