Exclusive: QPR and Oxford United make moves to sign Rangers star

Queens Park Rangers and Oxford United are battling it out to sign Rangers defender Ben Davies, sources have told Football Insider.

Both clubs have registered their interest in the 30-year-old, who is not considered part of Russell Martin’s plans in a new-look side at Ibrox.

Davies spent last season on loan at Birmingham where he started 40 games across all competitions as they achieved promotion from League One in a record-breaking season.

Football Insider revealed on 29 July that Birmingham were in talks to sign Davies permanently, but they were ultimately unable to reach an agreement.

As a result, a host of Championship clubs have been put on alert by his availability, with QPR and Oxford moving to the front of the queue for his signature.

Ben Davies in action for Rangers with the ball at his feet
Credit: Getty Images

QPR and Oxford United race to sign Rangers defender

QPR are aiming to build on their ambitious summer transfer plans, having pipped Rangers to the signing of Kwame Poku earlier in the window.

Richard Kone’s arrival from Wycombe Wanderers underlined their aims to bolster with some of the best talent from League One, and Davies is firmly on that list.

His displays for Birmingham last time out have led to no shortage of interest in a move, while Rangers are keen to cash in and reinvest in their squad.

Oxford, meanwhile, have yet to spend significantly in the market so far but remain determined to strengthen Gary Rowett‘s squad with experienced names.

Having narrowly avoided relegation by just four points last season, there is a feeling that new players will have to arrive to achieve their aims of staying up.

Russell Martin braced for Nico Raskin and Hamza Igamane offers

Davies is not the only player who could be on his way out of Ibrox this summer, as Rangers brace for offers for a number of key stars.

Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Rangers expect offers for Nicolas Raskin and Hamza Igamane before the transfer deadline amid growing interest.

Rangers manager Russell Martin looking frustrated
Credit: Imago

Should either of Rangers’ star players leave, the club are prepared to use the money from their sales to reinvest and strengthen the first-team squad.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 12 August that Rangers are bracing to receive offers for Igamane amid interest from Lille among others.

For more Rangers and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.