Reports this morning that Queens Park Rangers are planning a possible move for Winston Reid are bizarre to put it very mildly indeed!

The story goes that Rio Ferdinand will be allowed to leave in January and that Reid has been watched as a possible alternative by Harry Redknapp.

As reported earlier on ClaretandHugh today, new talks will get underway between the Hammers and Reid’s advisers later this week with the Irons ready to offer improved terms to the Kiwi.

The QPR scenario becomes increasingly unbelievable given that among the various clauses the Reid side want, in talks with the Hammers,  is one involving  relegation.

We were told the requirement is that the player would be allowed to leave Upton Park for around £2 million should that happen over the terms of a new deal.

Given that, it’s difficult in the extreme to see why the player would be remotely tempted by a move to Loftus Road.

Hammers negotiators know they face a tough task nailing down a new deal with Reid admitting “the cards are all stacked in his favour.”

They want to get a deal agreed by the end of December but accept the situation could even run into next summer when he becomes a free agent.

A source told us: “We’ll be offering a very good deal but we understand he is in a position where he can take his time and talk to various clubs.”