Sorba Thomas features: 5 EFL stars who must be on QPR's transfer shortlist | OneFootball

FLW looks into five players from the EFL who should be targeted by Marti Cifuentes

Highlights

Queens Park Rangers will be aiming to build on the momentum gathered during the second half of last season.

With Marti Cifuentes now gaining a full pre-season under his belt at Loftus Road, many will be intrigued to see just how strong an outfit the Spaniard can assemble in the off-season.

Rangers have flirted with the relegation trap door for the past two seasons. However, there is genuine belief that with the former Hammarby boss in charge, they can turn the corner fairly quickly.

The financial situation in this part of West London has been well documented for quite some time, meaning that the R's will have to be shrewd in their summer business. With that in mind, Football League World have pinpointed five targets from across the EFL who the club should look to target before August 30th.

Sorba Thomas

Starting off this list is the versatile Sorba Thomas, recently relegated with Huddersfield Town.

Much was made of the Terriers' lack of clinical edge in front of goal last term, although that wasn't for the want of trying as far as the Wales international was concerned, who carried a huge amount of creative weight on his shoulders last term, as well as being a key component in the side which reached the Championship play-off final just two seasons ago.

A similar player to Chris Willock, whose own future remains undecided amid the offering of a new potential two-year contract with a release clause, Thomas is able to slot in on both flanks, and registered 13 goal contributions for the side who came second-bottom, as well as the creation of 16 big chances for his teammates.

Such statistics showcase a talent too good for League One, and with Albert Adomah recently departing, an option for both sides of the wing with such potency when it comes to assists would aid Rangers' chances of a successful season.

Lukas Jensen

Despite the recent addition of Paul Nardi on a free transfer to replace the departing Asmir Begovic, Rangers still need to add further bodies to their goalkeepers union.

Therefore, they should look no further than Lincoln City's Lukas Jensen, who has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the third tier throughout his time at Sincil Bank.

A sale this window would also represent an opportunity for the Imps to make a profit on the ex-Burnley man who signed on a free transfer, with the Dane's current deal expiring next summer.

Only Derby County's Joe Wildsmith boasted a better clean sheet record than Jensen last term, who totalled 19 clean sheets and the concession of just 0.9 goals per game.

Comparing Jensen's 2023/24 campaign with Nardi, it wouldn't be unrealistic for the former Accrington Stanley loanee to oust the Frenchman and go straight into the number one slot if this deal ever came to fruition, with the ex-Gent man only keeping one clean sheet in 11 Jupiler Pro League outings.

Amadou Mbengue

Amadou Mbengue has earned plenty of plaudits for his development during a turgid time at Reading, and whilst the R's are never too far away from controversy themselves, they should look to manipulate the uncertainty at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and swoop for the Senegalese defender.

Starting off last season in the right-back position for the Royals, the 22-year-old made the seamless transition to centre-back and producing a consistent string of performances alongside Tyler Bindon as Ruben Selles' young side triumphed in the face of adversity to secure their status in League One amid ongoing financial difficulties.

At present, Rangers are lacking numbers at right-back beyond Reggie Cannon and the trio of Jake Clarke-Salter, Steve Cook and Jimmy Dunne at centre-back, and Mbengue also provides a youthful and dynamic alternative, as well as showcasing end product with three assists last term.

With his current contract running out next June, it could make a cut-price deal viable.

Dion Charles

Despite securing their safety last term, the striking department still needs lots of work before the first game of the season against West Bromwich Albion.

Michael Frey is yet to set the world alight for the Hoops, whilst Sinclair Armstrong netted just two more than the Swiss forward in 30 more Championship outings last term.

And, to quite literally add insult to injury, Cifuentes may be without Lyndon Dykes depending on the extended severity of the Scotland international's ankle ligament issue which saw him withdraw from the Tartan Army's squad for Euro 2024.

Regardless, the former Livingston man also struggled for consistency in front of goal last term with just six goals in 41 appearances, so turning towards Dion Charles would be a shrewd piece of business.

Stoke City and Watford have previously been credited with interest in the Northern Ireland international, who has netted 49 times for Bolton since making a reported £320,000 move from Accrington Stanley in January 2022, and Rangers could do a lot worse than join the queue, especially as interest from those aforementioned clubs has since chilled.

Charles is under contract in the North West for two more years, but will surely be looking for the first Championship move of his career whilst his stock is high at the age of 28.

Whilst there is an obvious step-up in quality, Charles would hope to emulate his previous move to the Toughsheet Community Stadium and become a fans' favourite in West London if a move was ever to materialse, finally ending the club's wait for a prolific centre-forward.

Ryan Longman

Rounding off this list is Hull City winger Ryan Longman.

The Tigers have made their stance clear that the 23-year-old is open to seek a new challenge this summer after a somewhat beneficial loan spell with Millwall last term, which saw him score thrice and assist a further two, with his best form coming under Neil Harris.

Harris has expressed his desire to make Longman's switch to the Den permanent, whilst recent reports from the Mirror claim that the Lions face competition from Birmingham City, Wrexham and a number of unnamed second tier sides.

It remains to be seen whether QPR are among those potential suitors, but given a lack of options on the right flank and Hull's willingness to see the former Brighton man depart, another cut-price deal could be on the cards which would benefit all parties.

Longman has shown glimpses of magic in the division for both Hull and Millwall, with notable strikes against AFC Bournemouth and Bristol City for the Tigers, as well as winning the South London side's Goal of the Season with his superb winner against eventual champions Leicester City three months ago.