QPR set to sell 'forgotten' talisman as Charlton Athletic boss celebrates player's new contract - round-up

QPR are expected to try and sell forgotten striker Zan Celar in January with the club ready to cut their losses on the 26-year-old, who continues to struggle for form.

Celar arrived at Loftus Road from FC Lugano in July 2024 with the hope that he would lead the line for the London outfit under former head coach Marti Cifuentes. The forward managed just two league goals last season, coming as a brace in a memorable 2-0 win over Cardiff City, but underwhelmed amid injury problems

Celar was sent out on loan to Fortuna Dusseldorf in the Bundesliga 2 this summer, with the club holding the option to buy the player following the loan. However, SportsBoom reports that QPR are preparing for the striker to return in January.

QPR ready to sell striker Zan Celar in January

Celar is yet to score for Fortuna Dusseldorf and has been reportedly offered to clubs in Turkey by QPR. The striker has now fallen well down the pecking order at Loftus Road behind summer arrivals Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell.

It’s added that Polish outfit Pogoń Szczecin and Slovenian side Slovan Bratislava were both interested in the star before his loan to Germany this summer. Speaking about Celar following that 2-0 win over Cardiff City, former R’s boss Cifuentes said: “For the whole group, which has been very protective and supportive of him, it was a goal for him but like a goal that all of us scored because we have been really looking for this for him.

“These two goals will hopefully increase his confidence and be the first two of many. What we need to do is to provide him with more and more chances because we know that inside the box he’s a very good player.”

Charlton Athletic confirm contract extension

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic are celebrating news that under-21 captain Keenan Gough has signed a new long-term contract with the club during the international break. The defender has featured in Nathan Jones’ last two Championship squads having earned his senior debut in the Carabao Cup fixture against Cambridge United in August.

Gough had joined the Addicks’ academy at under-9 level and signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2023. Speaking this week, Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones said: "We’re delighted to see another young player commit his future to the football club. We believe in Keenan, who has done fantastically well for the U21s, and when he steps up with us he impacts on all of our training.

"He’s someone that has been in and around the first-team squad for a little while now, and once again it shows that the academy is producing quality players and one that we’re excited about."

In other news, QPR boss quizzed on Sheffield United transfer as Charlton Athletic star's blistering loan continues - round-up.