'Signed soon' - Fabrizio Romano confirms outcome of QPR, Bristol City and Stoke City transfer saga

Stoke City are set to lose out in the race for QPR striker Sinclair Armstrong this summer with the Republic of Ireland international preferring a move to Bristol City instead.

The 20-year-old has become the centre of a transfer saga this week despite having had his contract extended by the R's this summer. QPR didn't confirm how long a clause they had triggered, but it had been previously revealed that the player's two-year deal in 2022 came with the option of an extra 12 months.

As a result, QPR appear to have made the choice to cash in on Armstrong now rather than letting him leave as a free agent next year. The player had previously been linked with Crystal Palace, Celtic and Manchester City.

Earlier this week, it had emerged that the London club had accepted bids of around £2.5 million from Championship rivals Bristol City and Stoke City, allowing Armstrong to enter into negotiations over personal terms with the second tier sides.

Taking to social media platform X on Wednesday evening, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Armstrong had now made his decision. He wrote: "Irish 20 year old striker Sinclair Armstrong has decided to join Bristol City from QPR. Despite many proposals, Armstrong wants Bristol City and deal will be signed soon."

Armstrong joined QPR from Shamrock Rovers in 2020 and the Irish club are sent to bank a financial windfall from any deal on the verge of agreement. Shamrock Rovers hold a 25% sell-on clause on their former star.

Speaking about the player in March, as his contract situation became precarious, QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes labelled Armstrong an 'incredibly valuable' part of the squad thanks to his power and pace.

When triggering Armstrong's recent contract extension, CEO Christian Nourry said: “Sinclair works incredibly hard and is determined to be the best he can be. He has a fantastic attitude and his desire on the pitch is matched by a real humbleness off it.”