QPR are close to agreeing a deal with Southampton for the sale of Kaspars Gorkss.
Winger Jason Puncheon may move to west London in exchange for the Latvian defender, who joined Rangers in 2008.
Rangers recently made Gorkss available for a transfer if the right offer came in, and Southampton were one of the clubs that showed an interest.
And as Neil Warnock had been looking to sign a wide-man, a swap deal involving Puncheon was discussed.
Warnock’s options in the transfer market have been increased by the recent Tony Fernandes-led takeover at Loftus Road, but the Saints seem keen to sign Gorkss regardless of whether the R’s boss still wants Puncheon.
Gorkss, who recently turned 29, was a key player in QPR’s promotion campaign but has fallen down the pecking order following the summer signings of Danny Gabbidon and Bruno Perone.
Puncheon, 25, is out of favour at Southampton and has not made an appearance for them this season.
He has Premier League experience, having spent the second half of last term on loan at Blackpool.
While with MK Dons, Puncheon was a target for the then QPR manager Ian Holloway, who has since signed him for both Plymouth and Blackpool.
Rangers’ willingness to part with Gorkss will come as a bitter disappointment to the centre-back, as he is desperate for a chance in the Premier League.
If a deal between the clubs is struck, he will then have to decide whether to drop back down to the Championship or reject the move in the hope he can eventually force his way into the Rangers side.
This post was last modified on 24/08/2011
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Would be sad to see Kaspars go, was influential in our promotion last season and didnt get the full credit he deserved, starred in most of our "clean sheet" games, great for the dressing room morale to. If he goes to Southampton he,ll get his premier league dream next season as i think theyre certs to go up. GOOD LUCK Southampton and KG if you go.
From what QPR fans have said about this fella it sounds quite promising for us if he opts to drop a division. I've seen Puncheon play a few times and on his day he can be a handful so could do a job for you guys! Anyway, good luck for the rest of the season and hopefully we'll be playing you soon... Preferably in your division!!!
Gorkss was part of a solid defence last year - probably forming the best defensive centre back pair in championship. Strange that Warnock hasn't even given him a chance.
QPR - PAKAĻAS!
getting rid of gorkss is a big mistake, you will always need a few spare defenders as we found out 7 mins in to the season. gorkkss can score the odd goal too.if warno really needs pucheon im sure saints will take a straight cash deal. good luck to saints & brighton in the npower.
come on you r s !
Problem with Gorkss is that he lacks speed, struggles against big physical strikers and cant play aware else, while Connerly / Fitz Hall / Gabbidon can play in other roles.
As mentioned great champ player but very limited at the higher level
A bit odd/ strange really, very good defender really and you know what you'll get from him, the problem is Hall is prone to injuries, Gabbidon not bad but needs time to settle-in, and Connolly good in the centre and on the left, so Gorkkss should be kept so that he can fight for a place or cover in the first team.
This is very odd in my opinion. There must be something underlying here as if Ian Evatt and Fitz Hall can play PL then KG can (and he should be able to in front of Perone too)!
It would be disappointing for Gorkss to leave at this stage and I am surprised he's not making the squad at the moment. However, Southampton are a great option for him if he does have to drop down as they have a decent manager, big crowds, good stadium and look well set to come up.
Odd, as I'd have him over Connolly, Hall or Gabbidon. Shame if he doesn't get a chance in the Premiership.