QPR keen on Palace youngster Ebiowei

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QPR are keen on Crystal Palace youngster Malcolm Ebiowei but a deal to sign him on loan is not straightforward.

A number of Championship clubs are interested in the 19-year-old winger, who joined Palace from Derby last year.

Rangers boss Neil Critchley would like a left-footed winger to play on the right flank – similar to how Ilias Chair has been operating coming in from the left.


Ebiowei fits the bill and Palace have indicated they would be happy for him to move to Loftus Road for the rest of the season. The two clubs previously discussed a potential loan move after the Eagles signed him during the summer.

However, QPR currently have four players on loan: Ethan Laird, Tim Iroegbunam, Tyler Roberts and Taylor Richards.

Championship clubs can have a maximum of five loan players in a matchday squad and Rangers’ priority is to bring in a striker.

Having Ebiowei as a fifth loan signing could therefore prove to be problematic.

Critchley is keen to add at least one centre-forward to his squad and several potential loan and permanent signings have been identified. Bournemouth’s Jamal Lowe is currently the top target.

Rangers have also been made aware of the possible availability of Burnley’s veteran striker Ashley Barnes, who may leave on loan.

Roberts’ stay in west London has not been a success so far.

QPR: Tyler Roberts
Tyler Roberts has been troubled by injury problems

The Wales international, on loan from Leeds, has endured a number of niggling injuries, causing him to miss the recent World Cup.

He has scored just once in 15 Championship outings this season. But that number of appearances means QPR now do not have the option of terminating his season-long loan this month, while Critchley has indicated that he would like to keep Roberts and try to get the best out of him.

Richards has started just one league game for the R’s, but his loan from Brighton involves an obligation to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

Signing Richards on a permanent deal this month rather than in the summer would reduce the number of loan players in the squad.