QPR 'fan favourite' targeted by Sheffield United as Sunderland marquee transfer hits snag

It's been a hectic week of Championship transfer rumours as the January window begins to draw to a close for QPR, Millwall, Watford and all 21 other second tier clubs.

After midweek action, another round of fixtures arrives this weekend with the R's welcoming Sheffield Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Lions take on Luton Town and the Hornets travel to Coventry City.

QPR feature alongside Sheffield United and Sunderland in your Friday Championship round-up.

QPR brace for Jimmy Dunne interest

QPR defender Jimmy Dunne has reportedly emerged as a target for Championship rivals Sheffield United this month. The former Burnley man has become a key figure under Marti Cifuentes and has turned heads in the Championship with his versatility across the backline.

Football League World reported this week that the Blades are 'eyeing a move' for the 27-year-old. Chris Wilder's side are second in the table and chasing promotion back to the Premier League this season.

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. Dunne has made 31 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.”

Sunderland blow in Chuba Akpom interest

Sunderland are said to be weighing up a marquee January transfer move for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom. The former Arsenal forward was prolific in the Championship for Middlesbrough, scoring 28 goals during the 2022/23 season.

Speaking about the player in 2023, Boro boss Michael Carrick said: "He's a strong boy Chubs, when he squeezed me it caught me off guard. I just love to see the lads fulfilling what they're capable of and their potential.

"Winning football matches is fantastic and seeing goals go in is brilliant but seeing them play with a smile and enjoying themselves and actually understanding how good they can be gives me great satisfaction.

"I'm delighted for him. He's going through that patch where he believes he will score and he could have scored more so he's probably a bit disappointed. We're here to help him. We have a job to do with results, we want to get into a different league, but it's about people and the players and getting the best out of them."

Akpom moved to Ajax in August 2023 for a reported £12 million but is said to be a target for the promotion-chasing Black Cats. Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad has claimed that Akpom, who has just three Eredivisie goals this season, is one of five players at the club currently deemed not up to scratch and therefore available for bids.

However, the outlet claims that Akpom has 'no interest' in a move to the Stadium of Light to join Regis Le Bris' side. The striker's Ajax contract does not expire until 2028 with any hopes of a Sunderland deal appearing to hit a snag.