Queens Park Rangers are reportedly lining-up a January move for Hearts’ forward Uche Ikpeazu, but would it be a smart move from Mark Warburton?

QPR boss Mark Warburton is said to be in for a striker in January, and Uche Ikpeazu is said to be on his radar according to Sky Sports. The Hearts forward has two goals from six appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season and could be set for a return to England in the New Year.

The 24-year-old forward moved to Hearts from Cambridge United in 2018, scoring five goals in his first season in Scottish football.

He’s renowned for his physical attributes, and Warburton amongst others is keen on a January swoop having scouted him throughout the season. 

Here we take a look at two pros and two cons of QPR signing Ikpeazu in January.

Pro: Physical Ikpeazu

Ikpeazu’s U.S.P is his physicality - the striker possesses the strength and speed able to damage any defence.

QPR could well do with a bulldozing forward. The team that Warburton's built is not a very physical one, despite all the technical talent in the side.

Ikpeazu’s strength would give QPR some added steel up top, and would be a great asset in their high-press system.

Pro: A good deal on a good player?

Scottish football isn’t awash with cash, and QPR could likely get a good deal on Ikpeazu, who’s still only 24-years-old.

Warburton could well be dipping into the Scottish market because of the strapped finances up there and could bag a bargain in Ikpeazu this January.

Con: Warburton already has two goal-scoring strikers

For this season anyway, QPR already have two prolific strikers in Jordan Hugill and Nahki Wells. 

The pair are only here for the season though, and Ikpeazu would have to play second-fiddle for at least half a season before he’s given his chance.

Con: No Championship experience

Ikpeazu is set to join Port Vale on loan
 

The highest level of senior English Football Ikpeazu has actually played at is League One.

He spent half a season at Blackpool in the 2015/16 where he featured 12 times and failed to score a goal. In his last season in England with Cambridge in 2017, he had his best career season scoring 12 in 40 League Two games.

Signing Ikpeazu would definitely be a risk for Warburton - Ikpeazu has barely lit up League Two and has only two goals in the SPL this season.

[freshpress-poll ]