Les Ferdinand says QPR's lack of finances prevented them getting Andre Gray or Dwight Gayle, even though both were on the Rs wants list.

Rangers brought in a host of players during the summer including Brentford’s Jake Bidwell – but none has been an out-and-out success for a variety of reasons.

Ferdinand pointed out why they missed the big fish once Rs discovered they were in deep water.

He said: “We'll still need to bring in experienced players but we can only afford younger players. We understand that. Not because I want to do that, it's where we at.

Pricey: Andre Gray (R)

“Who knows? If we get some progression, the views of the owners may change and say here's some money to go and spend.

“When I walked through the door (in February 2015), I said go and get Andre Gray – couldn't afford him.”

Gray, who at the time was playing for west London rivals Brentford, went on to join Burnley and was named the Championship’s best player last term as he helped Sean Dyche’s clinch the title.

And as Get West London exclusively revealed - Gayle was also an Rs target.

“Last year I said, let's do Dwight Gayle as Charlie Austin might have gone the other way to Crystal Palace," Ferdinand added.

"We can't afford it. If I could buy more established players then we would do that, but it's got to be right for the club."

Decisions: Les Ferdinand
Les Ferdinand

Gayle is thriving at table toppers Newcastle United as the league’s top scorer since his summer move from Palace.

Ironically, both Gray and Gayle have come up against Rangers since Ferdinand’s appointment and both emerged victorious underlining what might have been for Hoops.

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