QPR deal Blackburn Rovers fatal transfer blow

Blackburn Rovers have been dealt a fatal blow in their supposed transfer pursuit of QPR defender Jimmy Dunne.

The London club confirmed on Tuesday that the popular 26-year-old would stay at Loftus Road this summer. Dunne's contract had been due to expire at the end of the season but the player has become a key cog in Marti Cifuentes' Championship survival machine.

The former Burnley man made 29 league appearances this term and was inspired when moved to right-back for the final months of the season. Speaking about his extension, he told QPR: "I am really happy to be staying at QPR. Everyone knows how much I love this club and everything it stands for.

“This has been a tough season, a real roller-coaster, and I am looking forward to the break but am also excited about the future.”

The contract extension comes amid reported interest from Blackburn Rovers with the club believed to be keen to bring Dunne to Ewood Park on a free transfer this summer. In January, Football Insider reported that Rovers were interested in a move for Dunne with the defender earmarked as a replacement for James Hill.

However, Dunne will go into a fourth season with QPR as the Rs look to improve in the 2024/25 campaign. The former Manchester United academy product arrived at the club from Burnley in 2021 for an undisclosed fee.

Dunne won the Goal of the Season award at QPR this term for his scorcher of a volley against Birmingham City, which clinched a vital three points for his side. Reacting to the contract extension, 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.”