West Brom join Sheffield United in transfer race for QPR man

West Brom are chasing a transfer swoop for QPR forward Charlie Kelman this summer after the talisman’s prolific loan spell on loan at League One outfit Leyton Orient last season.

The 23-year-old scored 21 goals for the O’s last term and picked up the Golden Boot Award in League One in the process, helping Orient to the play-off final. Kelman has since returned to QPR and there remain questions over his future.

The striker arrived at Loftus Road from Southend United in 2020 but has been sent out on five separate loan spells in that time. He has only played 26 times for QPR and never found the form he discovered at Leyton Orient, without a goal for the R’s.

Charlie Kelman wanted by West Brom

It appeared unlikely that Kelman had a long term future under Marti Cifuentes at QPR, having been loaned out under the Catalan coach’s tenure, but Cifuentes has since left the club with Julien Stephan taking over. Kelman has been seen in training since then but transfer rumours still remain rife.

Leyton Orient are thought to be keen to bring Kelman back to Brisbane Road but, given his prolific efforts last season, face competition from Championship sides. Transfer specialist Darren Witcoop has confirmed that one of those is West Brom.

The Baggies are preparing for a summer rebuild under new head coach Ryan Mason but are not the only club said to be monitoring Kelman’s availability, although they are the only team named by Witcoop. The Star credited Sheffield United with transfer interest in the player towards the end of May.

Marti Cifuentes update on QPR position

Cifuentes had provided some outline on the club’s transfer position earlier this season, although that may have changed after his departure. The former QPR boss said: “When we send any player on loan the main target is that they can play, can develop and progress. That’s the case with him and it’s not just about the goals but the level of his performances has been very good. Hopefully he will finish the season very strongly, and we will decide what’s the next step with him.”

QPR currently have Michael Frey and Zan Celar to lead the line at Loftus Road under Stephan next season. The former was the club’s top scorer last season with eight Championship goals but is already 30 years old and that tally is perhaps not enough to fire QPR to where they want to be in the league.

There is the feeling that there is more to come from Celar, who was snapped up from FC Lugano last summer. The forward scored just twice for QPR in 19 Championship outings but didn’t play in the league after December due to a serious hamstring injury.

Kwame Poku has arrived from Peterborough United to add some attacking impetus, but prefers to play out wide rather than through the middle and is not a direct threat to any potential minutes for Kelman.

In other news, QPR transfer latest as new signing confirmed and club make approach for 24-year-old.