'Medical underway' - QPR and Borussia Dortmund beaten to exciting transfer prospect

The ongoing transfer saga surrounding the future of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ethan Mbappe appears to be drawing to a close.

Earlier this summer, Le Parisien had reported that QPR had 'concrete interest' in the star, who is the younger brother of French superstar Kylian Mbappe. The R's are in the market for a defensive midfielder this summer following the end of Newcastle United man Isaac Hayden's loan stay at Loftus Road.

There is a chance that the Magpies man will return to work with Marti Cifuentes amid reports of a contract termination on Tyneside. However, Mbappe had emerged as an alternative.

LOSC Lille were believed to be the frontrunners but reports from France last month suggested that the deal had fallen through. However, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, that transfer has been given the green light once again. Ajax and Borussia Dortmund had also been linked with the teenager.

Taking to social media platform X, Romano said: "Ethan Mbappé, undergoing medical tests and then signing long term deal as new Lille player. Ethan Mbappé was never part of talks with Real Madrid as full focus was on solution in Ligue 1. Free transfer set to be completed."

Mbappe broke through from the PSG academy and into the first team last season, making three Ligue 1 and two Coupe de France appearances. The midfielder was then released as a free agent at the end of the campaign.

Weekend Sports magazine reporter and Ligue 1 insider Sebastien Vidal suggested that a switch to the Championship could be an 'interesting' option for the younger Mbappe, who has now elected to stay in France.

Vidal said: "If Kylian Mbappe hadn't been at PSG, I'm not sure Ethan would have been fast-tracked to the first team. He's a good player but perhaps not quite ready for that right now.

"He's leaving PSG at the same time as his brother which is perhaps proof that without the effect of his brother at the club, he would've had more limited options than currently.

"His exit doesn't surprise me. Why not [a move to] the Championship? He'll have less pressure than at a huge club like Paris Saint-Germain. He's a technical player and he's quick. He's young and has plenty to learn and improve but he has a great base. The Championship could be something interesting for him.

"We've got to see how he manages on his own at a club. Right now, we shouldn't be expecting a world-class generational talent. He's a good player but isn't currently head and shoulders above others at his age."