QPR delay move for Watford defender Hoban

QPR have delayed a move to sign Watford defender Tommie Hoban on loan after he picked up an injury in training.

Hoban, 23, is nursing a knee problem but has responded well to treatment and Rangers remain hopeful of bringing him in before the start of the new season.

Rangers are looking to recruit a dominant centre-back to shore up their defence.

Hoban, who spent last season on loan at Blackburn, has been lined up as an alternative to Joel Lynch, who has failed to convince since being signed from Huddersfield last summer.

Rangers are also keen to sign a striker with pace, a full-back and possibly another holding midfielder.

They remain interested in Barnsley’s Andy Yiadom despite reports of Premier League interest in the right-back.

The London-born Hoban, who played for the Republic of Ireland at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 levels, was on Arsenal’s books before joining Watford.

He has made 54 league appearances for the Hornets and played 16 times for Blackburn during a loan spell that was interrupted by a dislocated shoulder keeping him out of action for almost five months.

Caulker to Celtic looking likely

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Meanwhile, Steven Caulker looks increasingly likely to join Celtic.

QPR are looking to offload the defender on a free transfer, possibly with a sell-on clause in the deal.

The 25-year-old, who played under Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers at Swansea City, is now in the final year of a four-year contract at Loftus Road.

Rodgers recently played down the prospect of him moving to Parkhead, suggesting he had merely spoken to Caulker about the player’s personal problems.

However, discussions between QPR and Celtic have taken place and there now is a growing expectation that the move will happen.