QPR boss Neil Warnock was attempting to complete the signing of Ipswich forward Jon Walters as the Times went to press on Tuesday night. Walters, who turns 27 next month, is one of a number of players Warnock has been looking to capture to strengthen his

QPR boss Neil Warnock was attempting to complete the signing of Ipswich forward Jon Walters as the Times went to press on Tuesday night.

Walters, who turns 27 next month, is one of a number of players Warnock has been looking to capture to strengthen his squad in the opening weeks of the season.

And by Tuesday afternoon Rangers seemed to be close to tying up a deal for the former Hull and Bolton man, who has ahd a spectacular bust-up with Ipswich manager Roy Keane.

Walters was recently stripped of the captaincy at Portman Road and was the subject of a bid from Stoke City, while West Brom have also shown an interest in the striker.

Keane has been keen to hold out for over �3million for Walters - a fee that would eclipse Rangers' current transfer record, the �2.75million paid to Stoke for Mike Sheron in 1997.

Born in Birkenhead, Walters has played for the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 and B level.

He started his career at Blackburn and had spells with Bolton, Hull, Wrexham and Chester before former QPR manager Jim Magilton signed him for Ipswich for �100,000 in January 2007.

Walters, who can play on the right flank or in the centre, will make his debut against Scunthorpe on Saturday if Rangers can seal the deal to sign him.

Warnock has made enquiries about several other players - including Portsmouth striker Tommy Smith - in an attempt to add to his squad before that match.

The Rs were linked with former Watford striker Marlon King, but Warnock dismissed those rumours earlier this week, while admitting that new faces at Loftus Road were likely.

Meanwhile, defender Fitz Hall and playmaker Akos Buzsaky are being assessed by the club ahead of this weekend's game against Scunthorpe.

Hall suffered a hamstring injury during the 3-0 win at Sheffield United and was substituted early in the second half.

Peter Ramage, who replaced him at Bramall Lane, and Matt Connolly will be in contention to start against Scunthorpe if Hall is ruled out.

Play-maker Buzsaky missed the opportunity to play for Hungary in their 2-1 defeat against England at Wembley last week and has been receiving treatment for his thigh problem.