'Advanced talks' - Crystal Palace and Celtic to be beaten to 'fantastic' QPR star by Championship rivals

QPR are set to see talented young striker Sinclair Armstrong leave the club this summer with 'advanced talks' underway with Championship rivals Bristol City.

That's according to reporter and transfer specialist Pete O'Rourke, who took to social media platform X to break the news on Monday evening. The revelation comes just weeks after Armstrong had a contract extension triggered by the club - the length of that deal was not confirmed but it had been previously revealed that his two-year deal in 2022 had the option for another 12 months.

At just 21 years old, the Republic of Ireland international is an exciting prospect and was unplayable at moments with his physicality and pace last season. Armstrong struggled for consistency but was a key part of Marti Cifuentes' side that fought off relegation.

It had been rumoured that the one-year extension made by QPR might have been triggered to allow the club to cash in on the player, rather than letting him leave on a free transfer. That now seems to be the case.

QPR had reportedly offered Armstrong a five-year contract last October but the forward proved somewhat of a rebel as he stalled on talks. Manchester City, Celtic and Crystal Palace have all been credited with transfer interest in the player over the past 12 months.

Armstrong has won the Young Player of the Season Award the past two years at Loftus Road having arrived in London from Shamrock Rovers in 2020. The striker made 39 Championship appearances this season, scoring three goals and picking up three assists.

When triggering the extension, CEO Christian Nourry said: “Sinclair works incredibly hard and is determined to be the best he can be. He has a fantastic attitude and his desire on the pitch is matched by a real humbleness off it.”