QPR boss Marti Cifuentes confronts Sheffield United transfer interest in Jimmy Dunne

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes confronted transfer talk of Sheffield United interest in defender Jimmy Dunne following his side's 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

A report from Football League World this week claimed that the Blades were 'eyeing a move' for the R's defender as they look to secure promotion back to the Premier League. Sheffield United are without Harry Souttar for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury picked up at the end of December.

When asked for an update on that rumour, Cifuentes said: "I don't have anything from the club perspective about it. Jimmy for me is a very important player, I know that he loves to be at QPR and loves the club, and we love him. We'll see what happens but he is a very important player for us."

Sheffield United interest in Jimmy Dunne

QPR triggered a clause in Dunne's contract at Loftus Road last summer that is expected to have activated an extra year in the player's deal. The former Burnley man has made 32 appearances across all competitions this season and is a mainstay under Cifuentes, becoming a fan favourite thanks to his enthusiastic performances at right back.

The R's would be devastated to see the player leave, but a lucrative offer from their second tier rivals could tempt the club before facing the possibility of letting the player leave as a free agent this summer.

Speaking as the player was tied down for another year last season, QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: “It is an absolute pleasure to announce that the ’Jimmy Dunne, QPR’ story continues.

“Jimmy has demonstrated in the last six months that he has the bravery and capacity to throw himself into the unknown following his taking on of a right-back role and make a success of it. With an infectious enthusiasm, huge heart and relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the training pitch, Jimmy is a credit to this club.”

Marti Cifuentes on QPR transfer plans

After defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, Cifuentes was also asked for his view on QPR's business in the January transfer window so far. It's been a quiet month in West London with just Southampton defender Ronnie Edwards coming in on loan.

Cifuentes said: "I think it was very important that Ronnie came with the situation we had with the centre halves. It's true that Liam and Cook were today on the bench, which is fantastic news that they are ready to compete perhaps earlier than what we could expect. Ronnie is showing he is a quality addition.

"It's something we discuss with the club [further acquisitions]. I've said many times that there are areas in the club we can keep working on, as with all the teams in the world. We analyse the situation in the market but we must give a lot of credit to these guys, it's easier to ask this question after defeat. We'll analyse all the situations in the market these last few days and, only if there is something that can really help the team, we will try to improve."