Brown linked with Rangers move

Last updated : 30 June 2004 By Mark O' Haire

Rangers are apparently tracking Bristol City winger Aaron Brown who is currently at odds with the Ashton Gate club over a new contract.

Brown has rejected a new deal at the League 1 side and is been courted by Championship sides Rangers, Stoke City and Preston North End.

The 24-year old has been at Bristol for the whole of his career and is thought to be unhappy at the terms offered to him by new Robins boss Brian Tinnion. Despite Tinnion holding him in great aplomb the new manager has emphasised the point that no player is bigger than the club, giving the contract rebel a stern warning that "we will not be held to ransom" over a new deal.

Tinnion was quoted as saying that Brown’s injury towards the end of last season could have been a firm reason behind City’s failure to win automatic promotion. Tinnion said:

"He is a strong runner with the ball and he is a good crosser of a football, however he has not weighed in with as many goals as he should have done. He has showed signs of hitting the back of the net by scoring 6 times last term. 99% of City fans believe his injury with 10 games to play last season is why we didn’t go up automatically".

So with Brown yet to sign a new deal it seems a three-way tug-of-war may follow with Rangers, Stoke and Preston all keen to land the wide player for next season.

Elsewhere, Tony Thorpe has again been linked with a move away from Loftus Road. QPR MAD can reveal that former club Luton Town have been in contact with Rangers about bringing the marksman back to Kenilworth Road. An initial enquiry is expected to be followed up with a reasonable offer from the Hatters but Ian Holloway looks likely to scupper any attempt by wanting to keep the striker at Loftus Road.

Thorpe was an important figure last season scoring some vital goals after signing from Luton. He was however kept on the sidelines for most of the promotion run-in due to the form of Kevin Gallen, Paul Furlong and the arrival of Jamie Cureton. Ollie sees Thorpey as a key member of next season’s squad and does not want to see him leave.

For all the latest news from Loftus Road regarding transfer news, contract talk and pre-season preparations; log on to QPR MAD.

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