QPR are keeping tabs on Southend's Daniel Bentley and could make a fourth bid in the January transfer window - or just as likely - wait until next summer when they can sign the Shrimpers star keeper for nothing.

Rangers were put off by the Essex club’s valuation last month when the last of three bids at £1.25m found the bottom of the Roots Hall bin.

Hoops opted for £1m Alex Smithies at Huddersfield instead as back-up to Rob Green.

However, the latter’s contract, like Bentley’s at Southend, runs out next summer, and at 36 as he will be then, Green’s future with Rs is by no means certain.

Rangers are also encouraged by 22-year-old Bentley’s refusal to sign new terms with his only club so far.

“I’ve turned down a very good offer from the club and I don’t think extending is an option at the moment,” the keeper said.

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“Everyone knows I’m ambitious and want to play at a higher level if or when possible.

“The window is shut now so I know where I stand for the foreseeable future but you would have to ask the chairman how close I was to leaving.

“He would have his valuation and if someone doesn’t meet that that’s his call.

“But it’s disappointing for me because I want to play at the highest level possible and he and the manager both know that.”