'Advanced talks': QPR set to sign 'standout' defender in second January transfer
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Marti Cifuentes and QPR continue to make defence a priority in the January transfer window.
QPR are in 'advanced talks' to sign Aberdeen rising star Timothy Akindileni this month with suggestions that a deal to bring the 17-year-old to Loftus Road is nearing completion.
That's according to Football Insider, who provided an update on the transfer story on Wednesday afternoon. QPR interest in the player had already been reported this month but those rumours now appear to be concrete.
The teenager has largely featured for the under-18 side this season and has been labelled the 'standout' member of that team by AberdeenLive. He has also been on the bench for the Scottish Premiership outfit's first team. The defender also has experience in the UEFA Youth League and the Challenge Cup.
QPR close to signing promising Aberdeen youngster
Akindileni only joined Aberdeen in September 2023 following a successful trial period and, thanks to the short time he has spent with the Dons, can sign for QPR without a huge compensation fee.
Defence has been an area of focus for QPR in the January transfer window. First team stars Jake Clarke-Salter, Steve Cook, Liam Morrison and Morgan Fox have all endured time on the treatment table, with Marti Cifuentes sometimes having to field midfielder Sam Field at the heart of defence.
The R's have already recruited Southampton man Ronnie Edwards on loan for the rest of the season. The former Peterborough United man made his debut against Luton Town and has started in recent wins over Plymouth Argyle and Hull City.
Akindileni would likely take a place in the QPR Development Squad given his tender age, but Cifuentes has proven willing to fast track young talent into the first team at Loftus Road. Kieran Morgan arrived into the academy from Tottenham Hotspur last summer but is already a mainstay in the senior squad at the age of 18 years old. Rayan Kolli and Alfie Lloyd, who are 19 and 21 years old, are also enjoying impressive Championship campaigns.
Marti Cifuentes on QPR transfer plans
Speaking about the club's transfer plans at the start of the month, Cifuentes said: “It definitely will be busy in the sense that we will try our best to be creative, [while] understanding the situation where we are that makes us very limited in the options we can afford.
“We need to be aware as a football team that if we can improve we need to try our best. I am aware about the financial situation and the restrictions so it is not only up to us.
“I am sure that the whole club understands we are in a moment where we need to try our best, whatever the solution or possibilities, to see if we can improve as a football team.”
QPR have been linked with Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp in recent weeks with the versatile star surplus to requirements at Selhurst Park and approaching the end of his contract. Brisbane Roar striker Thomas Waddingham was also a reported target, but the 19-year-old instead completed a move to Championship rivals Portsmouth.
The R's did invest heavily in the summer transfer window. Nicolas Masden, Zan Celar, Jonathan Varane and Daniel Bennie all arrived in West London for a fee.