Sign him up!

By Ben Kosky

JORDI Lopez is keen to stay at QPR next season - but the club have yet to decide whether they will offer him a new contract.

The Spanish midfielder has impressed since arriving at Loftus Road six weeks ago and scored his first goal for the club in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Bristol City.

But Rangers have so far made no overtures to Lopez about a deal for next season - and that could open the door for other interested clubs to snap up the former Sevilla and Real Mallorca man when his three-month contract runs out.

Lopez's agent Alex Bonnot, who played for Rangers himself during the 2001-02 season, told the Times: "If there are things to be talked about, it will have to be quite soon.

"Obviously we'll be waiting to see if QPR come and show some interest in keeping him. If they do - and I'd hope that they will - we'll discuss it then.

"It's been very much an extended trial for Jordi, to sign for QPR and show if he could adapt to English football. He's doing his part and it's the club's part to say whether they are interested or not.

"Jordi's happy at the moment. He speaks really well of his team-mates at QPR and also of Paulo Sousa - they have a good understanding."

The Rs boss is known to be a fan of Lopez - along with winger Wayne Routledge, he is the only player brought into the club on Sousa's wishes since he succeeded Iain Dowie.

Sousa's own future remains in the balance and ultimately, the coach's destiny is likely be a significant factor in whether or not Lopez is wearing a QPR shirt at the start of next season.

But there is little doubt that the Loftus Road crowd have quickly warmed to the Spaniard, especially after his superbly placed free-kick that put the Rs ahead against Bristol City.

Speaking through a translator, the 28-year-old confirmed: "Of course I'm very grateful that the coach wanted me to come.

"I've settled in quickly and I'm enjoying it. I always wanted to come to England to play football and I'm really happy here. I want to keep on working and continue like this."

Bonnot, who also spent two and a half years with Watford before his spell at Loftus Road, acknowledges that overseas players must learn to modify their game when they move to an English club.

"I don't think it is difficult to adapt when you come to England, but it isn't only how you do, it's also how you are seen to be doing," he added.

"You can have quality on the technical side of the game, but this would be useless if you don't also have the physical qualities. The main point is to keep your own quality but add other things.