QPR fight Watford to sign 'vocal' defender as Charlton Athletic 'top talent' close to Premier League move

QPR and Charlton Athletic have been linked with a move for Reading defender Amadou Mbengue this summer, offering the Royals man the chance to return to the Championship from League One.

The 23-year-old centre back is also capable of playing at right back and offers similar qualities to that of R’s man Jimmy Dunne. The versatile QPR defender is out of contract this summer and, while the west London club are desperate to keep their Player of the Season, looks set to leave Loftus Road.

Dunne was the subject of heavy transfer interest from Sheffield United in January with the Blades seeing a £2 million rejected by QPR. Chris Wilder’s side are now set for another year in the second tier having lost the play-off final to Sunderland and could rekindle interest in a free transfer for the player, which may not have happened should the team have reached the Premier League.

QPR and Charlton Athletic linked with Reading defender

West London Sport carries reports of QPR and Charlton Athletic interest in Mbengue, the latter having seen Thierry Small reject a contract extension at The Valley. Watford and Preston North End are also named as suitors. Mbengue is also out of contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and would be available on a free transfer if he does not sign the new deal that he has been offered.

The defender made 37 appearances across all competitions for Reading last season and is a product of the Metz academy. He moved to Reading in September 2022 and made 26 Championship appearances for the club before their relegation to League One.

As well as his ability on the pitch, Mbengue has received regular praise for his character. The defender watched his team’s match against Stevenage with fans in the stands this season and has become a fan favourite.

Former Reading manager Ruben Selles described the player as a ‘unique’ character when speaking last year. He said: “He’s a player that is very vocal. I think they have been quite consistent that couple. The conditions of Amadou makes him unique. His character, his personality, his way, his past and the way that he fights for his opportunity. The way he came from his country (Senegal) going to France in not the best circumstances.

“We all have him in a big consideration. He’s a unique character and is a player and a person you want in your side. One thing we have in this club is we allow people to express themselves there is no judgement. It’s a joy to see him living because he’s different from the norm. When we win he is the happiest player, when we lose he is the one telling the other ones that we are going to come back stronger.”

Charlton Athletic youngster tipped to make Everton move

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic are set to see another academy product snapped up by a Premier League side. The Addicks’ youth set-up is known for producing high calibre players such as Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa and Ademola Lookman.

The next in that production line could be defender Reuben Gokah. Transfer specialist Alan Nixon reports that the 16-year-old ‘top talent’ is close to agreeing a move to Everton.

Gokah, who has played at under-15 and under-17 level for England, is yet to make his first team debut at Charlton Athletic and would be an investment into the future for the Toffees. He would continue his development with the youth squads at Finch Farm. The player’s agents Roc Nation describe Gokah as a ‘commanding presence’ and praise his ability to ‘dominate’ attackers and his ‘excellent positioning’.

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