Leeds United’s bid to bring in Paddy Kenny has been cast into doubt – with Queens Park Rangers unlikely to sell before they bring in a top-class replacement.
The Yorkshireman, 34, has been strongly linked with a move to United, having played under Elland Road boss Neil Warnock at Rangers, Sheffield United and Bury.
The future of Kenny, about to enter the final year of his contract, is set to be discussed shortly, with the keeper hoping to be offered a new deal at Loftus Road.
An improved contract was discussed prior to QPR’s sacking of Warnock in January, but talks later scheduled for the first week of February did not take place.
Rangers have since made enquiries about a number of keepers, including Aston Villa’s Shay Given with the R’s board expected to sit down and discuss transfer targets this week – with the mantra being that players will only be sold after a replacement in that position is brought in.
The goalkeeping position is also thought not to be among Mark Hughes’ overwhelming priorities, top of which is sorting out the future of disgraced midfielder Joey Barton.
Kenny, who joined Rangers in the summer of 2010, started 33 Premiership games for the West London club in 2011-12, missing just five top-flight matches.
Warnock has also been strongly tipped to raid his former club and make moves for ex-United midfielder Shaun Derry and defender Clint Hill, while forward Tommy Smith is the latest Hoops player to be linked with a move to Elland Road.
Hill, 33, – named Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Year in 2011-12 – was recently offered fresh terms by R’s boss Hughes and is thought to be keen on remaining in the Premiership, as is Derry.
Thirty-two-year-old Smith is down the pecking order at Loftus Road and with his chances expected to be limited next term, could be allowed to move on.
Norwich City boss Paul Lambert has again been linked with a move for unsettled United skipper Robert Snodgrass, subject of a failed ÂŁ3.5m bid last summer.
Lambert managed the Scottish international at the start of his career at Livingston, where he also played alongside Canaries attacking midfielder Wes Hoolahan and has been a long-time admirer of the 24-year-old.
SPL giants Celtic are also thought to be tracking Snodgrass.
Meanwhile, United target Paul Green has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad.
The midfielder was initially put on standby by national boss Giovanni Trapattoni, but has now been called up as a replacement for the injured Keith Fahey.
A number of Championship clubs have been linked with a move for Green, including Leeds and Ipswich Town.
Green is available on a Bosman free transfer after turning down the offer of a new deal with Derby County and while keen on sorting out his future at club level, the 29-year-old is now also turning his attention to international matters.
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