QPR enter 'final phase' of transfer talks as Leeds United offer emerges

The new Championship season is fast approaching, with just one full weekend remaining before the start of the new campaign. Clubs across the division will be squeezing in their final pre-season friendlies across this week ahead of a full week of training heading into matchday one.

Millwall, QPR and their rivals will also be looking to get more signings wrapped up before the start of the new season, although the window will rumble on until the end of August. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the second tier.

Harris on Millwall priorities

Millwall boss Neil Harris has been speaking about the club’s transfer priorities this summer. Speaking to South London News, he said:  “We’re fully aware of that and it is an absolute priority that we need to add to the top end of the pitch quickly. And it has to be quickly because the season starts Saturday week. Tom Bradshaw is fitter than he was last year. Kevin Nisbet is getting fitter but still has some way to go for peak fitness. Macaulay Langstaff has got real pedigree – his rate of goalscoring is phenomenal at the lower levels – but he may need some time.

“Ultimately we are maybe a player short in that area. We know we need to add and timing is vital – because we need to have various options at the top end of the pitch because it is a long season and we go straight into a three-game week in the first week of the season. Yes, awaiting with anticipation and excitement as to who comes in. That is a priority for the football club at the moment.”

Varane deal nears

QPR are said to be closing in on a deal for Jonathan Varane. According to La Nueva España, the negotiations between QPR and Sporting Gijon have entered ‘the final phase’.

The two sides were said to be apart on the fee involved for the midfielder, but they are now nearing a deal, with the 22-year-old looking likely to become a Hoops player.

Leeds eye Torunarigha

Leeds United are said to be chasing a deal to land Jordan Torunarigha. According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Whites have a long-term interest in the Gent star potentially on the move this summer.

The report claims Leeds tabled an initial offer back in May, reportedly worth around £2.5million, but they were not able to strike a deal. It’s unclear whether Leeds will continue to press ahead with a deal having since landed Joe Rodon on a permanent deal.

Mousinho on Sparkes exit

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has explained why Jack Sparkes was offloaded to Peterborough United. He told The News: “Jack was one we were looking at in the summer to see how he came back and whether he could challenge for that left-back spot.

“Off the back of everything we have seen in pre-season, we thought it was a good one for Jack to move on - and I think it’s best for both parties. Everything happened really quickly too. He was really excited to go to Peterborough, he made a massive contribution to the side which won the league last year and we are forever grateful for what Jack has done for the football club.

“Sometimes you look at players and think it’s time to move on. He’s had that opportunity and we won’t stand in his way. It wouldn’t have worked with three left-backs in the building, so it made sense. We want to improve the squad. Everybody had a massive part to play in winning the league and you have to move on. There’s not much room for sentiment, as you would have seen over the past few months in terms of the decisions we’ve made. We want players who are ready to step up and make a good fist of it in the next league.”