QPR to sign Sheffield United star and beat Derby County to 'electric' £5m fan favourite - round-up

Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies is reported to have travelled to London on Friday ahead of a medical with QPR and a loan move from Bramall Lane.

The R’s are in desperate need of a first team star who can help out in the left-back role. Kenneth Paal left as a free agent this summer with Harrison Ashby returning to Newcastle United following the end of his loan to Loftus Road.

To make matters even worse, Morgan Fox then quit the club to join League One outfit Wigan Athletic. Then, rubbing salt into R’s wounds, it was confirmed that Ziyad Larkeche has sustained an ACL knee injury in training, which required surgery.

QPR swoop for Sheffield United defender

Norrington-Davies made 14 second tier appearances for the Blades last season and offers a versatility to play across the back four. He started the Blades’ first Championship match of the season against Bristol City at centre-back.

Sheffield United have confirmed the signing of former Everton and Norwich City man Ben Godfrey, which has opened the door for Norrington-Davies to leave. Football Insider reports that it is a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer.

It’s not the only piece of exciting transfer news that emerged around QPR on Friday. The London outfit are also expected to complete a deal to bring talented winger Koki Saito back to Loftus Road.

QPR set to beat Derby County to Koki Saito transfer

The 24-year-old had been linked with a move to Championship rivals Derby County this summer after he returned to Belgian side Lommel following his QPR loan. While at Loftus Road, the winger earned a reputation as a fan favourite thanks to his cheery character and flair on the pitch. Saito scored three goals and picked up two assists for the side.

Taking to social media platform X on Friday, journalist Mike McGrath wrote: “QPR have matched Derby's bid for Japanese midfielder Koki Saito, which has met Lommel's valuation. #QPR set to sign the 24yo this weekend.”

The journalist had claimed that Lommel accepted a £5 million bid from Derby County for the player, but it appears he favours a return to QPR. Speaking about the player shortly after he arrived at the club last summer, former QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes said: “We signed him because he has this capacity one-v-one in the last third.

“He’s very dynamic and can use both feet, so he’s not easy for defenders to defend against – he can go both sides. He’s good at making assists and breaking lines as well, so I’m happy for him.”

In other news, QPR boost as Coventry City handed double injury blow.