Former QPR striker Kevin Gallen believes that QPR need a striker before the transfer window slams shut a week today, as reported by West London Sport.

Gallen, now 45, made just shy of 400 appearances for West London outfit during two spells with the club and has suggested that a striker with pace would boost the club's chances of enjoying a successful season.

The R's have been linked with Watford's Andre Gray, but the lightning-quick forward has emerged as a target for a whole host of second-tier clubs.

QPR have made a positive start to the new campaign, picking up two wins and two draws from their opening four games.

On Saturday, The R's came from two goals behind to earn a draw with Barnsley, following an impressive 3-2 away win at Middlesbrough during last week.

Speaking to West London Sport, Gallen explained why QPR would benefit from recruiting a pacy striker: “I would not be surprised if they go and get a striker with pace who can run in behind.

“Teams will play with a high line, press us really high and we haven’t got a runner to go in behind. So I will be very surprised if we don’t get a fast running-in-behind striker.

“They need a striker for an option for when we do come up against teams who are going to press us high.

“We need that option of someone who’s going to run in behind. We haven’t got that option at the moment.”

The verdict

QPR would certainly be bolstered by the arrival of a quick forward who operates on the shoulder of the last defender and someone whose line of thinking revolves around getting in behind opposing defences.

However, there is not a need for adding a striker like this. Lyndon Dykes and Charlie Austin worked very well together at the end of last season, and it appears that has continued into the new campaign.

A player like Gray would be an exciting addition to the squad and would give The R's a new dimension, with his pace and intelligent attacking movement offering something completely different to current options.

Yes, a pacy forward would be a boost, but it is not something that will need to be prioritised.