Steve McClaren will be aware that QPR’s defence spent much of last season being unfavourably compared to sieves.

Consequently, he will be looking at reworking the backline, including investing in a new goalkeeper to challenge Alex Smithies. One promising candidate for McClaren could be Everton’s second choice Maarten Stekelenburg.

The Dutchman has suffered a fall from grace in recent years. From being first choice goalkeeper for the Netherlands in both the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euros, he is currently battling with Joel Robles to be second choice at Everton. This current turmoil is partially due to a groin injury that forced him to miss most of the season. However, there is little expectation of him taking the number one jersey off Pickford on his return.

In spite of this, he would be a strong signing for QPR. As well as his renowned penalty saving ability, he remains a good shot-stopper. His physicality is an added benefit against more physical forwards, although he can occasionally struggle with crosses.

He may wish to stay to battle Pickford for Everton’s number one spot. However, McClaren should be able to lure him to Loftus Road, either on loan or permanently, with the promise of regular first-team football. While Smithies was not entirely to blame for the deluge of goals last season, it was one of his poorest seasons to date. Stekelenburg would provide Smithies with competition and an experienced keeper to learn from. He might even help keep a few more clean sheets.