Sheffield United bid for 'relentless' QPR star as Chris Wilder outlines transfer stance

Sheffield United have submitted a bid to QPR for defender Jimmy Dunne after weeks of reported interest in the 27-year-old.

The R's man is out of contract come the end of the season and has emerged as a target for the Blades, who are in need of defensive reinforcements following an injury to Harry Souttar. Sheffield United are pushing for promotion back to the Premier League and currently sit second in the Championship table.

The Blades boss Chris Wilder confirmed that a bid had been sent by the club and The Star claims that it has gone in the direction of Loftus Road with Dunne the top target at this stage. It had emerged this week that Sheffield United were also looking at a deal for Swansea City man Harry Darling, which had eased some QPR fears of losing Dunne.

Sheffield United confirm defender bid

The former Burnley man has become a fan favourite at Loftus Road thanks to his strong-willed displays and transition from centre-back to right-back. Dunne already has Premier League experience, thanks to his time at Turf Moor, making three top flight appearances and scoring against Leicester City.

Speaking ahead of Deadline Day on Monday, Wilder said: “We're after a centre-back, there's no doubt about it. We've made enquiries, we've made a bid for a player and going through that dance. But we've got alternatives under that.

“When all our players are fit and healthy, we had options off the bench before we lost two main actors in Ollie Arblaster and Harry Souttar. We were down two straight away. They were done straight away.

“So to get the numbers back up is amazing. Not surprising but the levels of intensity have gone up a notch so that benefits everyone. None of the players should shy away from that. We have to be as strong as the teams above us and below us.”

Marti Cifuentes on Jimmy Dunne importance at QPR

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes had been asked about the transfer rumours earlier this month. Speaking after the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, he said: "I don't have anything from the club perspective about it. Jimmy for me is a very important player, I know that he loves to be at QPR and loves the club, and we love him. We'll see what happens but he is a very important player for us."

QPR triggered a clause in Dunne's contract at Loftus Road last summer that is expected to have activated an extra year in the player's deal. The former Burnley man has made 32 appearances across all competitions this season and is a mainstay under Cifuentes, becoming a fan favourite thanks to his enthusiastic performances at right back.

The R's would be devastated to see the player leave, but a lucrative offer from their second tier rivals could tempt the club before facing the possibility of letting the player leave as a free agent this summer.

Speaking as the player was tied down for another year last season, QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: “It is an absolute pleasure to announce that the ’Jimmy Dunne, QPR’ story continues.

“Jimmy has demonstrated in the last six months that he has the bravery and capacity to throw himself into the unknown following his taking on of a right-back role and make a success of it. With an infectious enthusiasm, huge heart and relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the training pitch, Jimmy is a credit to this club.”

In other news, QPR have landed a transfer blow on Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur after securing a new contract with a rising academy star.