QPR are chasing Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic.

The Mirror says QPR boss Neil Warnock has jumped to the front of the race for Jelavic.

Warnock's spies watched the Croatian in action at the weekend in Rangers' 2-1 win over Inverness ­Caledonian Thistle and he is ready to outbid ­Sunderland for the marksman.

The Hoops chief plans to move fast - with ­Sunderland rival Martin O'Neill putting Jelavic on a short-list of potential signings but not as first choice.

Jelavic will be sold by Rangers if the right offer comes in when the January transfer window opens. The Glasgow club value the player at a staggering £10million, but QPR could get the price down to around £7million and strike a deal.