Rangers manager eager to reunite with talented winger

Rangers manager Michael Beale has set his sights on reuniting with talented winger Chris Willock.

According to sources, the 25-year-old Queens Park Rangers attacker is keen to follow his former boss to Glasgow.

Willock’s contract with QPR expires at the end of the season, and although the club has an option to extend for another year, Beale hopes to sign the Londoner on a free transfer or for a bargain fee.

Beale recently returned to his old club to scout their 1-1 draw against Norwich City. While Willock was an unused substitute in that match, sources say he is one of Beale’s top transfer targets as the manager plans a squad overhaul.

Willock left Arsenal’s youth academy in 2017 as a promising 19-year-old tipped for stardom by legendary former manager Arsene Wenger.

Despite signing a five-year contract with Benfica, Willock struggled to break into the first team, going on loan to West Bromwich Albion and Huddersfield Town.

QPR manager Mark Warburton paid £750,000 to sign Willock permanently in 2020. According to sources, Willock was eager to reunite with former Arsenal coach Neil Banfield, now Beale’s assistant at Rangers.

During his brief stint as QPR manager last season, Beale praised Willock’s potential, saying the winger could “play at the next level” with minor adjustments.

Michael Beale sets sights on Chris Willock reunion at Rangers

With key attacking players Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos nearing the end of their contracts, Beale aims to strengthen his squad over the summer.

A source close to QPR confirmed that Willock is aware of Beale’s interest, saying, “With a player of this talent available at a cut-price rate or even for free, it’s a no-brainer for Michael. Chris would jump at the chance, and the boy would light up Ibrox.”