Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Warburton has called reported Derby County target Alex Pritchard a top player after talk of the Hoops signing him, Mirror report.
Pritchard is a free agent after being released by Huddersfield Town this month.
According to a report by Last Word on Football, Derby and Birmingham City are among several clubs looking to sign the former Norwich City man on a free transfer.
The Rams were also linked with the 28-year-old in January by the Telegraph.
But the latest club to be linked with his signature is Queens Park Rangers.
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Mark Warburton managed Pritchard during their time together at Brentford, and the Hoops boss has told reporters for the Mirror how he can understand the links.
“As for Alex Pritchard, I know him really well. He’s a very talented player. I see us getting linked with him all the time. But don’t forget we’ve got the likes of Ilias Chair, Chris Willock and George Thomas – so we’ve got that type of player in the building already. I’ve got enormous respect for Alex. He’s a top lad and a top player but as I say we’ve got players in that position already,” Warburton explained.
QPR were one of the most improved teams in 2021, rising from near the bottom of the Championship to finish in the top ten following a strong end to the campaign.
The Hoops will now be looking to push for a playoff challenge next season.
Derby, meanwhile, finished as the lowest scorers in the Championship and only avoided relegation to League One on the final day of the season.
Rams boss Wayne Rooney must add creativity and a regular scorer this summer.
Pritchard, who once cost £11 million, still has plenty to offer and if the 28-year-old can rediscover his top form then he could be one of the bargains of the summer.
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