Julien Stephan told to target ex-Sunderland star at QPR - 'I'd happily take a punt' on free agent | OneFootball

Duncan Watmore remains on the free agent market at present

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Queens Park Rangers have endured a mixed opening three months under the management of Julien Stephan, with the West London side currently in the midst of a poor run of form.

The Frenchman's initial appointment at Loftus Road in June was met with an air of excitement after relatively successful spells in Ligue 1 with both Stade Rennais and RC Strasbourg, which included a first venture into the UEFA Champions League with the former.

After years of stagnation in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League all the way back in the summer of 2015, there was a belief amongst supporters that the Hoops could finally challenge for at least a play-off place on a much more regular basis, should Stephan be able to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor, Marti Cifuentes.

Following an extremely underwhelming first month in West London, Rangers were able to fully showcase their full potential between September and early October, with a run of six games unbeaten propelling them to the play-off positions.

However, a just as contrasting run of one win in the past six games has seen Rangers slide back down to 16th, albeit they remain just six points behind the play-offs.

During said run, injury misfortune and some rather debatable team selection calls from the 47-year-old have already sparked debate regarding tweaks which need to be made in the upcoming transfer window.

Yet, after enjoying an extremely active summer window, in which 11 signings were made, Football League World's QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, has urged the club to potentially dip into the free agent market.

One of the most experienced names in said market who remains without a club is former Millwall winger, Duncan Watmore, who departed The Den in the summer following the expiration of his contract.

The 31-year-old has previously been a seasoned campaigner at Championship level, previously featuring for Sunderland and Middlesbrough before a two-year stint in South London under Gary Rowett, Joe Edwards, Neil Harris and Alex Neil.

Prior to his exit, which came after a long-term injury absence, Watmore started his final season with the Lions on fire with five goals in the opening six matches last term.

He then became the subject of interest from Sheffield Wednesday in September, although the cash-strapped Steel City side remain unable to sign free agents at present.

Therefore, with plenty of experience to call upon, as well as catching his own eye in encounters against Rangers, Moir sees a potential free transfer for the Manchester-born man as a smart deal.

"I think we're probably going to sign a couple of players in January," he told FLW. "I'd be tempted to take a look into the free market. There's a couple there who could still do a job for Championship sides.

"If he's still available in January, I think, on a free, Duncan Watmore," Moir claimed.

"Yes, people could argue he's past it, hence why no one's signed him. But, he could still have a little bit to offer at this level.

"Every time he played us, whether it was for Millwall or Middlesbrough, he's quite a nippy forward and decent enough.

"He's not that old. If he was to get back up to match fitness quickly, he'd be a good option off the bench," he explained.

"The pace that we have with Burrell, that could be similar to Duncan Watmore. Obviously, not as quick, but a similar option that still offers something different.

"A player like that, on a free, you'd probably take until the end of the season or a year to see how they do. You couldn't go wrong with a player like that if he still has the ability and was able to impact games in the same way he'd done before.

"I'd happily take a punt on Duncan Watmore on a free."

Duncan Watmore would add further experience to QPR's attacking options

A short-term deal for Watmore on a free transfer would certainly be a low-risk deal for Rangers, and one which would only bolster the experience and versatility within their fluid attack.

Kwame Poku has struggled with injuries ever since his arrival from Peterborough United, meaning that Watmore could certainly add adequate competition for the likes of Koki Saito, Ilias Chair and Harvey Vale on either flank.

Understandably, though, some would have reservations over this signing, particularly due to the fact the winger hasn't featured in a competitive outing since February 2nd, meaning a period of getting back to full fitness may initially be required, which, in turn, limits the number of Championship games he could impact.