QPR sign Peterborough United duo, League One defender and blood ex Chelsea man in starting XI if rumours true

QPR supporters now have a better idea how their side could look next season with the manager farce at Loftus Road solved with the appointment of Julien Stéphan.

The former Rennes boss will take over from Marti Cifuentes, it has now been confirmed. That should kickstart R’s activity in the summer window.

Giving his verdict on the current squad, Stéphan said: “I see a group with talent, commitment and potential. I think, for sure, there is work to do. I think we have a great potential in the squad and there is a strong foundation to develop. I’m very excited to work with these players.

“I think it’s important to build a clear identity with a strong team spirit. Of course, we want to be competitive in every game and to progress step by step, we will be ambitious but also humble. In the Championship you have to be humble, especially when you come from abroad.”

The Frenchman tends to prefer a 4-1-4-1 formation and LondonWorld looks at what the QPR starting XI could be next year, if current transfer rumours prove true.

QPR dream transfer XI if transfer rumours come true

Goalkeeper: Paul Nardi

Defenders: Jimmy Dunne, Liam Morrison, Amadou Mbengue, Esquerdinha

Paul Nardi enjoyed a respectable first campaign in the Championship last season and could be favoured under compatriot Stéphan. Liam Morrison has proven a success at centre-back and could be joined by Reading defender Amadou Mbengue, who is a reported target for the R’s.

Jimmy Dunne has signed a new contract at Loftus Road, which is a major coup for the R’s given Sheffield United interest. That’s right-back sorted but there’s still a gap at left back. Kenneth Paal has left as a free agent with Harrison Ashby returning to Newcastle United after his loan spell. Morgan Fox is still to sign a new contract too. Esquerdinha is just a youngster but has bags of potential and looks set to break through next season, but you’d imagine a more experienced option would be coming in.

Defensive Midfielder: Jonathan Varane

Midfielders: Harvey Vale, Sam Field

Should Stéphan be keen to use that 4-1-4-1 formation, then Jonathan Varane will likely be the linchpin in front of defence. He had a slow start to the Championship after arriving from Sporting Gijon last summer but finished the campaign strongly. QPR are said to be batting away bids for his services.

Harvey Vale was snapped up from Chelsea in January and is an exciting prospect, but couldn’t play last term due to injury. He could be partnered by Sam Field in central midfield but that position seems up for grabs.

QPR linked with transfer swoop for Peterborough United duo

Wingers: Kwame Poku, Ilias Chair

Striker: Malik Mothersille

Ilias Chair remains QPR’s most reliable attacking output and you’d imagine the Moroccan will be pivotal in overseeing the transition in management. The west London club look set to beat Birmingham City and Rangers to bring in Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku too, who is a free agent.

There’s also links with Malik Mothersille, as per Football League World. Another Posh player, Mothersille is more traditionally a winger but can play through the middle should QPR want a different option to Michael Frey or the misfiring Zan Celar.

In other news, Julien Stéphan namechecks Ousmane Dembele and Jeremy Doku in first QPR interview.