Redknapp not making transfer plans
Harry Redknapp believes strengthening his squad in January will be pointless unless QPR enjoy a productive December.
Rangers are four points adrift at the foot of the Barclays Premier League and launch a pivotal month numbering six fixtures when they host Aston Villa in Redknapp's first home match tomorrow.
It had been assumed owner Tony Fernandes would fund new signings when the transfer window opens, but the new QPR boss insists potential targets have not even been discussed.
"I'm not looking at January. It's about now. There are games between now and the window that will decide where we're going," he said.
"If we don't pick up some points and wins in that period, what's the point of putting yourself in trouble trying to buy players?
"That way you could get lumbered with a big wage bill for next season. It's not the situation we want.
"We need to pick some points up. If we're in the mix then we can take a look at it again in January.
"I haven't discussed players with anyone - the chairman or chief executive.
"We need to win matches now. What happens in January is way off. I've not looked at targets for January."
Redknapp distanced himself from reports linking Rangers with moves for Darren Bent, Joe Cole, Loic Remy and David Beckham.
"Darren Bent's a good player, Villa paid #20million for him. I haven't asked about him," said Redknapp.
"I was interested in Remy at Tottenham. That was then, now is a different situation. He'd be expensive. It depends on how we're going in January.
"I've always liked Joe, I signed him as an 11-year-old. No one knows him better than me. There's still a top player in there.
"I like him as a person as well as a player, but I've not made any enquiries. I tried to take him to Tottenham but he joined Liverpool.
"David's a top bloke, he'd be an asset to anyone just because of his presence and professionalism. But it's not something we're pursuing."
QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar is rated doubtful for the clash with Aston Villa at Loftus Road.
Cesar was replaced at half time of the goalless draw with Sunderland in midweek after sustaining a minor groin tear.
Rob Green will continue to deputise if Cesar fails to recover, while strikers Bobby Zamora (hip) and Andrew Johnson (knee) are longer-term concerns.
Manager Paul Lambert wants Aston Villa to move further away from relegation danger by spoiling Redknapp`s first home game in charge of QPR.
Lambert is aware that a Villa win will lift them 11 points clear of bottom-placed Rangers, who replaced Mark Hughes with Redknapp a week ago.
He believes the pressure will be on QPR and hopes Villa can build on collecting four points from their last two games at home to Arsenal and Reading.
Lambert said: "Harry going in there will automatically give them a big lift because he is a brilliant manager.
"Everyone knows what Harry can do from the clubs he has been at during his career.
"QPR have an abundance of really good players, the crowd will be buoyant and will get behind him. You wish him well - but after this game.
"The pressure is on QPR to make the running but we are definitely a threat, that's for sure.
"We would be happy to win the game for ourselves and keep them down there.
"We are certainly playing well enough to go and win. We are only a few points off mid-table. It is so tight in the bottom half of the table."
Villa left-back Enda Stevens has been ruled out of the trip to Loftus Road with the ankle injury suffered during the midweek win over Reading.
Eric Lichaj is set to replace the former Shamrock Rovers player but skipper and centre-back Ron Vlaar remains a major doubt with a calf problem.
Source: PA
Source: PA