Sources: QPR in pole position in race with Nottingham Forest to sign Bournemouth star Cook
QPR have emerged as favourites in the race with Nottingham Forest to sign Bournemouth defender Steve Cook in January, Football Insider understands.
This site revealed on Tuesday (27 December) that Forest have targeted the 30-year-old as they look to sign a centre-back in the upcoming window.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that the east Midlands outfit risk losing out to QPR in the battle for Cook.
Both clubs have made enquiries for the former Premier League star but the London club are currently in the driving seat to get a deal completed.
Cook has entered the final six months of his Bournemouth deal and will be a free agent in the summer.
The defender has played just 336 minutes of football this term as speculation continues about his future.
Cook was omitted from the matchday squad against QPR on 27 December.
Cherries boss Scott Parker confirmed Cook’s potential exit is “in the pipeline” (via the BBC’s Kris Temple).
The defender has made 387 appearances for Bournemouth, including 168 in the Premier League.
He joined on an initial loan in late 2011, before making his switch from Brighton permanent in January 2012.
The 30-year-old was a mainstay in the Cherries side which gained promotion from the Championship during the 2014/15 season.
QPR and Nottingham Forest have Premier League aspirations of their own.
Just one point separates the play-off hopefuls, who sit in seventh and ninth respectively.
Mark Warburton’s side are also targeting additional firepower ahead of the winter window next month.
Football Insider revealed last week (24 December) QPR, West Brom and Huddersfield are plotting to sign Panama international Freddy Gondola on a free transfer.
The winter transfer window opens for business on Saturday (1 January).
In other news, Championship sides among six clubs chasing Premier League hitman.