DEADLINE; Birmingham armed conflict with QPR this week

Millwall and Birmingham are looking to acquire Dykes ahead of a likely departure from QPR this week, Marsh has reported.

His claim details that Millwall have held talks with Middlesbrough’s Josh Coburn in what would be a record deal for Neil Harris’ side.

However, it is believed that Millwall have decided to reignite their interest in Dykes amid a current breakdown in negotiations for Coburn, with Harris eager to bolster the attacking options at his disposal before Friday’s deadline.

Kevin Nisbet’s return to Scotland with Aberdeen on a loan basis has been sanctioned, strengthening their need for a new centre-forward, although the Lions will face competition in their pursuits for Dykes from ambitious League One side Birmingham.

Blues have undertaken a flurry of exciting summer transfer activity in a bid to swiftly secure promotion from League One under their ambitious ownership consortium, but Chris Davies remains somewhat light up top after only signing Alfie May to date.

Dykes, meanwhile, was on the scoresheet in QPR’s opening day 2-2 draw away to promotion hopefuls Sheffield United, though the striker was left out of the squad for Saturday’s home draw against Plymouth Argyle.

When quizzed on whether Dykes is going to remain at QPR after being excluded from the matchday squad, Cifuentes played his cards close to his chest but did not rule out a departure for the 28-year-old.

The Spaniard said: “I don’t know about this question. I just pick players who are available.

“He was not available and I just try to focus on the players that are on the pitch. They did a good job.”

The Spanish boss is evidently keen to overhaul QPR’s previously-direct playing style with a fresh and more progressive, attack-minded approach which has an emphasis on keeping as much of the ball as possible, and Dykes does not fit in to a less-pragmatic modus operandi. He is very much an archetypal target man, which is why he would represent an ideal fit for Millwall.

That is, after all, the way in which Harris looks to set his team up through long goal kicks, limited emphasis on possession and a more significant emphasis upon holding the ball up, breaking quick and utilising set pieces.

QPR should keep that in mind, then, just as they must remember Millwall are desperate for a striker. The Lions’ position can allow QPR to negotiate a higher price for Dykes and questions need to be asked about where he would fit in at Birmingham.