QPR deal 'held up' amid interest in Juventus star as Millwall boss makes loan admission

Millwall and QPR are now ramping up their preparations for the new season, which begins in just over a week. Millwall face Southampton in their last pre-season friendly this weekend, while the Hoops also take on Premier League opposition, facing Brighton and Hove Albion.

In the meantime, both of London’s Championship clubs will be working to wrap up new deals, hoping to strengthen their respective squads ahead of the big kick-off and to set up improved campaigns. With that in mind, we have rounded up the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Loftus Road and The Den.

Varane update and Juve star interest

QPR are said to be battling away to land transfer target Jonathan Varane, and a fresh report has emerged from Spain suggesting there is rival interest. El Comercio have reported that Ligue 2 side Metz have shown an interest in landing Varane over recent days, but there is good news for the Hoops.

With the West London willing to pay around £1million, it’s reported that Metz are not currently willing to match that fee to strike a deal. Despite that, it’s reported that there are ‘small details’ holding up the deal, with talks continuing between Gijon and QPR.

Elsewhere, the Hoops have been credited with an interest in Juventus defender Gianluca Frabotta. According to Gianluca Di Marzio on X, the 25-year-old has become a target for QPR as they look to bolster their defence, well aware that Jake Clarke-Salter could move on this summer.

Frabotta has a contract at Juve until 2026, but he has completed five loan spells in three years and is yet to feature for the Old Lady’s first team. Now 25 years of age, he looks likely to leave the club on a permanent basis.

Harris on incomings

Millwall boss Neil Harris says the club will soon start to take loan deals more seriously having prioritised permanent deals up to this point. He told NewsAtDen: “If you look at the transfer market, you can count on one hand the amount of loans that took place before [last] Wednesday and I think you saw a couple begin to materialise at the end of last week.

“That’s just natural because every manager needs 22 players to fill a squad. We had the Euros and the Copa America, players have been away. So it’s natural everyone wants to see their own players [before making decisions].

“For us, permanents are the priority but once we probably get into the start of August onwards, then loan players do become available and that’s certainly something we will consider.” Harris added: “As I keep saying, there’s always players who over the course of pre-season and before the window shuts, somebody will turn around and say ‘it’s time for me to move onto pastures new.’

“That hasn’t quite happened yet so I’m just mindful of that and, if it does happen, I will need to add to the group. It always happens. I’ve not known a pre-season where it has not happened.”