AMSTERDAM – English Championship title contenders Queens Park Rangers are attempting to extend the stay of US defender Oguchi Onyewu.
The 31-year-old, who has yet to see the field since signing for the third-place side four weeks ago, is on a three-month deal with a club option to extend. It is not yet clear whether the extension under discussion would keep "Gooch" at Loftus Road through the end of the season, or if there is any competing interest for his services.
When contacted by MLSsoccer.com, a QPR spokesman would only state that Onyewu remains on a short-term contract at this time. However, manager Harry Redknapp recently hinted that he would like the American to stick around a while longer.
"I need cover," Redknapp told reporters last week. "[Onyewu] is a good lad and there are so many games coming, so you never know with injury."
The boss was able to see defender Nedum Onuoha return to action in their 1-1 draw at Reading 10 days ago, but lost veteran center back Richard Dunne on the same afternoon. Though already out of the Capital One Cup, QPR have yet to begin FA Cup play on top of the 31 games remaining on their league schedule.
Currently two points off the top of the table in England's second tier, QPR go back to work with Saturday's visit from cross-town rivals Charlton. Meanwhile, Onyewu will be looking for game time to bolster his shot at representing the US national team in what would be his third World Cup next summer in Brazil.
