QPR urged to beat Watford, Preston North End & Charlton Athletic in Reading transfer race | OneFootball

FLW's QPR fan pundit has been discussing the club's reported interest in Reading star Amadou Mbengue.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Amadou Mbengue is attracting plenty of Championship interest as his contract runs down with League One side Reading.

The 23-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer following three years at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, where he's amassed 109 appearances.

He's established himself over the past two seasons as one of the premier centre-backs in the third tier, with the ability to play either side of a back four, too. Understandably, Championship clubs are forming a disorderly queue to try and bag his services for a small compensation fee as soon as possible.

West London Sport are reporting that QPR are one side keen on bringing the Senegalese U23 international in, but face competition from Watford, Preston North End and Charlton in the race to bring Mbengue to the second tier.

QPR transfer claim made regarding Reading star Amadou Mbengue

FLW's QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, feels that his side should go above and beyond to ensure that happens.

"It looks a good move for both him and for us as well," said Moir, when asked whether Mbengue would be a good signing for the Hoops.

With Ronnie Edwards departing the club at the end of his loan spell, a hole has opened up in the QPR back line, and Moir feels that Mbengue can fill that adequately.

"Considering he's still just 23 years of age, he's played a lot of games for Reading and the fans seem to love him there," he continued.

"Even opposition fans of League One clubs have said he looks a bit of a stand-out player, and, with his contract expiring, if we could get him for essentially a free transfer, it looks to be good business.

"He looks versatile, he can play centre-back, right-back, even defensive midfield too, and that versatility will be key for us, especially if we are potentially looking at bringing in two right-backs and a centre-back."

Alongside his ability to play multiple positions, Moir highlights his effort and grit as attributes which he likes about Mbengue.

"He looks a good little player, and he seems to be committed from what I've read in terms of playing with effort all the time, flying into tackles and all sorts.

"He seems like he'd fit in well, and it could be the start of another exciting window for us."

Bringing in Mbengue could be the continuation of a French connection at Loftus Road

Whilst Amadou Mbengue has represented Senegal at youth level, the 23-year-old was born in France, and broke through in senior football at Metz, making 12 Ligue 1 appearances there before his move to Reading in 2022.

The R's talks to bring in Frenchman Julien Stephan to replace Marti Cifuentes are nearly complete, and QPR's goalkeeper, Paul Nardi, and star midfielder, Jonathan Varane (represents Martinique internationally), both hail from France, too.

Moir hopes that Stephan, if hired by QPR, could be a factor in persuading Mbengue to join the club.

"Mbengue was born in France and fits the sort of model we're looking for. If we bring in a French manager in Julien Stephan, the two could link up, and it could lead to him getting the best out of Mbengue," Moir said.

"So fingers crossed we get it done. Obviously, there's Championship interest, but hopefully he decides to come to us."

At just 23, Mbengue can improve even further, too, and become one of the top defenders in the Championship, just as he has done in League One for the past two seasons.

Whether it's at QPR or otherwise, the Senegalese U23 international will be one to watch next season, as he is set to make his first Championship appearances since the 2022/23 campaign.