QPR and Leeds United risk being outmuscled by rivals in race for 'magical' Premier League star

Sheffield United are looking to muscle their way ahead of QPR in the ongoing transfer race for promising Crystal Palace star Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

The 21-year-old has been courted by a long list of Championship clubs this summer ahead of a potential loan move with Premier League outfit Southampton said to have registered interest in a permanent deal - a £7 million fee had previously been touted. QPR have had a busy summer of transfers so far but are still believed to be in the market for a winger following the departure of Chris Willock as a free agent.

Earlier this week, the R's appeared to have become one of the frontrunners to complete a deal for Rak-Sakyi. Transfer specialist Alan Nixon had reported that a 'serious loan offer' had been made by the club ahead of the Championship season.

However, Nixon's latest update on the transfer race suggests that Sheffield United may have the upper hand. QPR's Championship rivals are willing to offer Rak-Sakyi a pay rise in order to lure him to Bramall Lane ahead of other suitors.

The R's are willing to pay a loan fee with Hull City another club up for finding the funds, but the recently relegated Premier League side's willingness to go above and beyond could play into their favour. Leeds United have also been credited with interest but may have now turned attention to Norwich City man Jonathan Rowe instead.

Rak-Sakyi would be a coup for any second-tier side having started the 2023/24 campaign as a regular in the Eagles' first team squad following an impressive Charlton Athletic loan spell. The winger has also been on target for the South London club during pre-season action.

Rak-Sakyi turned heads last month as he scored the only goal for Crystal Palace in a 1-1 friendly draw against Charlton Athletic.

Describing the 'brilliant' Rak-Sakyi goal, the Crystal Palace match report read: "Then, in the 90th minute, Rak-Sakyi’s moment of magic – and against the side who he starred for on loan two seasons ago, no less.

"A quick ball forwards from David Ozoh was laid off by Kamada into the winger’s path and, stepping inside two Charlton defenders, he feinted to shoot – sitting one marker down – before advancing into the box and rolling a precise right-footed effort across goal and into the bottom corner."