Malky Mackay set for loan raid on QPR
AFTER January transfer window frustration, Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay is looking to move in next week’s loan market.
The Bluebirds’ boss is still on the hunt for a striker and wideman and could well take another shot at two targets from last month in QPR’s Jamie Mackie and Tommy Smith.
The Bluebirds made enquiries about both men on permanent deals, but will now return to the West London club with a loan deal in mind.
QPR were the busiest Premier League side in the transfer window bringing in a host of players including a clutch of striking talent.
Djibril Cisse arrived from Lazio for £4m and Bobby Zamora from Fulham for £6m to give Rangers boss Mark Hughes plenty of attacking options.
With Premier League clubs poised to announce their 25-man squads for the rest of the season, Mackie and Smith could find themselves surplus to requirements at Loftus Road.
If so, it looks likely Mackay will be in the hunt to try to bring at least one to the Welsh capital.
The Cardiff manager (pictured) does have financial muscle behind him from the club’s Malaysian backers as he looks to reach the top flight.
The Bluebirds saw a £3m bid for striker Marvin Sordell at Mackay’s former club Watford accepted before they were gazumped by Premier League Bolton.
A £1.2m offer for winger Craig Noone was also rejected by Championship rivals Brighton.
Some of that money now looks set to be ploughed into a budget for loan players with Mackay praising the club’s board and confirming his involvement in the loan market.
“A lot of work was put in and if one of our transfer targets had come in it would have been very good,” said Mackay. “But when you look at the amount of financial backing put in by our Malaysian owners I can only thank them.
“It wasn’t for a lack of effort or financial support that we didn’t bolster our squad. We hit the post twice, so to speak and we will move again when the loan window opens on February 7.
“I was incredibly well supported and backed. It was frustrating,”
