QPR boss Ian Holloway believes Conor Washington will benefit hugely from Matt Smith’s arrival at Loftus Road.

Smith, who joins from local rivals Fulham for a fee worth up to £1million, has put pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half year deal in W12.

And Holloway believes Smith’s acquisition, the Rs’ fourth in this window, is one which will bolster his forward line greatly and help Washington get back on track, too.

He told www.qpr.co.uk: “I think every team needs a big, strong centre-forward and Matt fits that bill for us.

“He’s hungry; he’s fresh; he’s honest; he’s hardworking; and he’s got a massive personality.

“He forces defences into mistakes by his sheer presence, look and size, but he’s more than that, because when he’s on song and scoring goals, there’s so much more to his game.

“His touch for a big man is absolutely exceptional.

“I think someone like Conor Washington will really benefit from Matt joining us, because he’ll allow us to play in a number of different styles, which is what you need in this division.

“I’m made up with him joining us – the deal we’ve agreed is sensational value for a player in this window.”

Elsewhere, the Times understands QPR remain optimistic they reach an agreement with Lazio over a loan deal for wantaway playmaker Ravel Morrison.

The 23-year-old, who scored six goals in 17 appearances during a previous loan spell at Loftus Road back in 2014, is keen to rejoin the Championship outfit.

A loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season is the most likely resolution as things stand.

Morrison, whose representatives remain locked in talks with Rangers hierarchy, recently spent a period training Championship rivals Wigan Athletic.

Meanwhile, Steven Caulker, who has been unavailable for selection for Rangers, is set to join Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow on loan until the end of the season.