Ishmael Miller a loan target for QPR

Albion striker Ishmael Miller has emerged as a loan target for Championship high-flyers Queens Park Rangers.

The 23-year-old is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury but is close to fitness and Rangers boss Neil Warnock hopes to sign him this week.

Miller could find himself sliding down the Hawthorns pecking order if Albion land a new striker of their own, with Villa's John Carew still their top target.

Villa are still believed to be willing to let Carew leave on loan despite manager Gerard Houllier's insistence yesterday that the Norwegian has a part to play.

Houllier initially claimed Carew would remain at Villa Park but then hinted the 31-year-old's future was "down to him."