COLCHESTER United have had a £200,000 bid for giant striker Ray Jones turned down by Championship rivals QPR.Beanpole target man Jones, who scored QPR's winner in the 1-0 victory over the U's on New Year's Day, is a product of the Rangers youth system and is highly rated by the Loftus Road club.

By Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United have had a £200,000 bid for giant striker Ray Jones turned down by Championship rivals QPR.

Beanpole target man Jones, who scored QPR's winner in the 1-0 victory over the U's on New Year's Day, is a product of the Rangers youth system and is highly rated by the Loftus Road club.

U's boss Geraint Williams is keen to bolster his own attack, following the loss of Chris Iwelumo to Charlton Athletic, and fellow striker Jamie Cureton's desire to leave Layer Road. The 31-year-old had a transfer request turned down earlier this month, and is now on Hull City's wanted list.

Londoner Jones, who is just 18, broke into the first-team starting line-up for the first time last season. He would be an ideal replacement for Iwelumo - both men stand at 6ft 4ins - but the U's will have to substantially improve their offer to encourage manager John Gregory to sell one of his prize assets.

QPR chairman, Gianni Paldini, dismissed the U's offer yesterday. The Italian said: “There's no way we're going to sell one of our best players unless the price is right. Ray Jones has a very big part to play in our future.”

The indications are that Colchester will lodge an improved bid. The club record transfer fee still stands at just £50,000, paid for Neil Gregory and Adrian Coote.