QPR star centre of transfer battle as Watford set to sign ex Chelsea youngster

QPR could have the ability to pit two rivals against one another in a transfer race for goalkeeper Murphy Cooper this summer with Bolton Wanderers and Stevenage linked with the player.

The 23-year-old spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan in League One with Stevenage and impressed during that spell. Cooper made 40 appearances across all competitions as the club finished mid table in 14th.

West London Sport claim that Stevenage ‘would like’ the player to return to the Lamex Stadium next season but will face competition from Bolton Wanderers. The Trotters finished 8th in League One and the report adds that ‘a number of other clubs have discussed the possibility of making QPR an offer’.

QPR goalkeeper wanted by Bolton Wanderers and Stevenage

It’s added that QPR are ‘unlikely’ to want to sell Cooper, who is just 23 years old and still viewed as a potential number one for the R’s in the future. Paul Nardi currently holds that spot and is a more experienced option at 31 years old.

The Frenchman signed for QPR from Gent last summer and came in to take over from veteran Asmir Begovic. Nardi had played every minute of the Championship season until the final day of the campaign, a 2-0 win over Sunderland, when he was not in the squad. Joe Walsh started that game, as he did in the final match last season, with Nathan Shepperd on the bench.

Cooper, who has made two first team appearances for QPR, was named young player of the year at Stevenage and shared a heartfelt message when leaving the club. He took to Instagram and wrote: “As my loan spell comes to an end, I just want to say a big thank you to everyone at Stevenage FC. I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to be part of the club - from the players, staff and manager to the fans who’ve supported us all the way. I’ve learned a lot during my time here and grown both on and off the pitch. Wishing the club all the best moving forward!”

Watford set to sign ex Chelsea youngster

Bolton Wanderers’ interest in the player comes with Watford reportedly set to sign shot stopper Nathan Baxter. The 26-year-old is a product of the Chelsea academy but never made a senior appearance for the Blues.

The goalkeeper’s time at Stamford Bridge was, like many rising stars, full of loan spells. Baxter was sent to the Metropolitan Police, Solihull Moors, Woking, Yeovil Town, Ross County, Accrington Stanley and Hull City. He eventually joined Bolton permanently in 2023.

He’s gone on to play 72 times for the League One side but had to fight for the number one spot at times this season. Baxter’s contract at the club expires at the end of June and the Watford Observer claims that he will be on his way to Vicarage Road. Baxter’s departure could ignite the race for QPR man Murphy.

In other news, QPR and Millwall transfer target becomes free agent as R's also linked with 20-goal EFL bagsman.