Stoke City compete with Bristol City for 'incredibly valuable' QPR star

Stoke City have joined the transfer battle for QPR striker Sinclair Armstrong. The news comes after it emerged that Bristol City were reported to be in 'advanced talks' with the London club over a transfer for the 21-year-old.

The Republic of Ireland international had a contract extension triggered at Loftus Road this summer but, although the club did not confirm how long that would tie Armstrong down for, it is expected to be just 12 months. That has left QPR facing the prospect of cashing in on the striker now before letting him leave for free next year.

On Monday, it had emerged that Championship rivals Bristol City were keen to make the most of that precarious situation and were in the latter stages of negotiations over a deal. However, transfer specialist Darren Witcoop now reports that the Robins will have competition from Stoke City.

Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday afternoon, Witcoop wrote: "Stoke have joined the chase for QPR striker Sinclair Armstrong. Bristol City have submitted a bid. Appears that Stoke must sell first before they can progress with the Armstrong deal."

Any Armstrong exit will come as a blow for QPR with the 21-year-old thought to have a bright future in the game. Celtic, Manchester City and Crystal Palace had all been linked with transfer interest in the player over the past 12 months.

It is believed that the forward had been offered a new five-year deal by QPR last October but proved somewhat of a contract rebel as he resisted putting pen to paper. Armstrong has won the Young Player of the Season Award the past two years at Loftus Road having arrived in London from Shamrock Rovers in 2020. The striker made 39 Championship appearances last season, scoring three goals and picking up three assists.

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.”